EMPath is proud to partner with the City of Newton, MA, to lead their new initiative to boost economic mobility among low-income residents impacted by the pandemic. The program, called Newton Thrive: Newton's Economic Mobility Initiative, is supporting 50 Newton families with EMPath's economic mobility coaching and is providing $250 unrestricted cash assistance per family per month over the course of two years. 

After receiving much interest, Newton Thrive launched mentoring services in September 2023 and continued welcoming new participants on a rolling basis until enrollment was completed in April 2024. The program is expected to end in April 2026. 

Participants work one-on-one with an EMPath mentor to regularly assess their current socio-economic circumstances, identify barriers and challenges, and set meaningful goals across key areas: education, career advancement, finances, family stability (including housing), and overall well-being. Our coaching model — Mobility Mentoring® — gives families additional tools and resources to support them in their climb up the economic ladder. 

If you have questions about Newton Thrive, please email newton@empathways.org.

Current participants in Newton Thrive met the following program eligibility requirements at the time of intake: 

• Lived in Newton, MA
• Had children under 18 in their household, or were pregnant 
• Were 18-60 years old
• Had an income at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI)
• Were interested and able to work in the U.S.
• Were willing to meet with a mentor regularly, in person or virtually

A priority of the City's initiative is to support the economic stability and mobility of individuals and families with low incomes who were impacted most by the pandemic. The program also focuses on families who are at risk of homelessness, are living in subsidized housing, or who are otherwise struggling.