Middle Class Express

After many years of practicing CFT, I wanted to use make use of the institutional power I had as director of the city’s Department of Health and Human Services.  I wanted to develop a large-scale social mobility program that could be implemented and replicated by other human services professionals.  With technical and financial support from Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Middle-Class Express (MCE) started in 2001 (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2001; Ubinas, 2001).  

 

From its inception the concept was successful. In partnership with the Hartford Housing Authority, this program helped former housing projects residents become homeowners.  

 

While in the process of redoing public housing and promoting homeownership, the Housing Authority needed to help former tenants develop the mindset, skills, and habits necessary to keep up with their new responsibilities. Dozens of individuals were assisted and they were able to purchase and maintain their homes. Subsequently, I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to become the director of Human Services for Wake County, a jurisdiction of 900,000 people. I was able to negotiate political support for the initiative.  

 

In 2008, the Board of Commissioners adopted a policy named the Human Capital Initiative with the MCE as its centerpiece (Lagrone, 2008).  This policy provided the support needed to get the MCE to a higher level.  Thanks to the passion and commitment of dozens of human services workers that embraced the idea and made it their own, this program quickly became successful. I served primarily as a program consultant and trainer, and human services workers were in charge of leading and implementing this program that ended being recognized as a model by the National Association of Counties.  

 

Additionally, it has been embraced by several local community agencies that adapted the concept and developed their own models.

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Using the metaphor of a train station, the Middle-Class Express was conceived as a process to help people go from poverty to the middle class. Coaches and clients co-create a life plan conducive to achieving a desired and personalized lifestyle.   At least 40 hours per week of sweat equity are required, in the form of work, education, training or other proofs of effort. 

 

The program focuses on 8 specific developmental tracks:

1. Employment
2. Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship
3. Formal Education

4. Training/Skill Sets
5. Attitude/Mind Set
6. Access & utilization of resources

7. Healthy Lifestyle
8. Family and Community engagement

 

Clients are provided with individual or group coaching sessions, educational sessions and also are helped access a network of existing community resources.