Program Description
The Financial Empowerment Program (FEP) provides low-income individuals and families with the opportunity to work one-on-one or in group settings with trained volunteers, either as Financial Empowerment Educators or Financial Coaches.
- Financial Educators deliver workshops and group sessions, teaching key financial topics such as budgeting, credit management, debt reduction, and savings strategies.
- Financial Coaches work individually with clients to set and achieve personalized financial goals, build confidence in money management, and develop long-term financial stability.
Both roles focus on empowering clients to make informed financial decisions and progress toward self-identified goals.
Responsibilities:The primary role of both Educators and Coaches is to provide structure, guidance, encouragement, and access to resources, not to make decisions for clients or provide investment advice.
Financial Educators support clients in:
- Preparing and delivering standardized financial workshops
- Explaining core financial concepts clearly and accessibly
- Encouraging group engagement and participation
- Tracking workshop attendance and outcomes for program evaluation
Financial Coaches support clients in:
- Establishing realistic, achievable financial goals
- Creating and maintaining a livable budget
- Improving credit knowledge and credit-building strategies
- Reducing debt and organizing financial obligations
- Identifying savings opportunities and next-step action plans
Skills & Qualifications
Successful volunteers are:
- Organized, reliable, and detail-oriented
- Empathetic and respectful of clients’ diverse life experiences
- Comfortable working with both numbers and people
- Strong communicators and listeners who support behavior change through coaching or education
While experience in budgeting, financial planning, or teaching is helpful, formal financial credentials are not required. Equal importance is placed on cultural humility, adaptability, and a client-centered approach. The most effective volunteers are resourceful, curious, and comfortable navigating new challenges.
Time Commitment
Volunteers commit to approximately a minimum of 30 hours over one year, including required training.
- Coaching and workshop sessions are scheduled based on volunteer availability.
- Office hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sessions may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on program needs.
Dress Code
The dress code is casual at minimum, with business casual preferred. Please avoid streetwear or attire intended for sleep, exercise, swimming, or nightlife. Clothing should be clean, professional, and appropriate for a community-based service setting.
