Centers for Strong Families

Background

Pierce County is seeking a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive employment and financial coaching services through the Centers for Strong Families Program. This initiative aims to support economically vulnerable residents of Pierce County in achieving greater financial stability and self-sufficiency. The program's goals include increasing participant earnings, improving household income, reducing debt, strengthening financial management skills, and supporting wealth-building opportunities within the community.

Work Details

The contractor will deliver individualized employment and financial coaching services to eligible participants, which will include:

Financial Coaching Services

** - Assistance with developing, implementing, and maintaining household budgets. - Support for tracking income and expenses and making informed financial decisions. - Development of debt reduction strategies, including prioritization, creditor negotiations, and repayment planning. - Establishment of savings goals for emergencies, education, retirement, homeownership, or other future needs. - Guidance on credit building and improvement including understanding credit reports and responsible credit management. - Financial education on banking products, insurance, taxes, investing, retirement planning, asset development, consumer protection, and connections to public benefits.

Employment Coaching Services

** - Career assessment and employment planning. - Job search assistance with access to current opportunities. - Distribution of job listings and information about job fairs. - Referrals to employment readiness workshops. - Resume development and interview preparation support. - Coordination with workforce development partners for career advancement opportunities.

Program Requirements

** Participants must be residents of Pierce County who are unemployed or underemployed with household incomes below the Self-Sufficiency Standard published by the University of Washington.

Period of Performance

The contract is anticipated to begin in August 2026 and end on December 31, 2027. There is a possibility for a 24-month extension depending on funding availability.

Place of Performance

Services will be provided throughout Pierce County at locations accessible to families.

Bidder Requirements

Proposers must be an IRS designated non-profit agency located in Pierce County with a Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and a Federal Tax ID number. They must have experience operating similar financial and employment coaching services.