The West Philadelphia-based nonprofit ACHIEVEability received a $20,000 grant from Bank of America and a $25,000 grant from the Leo & Peggy Pierce Family Foundation to go towards its efforts to serve low-income families.

Last year, ACHIEVEability made the strategic decision to merge with Mission First Housing Group to improve its housing services. By its own admission, affordable housing development was not the organization’s strong suit, though still key to its mission. Mission First Housing has relieved some of the operational burden on ACHIEVEability’s housing arm so that the organization as a whole can focus more on its tried-and-tested social services programs.

The $20,000 will fund services aimed at breaking the generational cycle of poverty for families in West Philadelphia. The $25,000 grant will fund the Community Services Office and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

The Community Services Office provides a wide range of assistance, including helping people register to vote, apply for college, file their taxes, and access state and federal public benefits. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps parents earn a post-secondary degree to improve their ability to support their families.

Image via Flickr User teofilo