||| By SOPHIE TIMIN, ORCAS Community Resource Center |||
Interested in taking part in a free financial education program as a participant or mentor? Orcas Community Resource Center is gearing up for the third round of Orcas Money Smart, a financial education and mentorship program where participants work with volunteer mentors to deepen their understanding of personal finance topics.
Mentors guide participants on topics such as budgeting, savings, credit reports and scores, and emergency preparedness. Past participants shared that they were motivated to join Orcas Money Smart for personal growth and community involvement. Participants also said they saw the program as an opportunity to learn how to address financial challenges and better provide for their families.
One hundred percent of participants in the previous group reported improved financial knowledge, improved ability to manage their finances, improved ability to apply their newly gained knowledge independently, and high satisfaction with the program's instruction and curriculum.
Money Smart mentor Nick Johns said, “It was great to look into my mentors' eyes and see the growing awareness of their own capabilities. Each of them has so much more than they realise and it was fantastic to see the realisation that they have the skills.” Developing the confidence of my mentors and seeing them achieve their financial goals is one of the benefits of being a mentor.
Money Smart participants have accomplished many goals, including paying their taxes, obtaining health insurance, determining credit-building strategies, and establishing emergency funds.
One participant said, “Setting SMART goals and having a mentor to talk to about it was really helpful. It helped me organize my thoughts and ideas. Being held accountable for achieving my goals was also really helpful for me.”
The next Orcas Money Smart will run from September 2024 through Spring 2025, and will meet twice a month for the first three months, covering key topics. Sessions will last two hours and take place on Mondays from 5-7pm in the Funhouse. Regular meetings with mentors (1-2 times a month) will start early and be scheduled by the mentors and participants.
If you are interested in participating as a student or mentor, please contact the Resource Center by email at info@orcascrc.org or by phone at 360-376-3184. Please spread the word about this opportunity to your friends, family and neighbors.
