An article on FII recently appeared in the Chronicle of Philanthropy highlighting the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of FII's work. Download the article.
“ (FII) is a nonprofit agency that helps network families and helps them become self-sufficient, teaches them to broaden definition (of themselves) help them know how to utilize community services and resources and build strength in families… they empower the community.”
A Partnership, Not a Service
The Family Independence Initiative (FII) believes we can impact poverty if we shift the responsibility for change to those who experience poverty.
Michelle Obama Praises FII
On May 27th Family Independence Initiative CEO and President Maurice Lim Miller attended a White House event on foundation support for the Social Innovation Fund. In her speech, First Lady Michelle Obama highlighted FII as a project where "...friendships and social networks, not caseworkers, are the key to helping families overcome poverty." She praised FII as an approach that's "working, and showing real, measurable results." She mentions FII around 16:12.
Everyone wants control over their circumstances and a reasonable set of choices for their children’s futures. FII operates under the assumption that, like most middle and upper class people, most low-income families are capable of taking tangible steps towards establishing control and choice in their lives. What these families lack is sufficient capital and access to opportunities and information that are more readily available to the middle and upper income.
FII provides computers, access to small amounts of capital, and connections to opportunities. FII challenges low-income families to come up with their own solutions and move their own agendas. Inspired by historical and modern examples of communities of friends working together, FII only works with peer groups of families. Working with the support of family and friends, families have demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and have made significant progress in helping themselves and creating a positive ripple effect in their greater communities.
This video shows participants in FII pilot projects talking about their experiences with FII and with one another.
The Family Independence Initiative is proud to announce that we are launching an East Coast pilot in Boston, MA. We’ve developed strong partnerships with people and organizations in Boston who understand that FII’s work is about the families, their aspirations, and the choices they make for themselves and their children. FII-Boston is the first project funded by the Eos Foundation's Boston Rising Initiative. FII-Boston will work with hundreds of families over the next few years as they strengthen their communities and build economic stability.
