Financial Literacy

Enrollment is closed as our program is currently underway. To access personalized mentorship for your financial goals, email us now for Fall 2026!

PARTICIPANTS

The Resource Center helps islanders sharpen financial skills through Orcas Money Smart. Throughout this 7 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.

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

Orcas Money Smart starts annually each fall. If you are interested in participating, click on the link below or email info@orcascrc.org, subject: OMS 2026/2027 program.

Different from our comprehensive Orcas Money Smart program, these accessible standalone sessions let you pick and choose the topics that are most relevant to your life and goals.

Whether you're looking to better understand budgeting, credit, savings, or something else –there’s something for everyone!

March 3rd 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library

Spending & Saving Workshop 

Practice tracking your income and expenses and workshop ways to increase income and decrease expenses. Gain an understanding of why saving is important. Come away with a personalized spending and saving plan.

March 17th 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library

Raise Your Score 

Find out what factors impact your score the most, and how to get and review your credit reports and scores. Understand and improve your credit score.

March 31st 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library

Protecting Your Money 

Participate in workshops where you will plan to protect against fraud and identity theft. Learn about modern scams, how to prepare for financial disasters, and how to insure against catastrophic losses.

April 22nd 1pm @ the Orcas Senior Center

Smart Money Strategies for Seniors 

Learn how financial estate planning can build stability for your family. Find ways to trim and manage expenses to meet your budget on a fixed income. Explore powerful savings programs and public benefits that help older adults remain stable and protected.

April 28th 5:30pm @ the Orcas Public Library 

Planning For Long Term Goals 

Explore why productive asset-building strategies can improve your financial stability and benefit your community. Find out productive ways to build investment-grade assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. Relate these assets to their relationship with liabilities like loans and credit.

Here's what participants from our Fall 2025 seminar series had to say:

“I learned more than I anticipated!"

“I walked away understanding three key factors that impact your credit score.”

“I learned ways to find and secure housing on Orcas Island."

“We discovered that we have significant equity in our home. Also, we should utilize the Resource Center more!”

“Such a supportive and open way of teaching. Thank you.”

We can provide assistance in-house with the DSHS application process. If you prefer to apply on your own, please click the links below:

• Basic Food (Food Stamps): Am I eligible?
• TANF Cash Benefits: Eligibility/Income requirements
• Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP): Eligibility/Income requirements
• Application for food and cash assistance: Apply here

Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Individuals that are age 65 or older, blind or disabled may also apply for medical assistance.