Administration for Children and Families July 19, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Community Demonstration Programs announces the award of an Assets for Independence (AFI) demonstration grant to the United Way of Abilene, Inc. of Abilene, TX in the amount of $126,974. The purpose of this award is to enable the United Way of Abilene, Inc. to implement an Assets for Independence (AFI) project helping program participants save earned income in special-purpose, matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Every dollar in savings deposited into an IDA by participants is matched, from $1 to $8 combined Federal and non-Federal funds, promoting savings and enabling participants to acquire a lasting economic asset. AFI project families use their IDA savings, including the matching funds, to achieve any of three objectives: Acquiring a first home; capitalizing a small business; or enrolling in postsecondary education or training. Additionally, the United Way of Abilene, Inc. provides basic financial management training and supportive services, such as financial education on owning and managing a bank account; credit counseling and repair; guidance in accessing refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit; and specialized training in owning particular economic assets for the long term.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will host a tribal consultation to solicit input on the agency's programs.