The DHA’s HOP provided case management, education, and supportive services to build families’ financial assets, promote economic self-sufficiency, and increase rates of home ownership. In the first stage of services, HOP worked alongside other DHA programs to help households reduce debt, manage credit, find or retain employment, and increase savings.

Budgeting and Financial Education Services included providing information about financial assets and asset building, such as how to open a savings account, and information about taxes and tax filing assistance through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP). The intervention served youth in foster care who turned 17 in 2011. Youth could receive services at any point between March 2011 and September 2015. Services were offered to youth across the United States.

Services delivered via Opportunity Works varied by program site over an unspecified duration. Services could include case management, college-readiness instruction and coaching, goal setting, support with high school completion, career planning and exploration, job development and support, financial planning support, occupational skills training, and transportation assistance. Eligibility requirements varied by age and gender across program sites, but all Opportunity Works participants were between the ages of 18 and 24.

Participants in the STEP-UP Achieve Program were placed in paid internships at local businesses, nonprofit agencies, and public organizations. Participants also received training on career readiness, personal finance, and skill development in topics such as Excel and Outlook. Individuals had the opportunity to earn professional credentials in information technology and Excel following their training. Youth with an interest in a particular field, such as health care or financial services, could participate in specialized enrichment activities.

As part of the Health Careers Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati, individuals who were unemployed and interested in health careers, such as nursing, rehabilitation, health information technology, or biotechnology, worked with an advisor to meet their career goals. Participants could receive a variety of trainings and services based on these goals. They were offered trainings on soft skills and financial literacy, along with job-search assistance and work-readiness activities.