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Poverty-

is not just about NOT HAVING MONEY.

Tammy T. Thompson is dedicated to transforming how individuals and institutions understand poverty—not as a lack of money, but as a deeply ingrained psychological experience. She challenges traditional assumptions about poverty solutions and advocates for trauma-informed approaches that address the scarcity mindset shaped by long-term financial struggle. Through her Psychology of Poverty training, speaking engagements, and published works—including a spending log journal and the co-produced film We Wear the Mask—Tammy empowers people to recognize their emotional and behavioral relationship with money. Her work urges institutions to implement more effective, empathetic strategies for supporting individuals from poverty and fostering sustainable economic change.

Tammy T Thompson
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The Psychology of Poverty in Action: Catapult Greater Pittsburgh’s Impact

Tammy Thompson is a trailblazer in redefining poverty, emphasizing its psychological dimensions beyond mere financial scarcity. As the founding President and CEO of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, she has implemented innovative, trauma-informed strategies to support individuals from marginalized communities and foster sustainable economic change.

Under Tammy's leadership, Catapult Greater Pittsburgh addresses economic injustice through a comprehensive suite of services, including:

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  • Homeownership Counseling and Education: Providing guidance and workshops to empower individuals on their journey to owning a home.

  • Financial Education: Offering resources and coaching to enhance financial education and stability.

  • Entrepreneurial Support: Operating retail incubators, culinary kitchens, and catering spaces to nurture business ownership and growth within marginalized communities.

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Tammy's approach is deeply rooted in the Psychology of Poverty, recognizing the emotional and behavioral barriers that perpetuate economic hardship. By integrating trauma-informed care into economic mobility efforts, she equips individuals and institutions with the tools to create lasting, transformative change.

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Her leadership and innovative work have garnered significant recognition, including her appointment to the Pittsburgh Land Bank by the Pittsburgh City Council and receiving the Housing Pioneer Award from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

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Through Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, Tammy Thompson exemplifies how addressing the psychological facets of poverty can lead to effective, empathetic strategies that empower individuals and foster sustainable economic change.

Tammy T Thompson

T3 Consulting PGH Featured Videos

Tammy T. Thompson: Transforming the Narrative of Poverty
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Tammy T. Thompson: Transforming the Narrative of Poverty

Tammy T. Thompson is on a mission to challenge the traditional understanding of poverty, advocating that it is not just about a lack of money, but a deeply rooted psychological experience. As the founding Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, she has dedicated her career to implementing trauma-informed economic justice initiatives that empower individuals and communities. In this video, Tammy shares her insights on the Psychology of Poverty, addressing the emotional and behavioral barriers that keep individuals trapped in cycles of financial hardship. Through her leadership at Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, she has created pathways to homeownership, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business ownership, offering marginalized communities the tools they need to build generational wealth. Her approach goes beyond traditional financial empowerment—she integrates trauma-informed care, behavioral shifts, and mindset transformation to foster real, sustainable economic change. Watch this powerful video to learn how Tammy’s work is reshaping the conversation on poverty and inspiring institutions to take a more empathetic, effective approach to economic justice.
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