Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

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 workshopsExplaining core financial concepts clearly and accessiblyEncouraging group engagement and participationTracking workshop attendance and outcomes for program evaluation

Financial Coaches support clients in:

Establishing realistic, achievable financial goalsCreating and maintaining a livable budgetImproving credit knowledge and credit-building strategiesReducing debt and organizing financial obligationsIdentifying savings opportunities and next-step action plans

Skills & Qualifications

Successful volunteers are:

Organized, reliable, and detail-orientedEmpathetic and respectful of clients’ diverse life experiencesComfortable working with both numbers and peopleStrong 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 PMSessions 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.