Marion Matters: Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
ANNUAL REPORT 2025 | For more than 15 years, Marion Matters has helped individuals and families in Marion County create sustainable pathways out of instability through education, coaching, and support. Marion Community Foundation has been a steadfast partner in this work, awarding $500,000+ in grants to strengthen programs and operations. In 2025 alone, Marion Matters received seven grants totaling more than $42,000 from several Foundation funds, including Robert & Dorothy Wopat, Jo Ann Radwin-Zimmerman Bridge Out of Poverty, Marion Matters Endowment, America 250, and Marion Board of Realtors.
Needs are significant. As recently as 2023, 48 percent of Marion County households are living at or near financial instability, struggling to cover basic expenses or absorb unexpected costs.
14-week “Getting Ahead” classes
Marion matters programs
monthly “Staying Ahead” workshops
financial literacy education
community resource navigation
Marion Matters addresses these challenges by focusing on education rather than short-term assistance. Its programs help participants gain employment or promotions, improve their financial positions, and continue their education through diplomas, GEDs, certifications, or degrees.
In partnership with Marion County Job and Family Services, Marion Matters also supports families facing the “benefit cliff” through the Benefit Bridge program, helping participants transition toward self-sufficiency as public assistance changes.
Marion Matters serves 200+ individuals with its programs and services annually, thanks to support from Marion Community Foundation and other partners. They focus on offering tools that empower individuals not to just get by, but to build lasting stability.
