Family Empowerment

An adult wearing a blue shirt holds a small child on their shoulders in an outdoor field with green grass and colorful flowers, both facing away from the camera under a cloudy sky.

Transforming Lives

People can change the path they are on. It sometimes takes some guidance and focus, but there are opportunities to move up in this world both economically and socially. MVCAA believes in a person’s ability to improve their situation. This is why we offer two programs designed to support a family’s desire to create a better life for themselves and their children.

Whether it’s learning to better manage finances or discovering the resources to help secure a better job, MVCAA team members support our community in building more opportunities for themselves.

Family Empowerment Coaching

A powerful program that works intensively with adults in a family unit, Family Empowerment Coaching teaches the skills needed to overcome mindsets and habits that are barriers to achieving financial stability. Weekly meetings with a coach help participants to stay on track and motivated.

Life skills workshops

Who is Eligible?

Complete initial eligibility assessment
Participants should have a personal goal or strong desire to improve their financial situation.
Must be Income Eligible

How to Apply

For more information contact the Family Empowerment Coach at 660-886-7476 ext. 1310 or 1314

Submit an interest form below.

SkillUP

By preparing and building their skills, people are more likely to obtain stable employment that supports their families. SkillUP provides support in preparing individuals for living wage employment through various means, including but not limited to resume development, interview skills training, tuition assistance for short-term training programs, supportive services for travel-related and work-related expenses, and one-on-one coaching with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Life Coach to help participants overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

View SkillUp Videos

Who is Eligible?

Must be actively receiving SNAP benefits
Ages 16-24 or 25-59 with dependents

How to Apply

For more information contact the Family Empowerment Coach at 660-886-7476 ext. 1310 or 1314

Submit an interest form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

SkillUP can help pay for approved short-term programs lasting up to one year.

No, but we can help you create a goal plan and budget to work toward your purchase of a vehicle.

To participate, you must be active on SNAP. Fill out an interest form. Call (660) 886-7476 ext. 1310 or 1314, email bohlenj@mvcaa.net or rodriguezw@mvcaa.net, or come to our office at 1415 S Odell and our Family Empowerment Coach can explain the enrollment process.

SkillUP is meant to be a short-term program to help individuals gain meaningful employment and reduce reliance on public benefits. The duration of your participation depends on your Individual Employment Plan (IEP), SNAP eligibility and overall progress toward your goal(s).

SkillUP participants cannot be receiving TANF (cash assistance). If you are, we can refer you to the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program.

At no time will a participant directly receive cash through the SkillUP program. If eligible, the SkillUP program can provide assistance for Travel Related Expenses incurred traveling to and from work or school, tuition assistance for approved programs, and approved work-related expenses. All tuition and work-related expenses will be paid directly to vendors. Reimbursement for approved travel-related expenses can be paid via electronic funds transfers to your bank account.

If you are between the ages of 16-24 or are over 24 with dependents, your participation in SkillUP is voluntary. If you are 25 or older and an able-bodied adult without dependents, you may be required to enroll in SkillUP or meet other requirements directed by the Missouri Department of Social Services.