More for Your Money is a four week workshop series that assists individuals and families increase their income, build savings and gain and sustain assets through financial education, training and individualized coaching and support. The program targets low and moderate income individuals.
Pictured at right are recent MFYM graduates with trainers Rosalind Mitchell (left, of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley), and Monah Rhodes (right, of Family Resources Community Action.)
More for Your Money will offer several 4 week workshop series throughout the year covering areas such as:
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tracking spending
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creating a budget
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learning to save
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opening and managing a checking account
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understanding credit and credit scores
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working towards car and home ownership
Workshop participants meet individually with a financial coach who will assist them with developing personal financial goals and making progress with their plans. More for Your Money is administered by Family Resources Community Action in partnership with NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley. The program is funded by the United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund 2010-2012
For more information view brochure or contact Monah Rhodes at 401-235-6081 or mrhodes@famresri.org
Free income tax preparation and counseling is available through FRCA's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers help individuals prepare both Federal and State tax returns, and E-file the return for faster refunds.
A special emphasis is placed on helping taxpayers claim credits for which they may be eligible, including the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits. As a VITA super site, appointments are scheduled weekdays as well as some evenings and on Saturdays from mid January to mid April; additional assistance is offered throughout the year.
In 2013, the FRCA VITA program prepared over 1,140 tax returns free of charge for low income individuals, returning over $1.7 million in refunds to the local communty, $725,000 of which was from Earned Income Tax Credits. Special thanks to Finance Director Rita Gandhi for her leadership, and to all the VITA volunteers for your service.
Our staff assists families and individuals with various budgeting and money management concerns including:
- Developing and managing a family budget
- Setting up affordable utilities payment plans
- Getting the most out of food dollars by tapping local resources
- Accessing public benefits such as food stamps
- Reducing debt through credit card consolidation
- Special assistance on a range of financial & budgeting matters for homeless families transitioning from emergency shelter to permanent housing.
Our YouthWorks411 Career Center covers a range of work-readiness and financial literacy topics such as:
- Budgeting
- Handling your first pay check
- Smart ways to save
In addition, the Center hosts the RI Foster Parent Association’s Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Financial Literacy Program for youth currently or previously involved in the foster care system. The program includes an incentive for youth to start their own bank account, leading to a 1:1 match.
For more information about youth financial literacy and other youth programs offered at the YouthWorks411 Center, contact Stump Olsen at 401-671-2971 or solsen@famresri.org