Financial Literacy

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.

The Orcas Money Smart program starts annually each fall. If you are interested in participating, please email info@orcascrc.org, subject: OMS 2025/2026 program.

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

Registration coming soon, check back later to sign up!

A no-cost series of practical financial education workshops at the Orcas Public Library!

Different from our comprehensive Orcas Money Smart program, these hour and a half, 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. Click on the button below to RSVP!

Spending & Saving

Create a realistic budget that supports your goals and builds lasting savings.
Tue, Aug 19 | 5:30–7:00pm
Sat, Aug 23 | 10:00–11:30am

Making Housing Decisions

Learn strategies for securing stable, affordable housing.
Tue, Sep 2 | 5:30–7:00pm
Sat, Sep 6 | 10:00–11:30am

Managing Debt & Credit Cards

Gain tools for managing and reducing debt.
Tue, Oct 7 | 5:30–7:00pm
Sat, Oct 11 | 10:00–11:30am

Credit Reports & Scores

Understand and improve your credit score.
Tue, Oct 14 | 5:30–7:00pm
Sat, Oct 18 | 10:00–11:30am

Growing Assets for Your Future

Explore how to build wealth through planning and smart decisions.

Tue, Oct 21 | 5:30–7:00pm
Sat, Oct 25 | 10:00–11:30am

Each class is offered twice—please sign up for only one session.

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.