SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Working families in Springfield are learning how to bounce back from a "cliff effect" from the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect pilot program that began in February.

The cliff effect is when employees are given a small increase in their income, but suddenly lose their public benefits. Oftentimes, families end up in financial trouble. Each participant receives a monthly bridge payment based on their estimated cliff effect impact, with an additional $10,000 asset-building payment at the end of the program.

Springfield WORKS, a community initiative of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC), and United Way Pioneer Valley hosted a celebration for the program on June 5th. The program offers personalized coaching on finance, employment, and car

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