Benton, Ark. -What would you do with $2000? Buy a home or make home repairs? Start a small business or pay college tuition? CADC can help.

            Central Arkansas Development Council is accepting applications for individuals interested in saving money through their IDA (Individual Account Program).

            IDA’s are matched savings accounts. For eligible participants, it helps a person start a savings plan and receive a match to purchase a home or make home repairs, to further their education, or to open or expand a small business. The program is designed to help low to moderate income persons become more financially self-sufficient. For more information contact your local CADC Office.

            In Pulaski County (Little Rock) contact 501-603-0909 for a family development specialist; North Little Rock contact 501-771-0745 for a family development specialist. Lonoke County contact Angel Clingmon at 501-676-0019; Pike and Montgomery county contact Debbie Whisenhunt at 870-398-4243; Hot Spring County call Brinda Speer at 501-337-8401; Saline county contact Michelle Hood at 501-315-0885; Clark county contact Tia Thomas at 870-246-8089; Union, Ouachita, Dallas, Calhoun and Columbia County contact Pearl Livingston at 870-836-3200.

            Participants commit to saving at least $10 a month and when they reach their savings goal, CADC will match the savings 3:1 to purchase the asset. For every dollar saved, CADC will match it with $3.00 up to $2,000 per individual or $4,000 per household.

            To be eligible, the individual or family must meet income guidelines, which for this program is 185% of the federal poverty level. Based on these guidelines, a one-person household must make less than $20,036 per year to qualify for this program. For each additional family member, add $6,919 to the annual income to determine eligibility. Other guidelines may apply.

            CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas.

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