Financial Literacy
Financial Counseling
Confidential one-on-one financial counseling is available through the Resource Center for anyone on Orcas Island seeking support. Whether you're facing debt, housing decisions, or just need someone to talk to about money, our financial counselor is here to help you in a collaborative partnership.
Clients can also enroll in ongoing financial counseling, working with a counselor to create realistic plans, track progress, and stay accountable to goals—like building emergency savings. The Resource Center is committed to fostering personal autonomy and resilience on Orcas Island.
Our financial counseling helps you build confidence, skills, and a healthier relationship with money.
If you’re interested in starting counseling or learning more about the Resource Center’s financial programs, send an email to info@orcascrc.org, attn: Financial Counselor and Educator.
Orcas Money Smart Financial Literacy (OMS)
CLASSES
The Resource Center helps islanders sharpen financial skills through Orcas Money Smart. Throughout this 9 month financial literacy program, volunteer mentors teach the basics of budgeting, savings, banking, housing decisions, debt, credit, disaster preparedness & more.
Each participant also meets with a mentor who will be available to help deepen the
learning process and assist with SMART goal completion. The “SMART” in SMART
goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This
approach helps to set a clear timeline and track progress. Participants also have the opportunity to earn as they learn with a financial incentive by successfully attending training, mentor meetings & completing goals.
Orcas Money Smart class starts annually each fall. If you are interested in participating, email info@orcascrc.org, subject: OMS classes.
MENTORS
Class mentors receive their own share of rewards by volunteering. Helping participants gain confidence and achieve their goals affirms that time invested as a program mentor is certainly time well spent. If you'd like to volunteer to become an Orcas Money Smart mentor, please email info@orcascrc.org.
"I wanted to become a mentor for the Orcas Money Smart program because I believe that money skills have positive ripple effects for our local economy. Our program participants will be able to share their knowledge and success with their family, friends, and fellows."
~Nick Johns, OMS Mentor
Stand Alone Classes
COMING SOON!!!
Kinship Programs
Washington State Working Families Tax Credit
Reduced Cost Services Guide
Reduced Cost Services Guide
Check out the Reduced Cost Services Guide, which highlights a variety of products and services available in or near Washington state that are offered at reduced cost for people meeting certain income levels.
Guía de Servicios a Costo Reducido
Consulte la Guía de Servicios a Costo Reducido, que destaca una variedad de productos y servicios disponibles en el estado de Washington o en sus cercanias que se ofrecen a costo reducido para personas que reúnen determinados niveles de renta.