Whole family transformation, where each member of the family participates in the same learning and doing experience, helps reinforce family unity and makes each family member accountable toward their shared goals. This approach is central to NEW’s ability to help families succeed.

NEW’s Asset Building Model and the programs represented in the pyramid are designed to transform how the entire family:


Low-income families can break the devastating cycle of poverty by first getting stable.  Once their basic needs for shelter, food, health and safety are met, families can begin gaining knowledge to improve their education, learn how to manage money and gain skills.  Finally, families learn how to build tangible wealth for themselves by growing assets. A family that comes to NEW may enter at any section on the pyramid, but the typical path starts at the bottom and ascends toward the top resulting in Whole Family Transformation.  


The shared experiences of learning and acting together helps families become stronger as they learn how to communicate about their needs with each other and how to work as a team to achieve their shared goals.

For example, in NEW’s Proyecto Adelante pilot program, children and parents were required to participate together in age-appropriate classes studying the same subject matter –in this case, the family budget.  Teenagers began to recognize the complexities of their parents’ economic lives, and they expressed a greater interest in helping the family. Younger children gained a better understanding of the difference between "needs” and “wants" which will serve them well as they become full-fledged consumers.