Recognizing financial readiness, community partnerships

Recognizing financial readiness, community partnerships
- May 4, 2026
- UCI social sciences dean Maurer celebrates with Anaheim community at Orange County United Way’s new SparkPoint site opening
-----
UC Irvine social sciences dean Bill Maurer helped Anaheim community members celebrate Orange County United Way’s new SparkPoint site opening at Danbrook Elementary on Monday, May 4.
The opening is a meaningful milestone as SparkPoint participants will have access to free, one-on-one financial coaching for up to 12 months, providing personalized support as they work toward reducing debt, improving or establishing credit, increasing savings, and strengthening household income. The opening of this new site will help bring financial stability resources directly to Danbrook families.
Maurer is a member of the Orange County United Way Board and chairs its United for Financial Security initiative, which delivers programs to ensure struggling Orange County families find financial security.
“The opening of this 9th SparkPoint location in Orange County is a testament to the success of this remarkable one-on-one financial coaching program,” says Maurer. “I’ve had the honor of partnering with the team implementing this program both as a board member of United Way and as a researcher studying its remarkable impact on family financial stability. This morning was a real celebration of the power of partnerships and the strength of our community.”
pictured left to right: Norma Martinez, Superintendent of the Centralia Elementary School District; OCUW board members Kimberly Chips, Hugh Conners, Bill Maurer; Sue Parks, President and CEO, OC United Way
-----
Would you like to get more involved with the social sciences? Email us at communications@socsci.uci.edu to connect.
Related News Items
- Careet RightMaurer appointed to Social Science Research Council Board of Directors
- Careet RightWhat is debt-to-income ratio?
- Careet RightLSR's newest editors are pushing law and society into the future
- Careet RightThree UC Irvine professors named co-editors of prestigious Law & Society Review
- Careet RightWhy some payments companies want to be banks