South Texas Adult Resource & Training Center

Cameron County, located on the U.S. / Mexico border in Texas, has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country and nearly half of its population lives below the national poverty line. In 1992 a group of residents came together to discuss the possibility of providing classes in English for community members. This initial discussion led to the establishment of the San Benito Literacy Center later that year. In 2004 the Center expanded its programming to meet the growing demand for services – changing its name to the South Texas Adult Resource and Training Center (START Center).

Today the START Center serves approximately 2,000 clients per year with a mission to provide educational programs and services that empower families. The Center continues to grow its programs and services for low-income families. START provides youth and adult GED, Computer, Job Skills, and ESL classes. All of these education programs have a financial literacy component integrated into the curriculum. In addition, the START Center is active in advocating for low-wage families at the federal, state and local levels.

Expanding Access to Free Tax-Preparation

Due to the high rate of poverty and illiteracy in the border region of Texas, predatory lenders abound. All along the border region where so many low-wage families live, the fast-loan industry has found fertile ground. Even during this current economic crisis these lenders in Texas are bringing in record profits. Last year, Texans took out $2.5 billion in loans from the payday lenders. With such profits, predatory lenders are opening new storefronts at record rates. The number of storefronts increased from 1,513 in 2005 to more than 2,800 today. In San Benito, Texas, where the START Center offices are located, there are close to 20 establishments that engage in predatory lending practices.

To combat the impact of predatory lending along the border and as part of a larger asset building strategy for area residents, the START Center began educating their clients about predatory lending and providing free income tax preparation for low-income families in 2004. In 2008, the START Center prepared approximately 550 tax returns for a total of $ 1.2 million for low-income border families.

Maria Juarez, a START Center Board Member, was first introduced to the START Center as a client. As a single mother with two children, Maria understands the challenges facing low-wage workers and has witnessed the dangerous power of poverty to strip people of hope. Growing up along the border, Maria attributes her relationship with the START Center for ensuring that she has a clear path towards her goals. As a START Center client she participated in their education programs and continues to receive assistance from their free-tax center. Maria states, “My association with the START Center has given me a new way of looking at life. I know that I am not alone and truly feel that I can now help others with their struggles. To give people hope doesn’t cost a lot.”

Advocating for Policy Change

The START Center gives people further hope through their advocacy work. The START Center advocates for low and moderate income families and individuals with a focus on transitioning from poverty through educational and social services that increase their incomes, and provide economic stability.

In addition to participating in the National Community Tax Coalition’s Marketplace Protections Campaign, the START Center is an active member of several advocacy coalitions that work for similar policy change, including:

• National Equal Voice for America’s Families Campaign - The START Center Board and Staff is an active part of the Marguerite Casey Foundation’s Equal Voice for America’s Families Campaign.
• RAISE Texas – RAISE Texas is committed to raising the financial success of Texans through expanded asset-building activities, including asset preparation, creation and protection resulting in increased economic security for individuals, families and communities.
• Frontera Asset Building Network (FABN) - is a dynamic learning community focused on creating and achieving high impact asset building vehicles for families living along the Southwest border of the United States.