WE CONNECT
WE Connect was established by former California First Lady Maria Shriver in 2005 and is now run by The California Endowment. WE Connect joins The Endowment in challenging conventional wisdom that health solely happens in the doctor’s office. Health Happens in Schools, in Neighborhoods and with Prevention. WE Connect helps families learn and connect to important programs that are available to them and may help them lead healthier, more financially secure lives. Programs like CalFresh and the Women and Children’s Program (WIC) help make access to healthy food a reality for families. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps put hard earned money back into the pockets of those who need it most. Medi-Cal provides access to affordable preventive care. These are only a few of available resources that you will learn about through WE Connect.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Our website is a one-stop-shop connecting individuals and families to programs and services for which they may be eligible, which houses our resource map, which connects visitors to locations within their county which offer free tax assistance, job fairs and other valuable events and services.
WEB CONNECTOR
The WEb Connector, our exclusive online tool developed by our partner, the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation, helps working families determine exactly which money-saving programs they may be eligible for and how to apply – all with the click of a mouse. This tool can be accessed by families through the WE Connect website from the convenience of their home, and at WE Connect community events and through thousands of partnering community-based organizations.
WE CONNECT EVENTS
WE Connect events take place in partnership with a network of local and state partners to build one-stop-shops for families in the communities where they live. These events connect families to important programs and resources, but most importantly, with the people and organizations who can help answer questions and begin the application process. To learn about WE Connect events in your community, visit our website.
The WE Connect program is championed by key individuals including California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and Chief Executive Officer of La Opinion, Monica Lozano. Key partnerships include Intuit and the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation and La Opinion. WE Connect also partners with community organizations, statewide programs and small businesses to connect with working families.