United Way of Western Connecticut is set to receive $1.2 million in Senate Directed funding through the passage of the Federal Omnibus Bill. These funds will be used to support ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families—the nearly 40 percent of our neighbors who work hard yet do not make enough to afford the basic cost of living—through the growth and expansion of a first-of-its-kind digital marketplace called Prosperi-Key®.
In 2021, United Way of Western Connecticut launched Prosperi-Key, a digital marketplace that connects ALICE households to social services, business discounts, government resources, and other resources to help lessen the cost of living, reduce family stress, and support their ability to save. Today, Prosperi-Key is being rolled out in collaboration with United Ways across the United States, including expansion to multiple United Ways in Connecticut. Prosperi-Key is a product of Prosperity Digital Marketplace, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Way of Western Connecticut.
“I want to express our deep gratitude to Senators Blumenthal and Murphy for their support of our work at United Way of Western Connecticut,” said Isabel Almeida, President of United Way of Western Connecticut. “Our Senators understand the importance of ensuring that every family can afford to live and thrive in Connecticut.”
The $1.2 million award will specifically support the expansion of Prosperi-Key and provides funding to:
- Grow small and mid-size businesses offerings for ALICE by underwriting the cost for businesses to join Prosperi-Key;
- Recruit ALICE to join Prosperi-Key as “Key Members”;
- Enhance vocational and educational accessibility on Prosperi-Key, including collaboration with State workforce development programs; and
- Help to build out the additional technology infrastructure for this expansion.
“This project is an economic driver for Connecticut, with the added benefit of connecting residents with the small businesses in their communities,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of Prosperity Digital Marketplace. “The funds present an incredible opportunity for Prosperi-Key to expand its reach throughout Connecticut, making a difference in the lives of thousands of residents and hundreds of businesses. We are so grateful for the support of our Congressional Delegation.”
Currently, individuals that wish to access Prosperi-Key resources can do so by visiting www.ProsperiKey.org and registering on the site. Once they have registered, they will go through an income verification process to become full Keys Members and obtain unlimited access to geo-targeted offers, discounts, and services. Local businesses can join United Way and Prosperi-Key by providing unique offers to income-restricted families, receiving the three-fold benefit of helping their neighbors in need while also developing relationships with a new customer base and gaining increased visibility with advertising support and brand recognition with a cause that the community supports. Businesses interested in joining the platform can reach out to Melissa Stanley at melissa.stanley@prosperikey.org.
To learn more about Prosperi-Key, visit www.prosperikey.org
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