SER Center for Working Families:
A Holistic Approach to Empowering Detroit’s Workforce

Since 2008, SER Metro-Detroit has used the Center for Working Families (CWF) model as a strategic, participant-centered way of doing business. Rather than a standalone program, CWF is an integrated approach that bundles three essential services:

  • Income Supports
  • Financial Coaching
  • Employment Coaching

This model helps Detroit residents achieve financial stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term economic mobility. By aligning services around each client’s goals, CWF delivers real results—like reduced debt, improved credit, increased savings, and more homeowners in our community.

CWF continues to be one of SER Metro-Detroit’s most impactful strategies—building a stronger, more resilient Detroit, one step at a time.

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Our Services

Financial Education & Coaching

We provide educational workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to affordable financial products. Our financial coaches help participants with:

  • Credit building and repair
  • Budgeting and saving
  • Banking access
  • Long-term financial goal setting

This service is built on a trusted, long-term relationship between coach and participant, focused on changing financial behaviors and building financial literacy.

Emily Moreno

Employment Coaching

Our employment coaches work with participants to identify career goals, improve job readiness, and connect with employment opportunities. Services include:

  • Resume development and interview preparation
  • Job search assistance
  • Career planning and advancement strategies
  • Access to training and certification programs

Income Support

We help participants access public benefits and community resources to stabilize their financial situation. This includes

  • Screening and application assistance for benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and utility assistance
  • Referrals to housing, childcare, and transportation resources
Success Stories

Emily Moreno

Emily enrolled in the SER Center for Working Families (CWF) in February 2024 after learning about the Rebuild Detroit (RBD) program at a Detroit at Work job fair. A 2016 graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, Emily had been working as a bartender/server but had long been interested in construction, inspired by her father’s career.

She began RBD in March 2024, and worked with a Financial Coach to improve her credit score and develop a debt reduction plan. She also met with a Resource Navigator to explore available resources. Her interest in carpentry and welding grew after visiting the Detroit Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center, leading her to apply for the Detroit Carpenters Apprenticeship Program.

Emily earned OSHA 30, M.U.S.T., and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications and achieved a Gold-level ACT National Career Readiness Certificate. After completing RBD in May 2024, she was hired by Millennium Custom Carpentry as an assembler. She has since reached a one-year job retention milestone, received a $2/hour raise, and increased her monthly net income by $260. With support from CWF, she’s improved her credit score by nearly 30 points and continues to work toward financial stability.

Romell Johnson

Meet Romell Johnson from Detroit, who worked with our local partner SER Metro-Detroit to access personalized financial coaching through the Rocket Wealth Accelerator, a program of Rocket Community Fund and LISC. He created a weekly budget, raised his credit score and earned a savings match to buy a new car. But Johnson is just getting started. He is now saving to purchase his first home.   

With the right opportunities and support, people can build strong financial habits and reach their goals!

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READY TO GET STARTED

Contact Jesica Rubio 
📞 (313) 945-5200 ext. 4299
cwfstaff@sermetro.org

Complete the Program Inquiry Form