Boston non-profit's Economic Independence Day raises nearly $200K to 'disrupt poverty'

BOSTON — A Massachusetts non-profit built to disrupt poverty raised just shy of $200,000 last week in its Economic Independence Day celebration at the Boston Public Library.

The event was hosted by Lauren Baker, Massachusetts’ first lady, and financial literacy advisor Wendy Watson as a fundraiser for Economic Mobilry Pathways (EMPath), a science-based organization formed in 2016 from the former Crittenden Women’s Union.

EMPath uses a mentoring approach based on it’s “Bridge to Self Sufficiency.” The organization's trademarked Mobility Mentoring is based on the idea that economic hardship can negatively impact the part of the brain in charge of decision making, also known as executive functioning. EMPath uses its program to teach life skills that will supplement assistance out of poverty, a journey the organization says fewer than one in four people can expect to complete on their own today.

“Lauren Baker has made it her mission to support the vulnerable children of Massachusetts,” said EMPath President & CEO Dr. Elisabeth Babcock. “She really takes the time to single out interventions that offer significant promise to low-income children and families. We are incredibly pleased to have her support.”

The event last Thursday featured graduates of the organization’s mentoring program to highlight the progress made by Boston families working to reach long-term financial certainty.

“The funds raised at the event will have a powerful impact on families working to build bright futures,” the organization said.

Lauren Baker spoke during the program and was introduced by her husband, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

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