FPWA : Income Security

Income Security

Economic Justice and Social Welfare Network

The Economic Justice and Social Welfare Network (formerly the Welfare Reform Network) was founded in 1989 as a coalition of organizations and individuals that advocate for humane income security policies. Its mission is to advocate for a welfare system that assures all people a reasonable standard of living without stigma. EJSWN's tools include information sharing, grassroots activism, networking, public and consumer education, and legislative and administrative advocacy on the city, state and national levels. EJSWN's Steering Committee has general responsibility for its operations.

The Policy & Advocacy Committee (PAC) was developed to set welfare policy priorities on the city and state levels and to take action to advance policies that will improve the well-being of families in poverty. Meetings are held on monthly. In addition, EJSWN operates working committees which focus on specific issues: Child Care; Client Empowerment; and Women, Welfare & Abuse Task Force. Queers for Economic Justice, originally another EJSWN committee, has become its own organization but is still involved in EJSWN activities.

All are welcome to participate in the EJSWN General Membership Meetings held on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:30am – 11am at FPWA. To learn more about specific committees and their meeting times, contact Greg Richane ph.(212) 801-1316.

How to Get Involved
To get on the mailing list to receive a copy of the "EJSWN News", a monthly newsletter that includes updates on key developments in welfare and related issues, contact Greg Richane ph.(212) 801-1316.

Make a contribution to EJSWN
Access to Assistance Campaign

Join the Listserv
The goal of the EJSWN Listserv is to support New York policy advocacy for a welfare system and related economic security programs which will assure all people a decent standard of living. The Listserv is intended to serve as a network through which advocates can communicate about their efforts to influence policy and share steps that others can take to support or participate in those efforts. We hope that the Listserv will also be an information vehicle about key policy developments in welfare and related areas. If you would like to join the EJSWN Listserv, send a request to Greg Richane.

Back to Income Security

GET INVOLVED

Did You Know?

*The number of NYC welfare recipients has dropped from 1.16 million in 1995 to 348,180 in May 2009 despite increased applications. The caseload has been largely unresponsive during the deep recession, even as the ranks of the unemployed swelled.

*In 1975 the welfare benefit level in NYC lifted a family to 110% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Today the average benefit in NYS is below 50% of the FPL.

Where We Stand

The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) believes in a safety net for all economically vulnerable New Yorkers to help meet their basic needs. Access, adequacy and opportunity are the principles that guide our policy advocacy.

FPWA works to ensure that benefits are adequate to meet basic needs, that income-eligible households can access and maintain benefits when needed, and that opportunities for economic mobility are available.
{Link to full Policy Statement in the folder}

Strategic Collaborations

The Economic Justice and Social Welfare Network (formerly the Welfare Reform Network) was founded in 1989 as a coalition of organizations and individuals that advocate for humane income security policies. Its mission is to advocate for a welfare system that assures all people a reasonable standard of living without stigma.

Click here for a list of additional collaborations.