by Megan Ehrmantraut
Orcas Community Resource Center
April is National Financial Literacy Month and the Resource Center is excited to share that our Orcas Money Smart financial literacy program is nearing completion of its second year. Throughout this nine month program, volunteer mentors teach participants the basics of budgeting, savings, banking, housing decisions, debt, credit, disaster preparedness & more.
In addition to group classes, each participant also meets with a mentor to enhance the learning process and assist with setting and achieving SMART goals. The “SMART” in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This approach helps to set clear timelines and track progress. Participants also have the opportunity to earn as they learn by successfully attending training, mentor meetings & working to complete goals.
Surveying our current Orcas Money Smart participants, all reported that they have become more financially knowledgeable and 90% of participants mentioned they feel better equipped to manage their own finances. One participant expressed, “Thank you SO much for hosting this opportunity for our island community!”
The Resource Center also recently took time to dive a little deeper with some questions for our Orcas Money Smart volunteer mentors about their involvement in the program. Nick Johns shared, “I wanted to become a mentor for the 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.”
Volunteer mentor Brett Lensing, mentioned he felt “fortunate to be a part of an engaged group of class participants working to set goals and activities in line with their financial success. It’s been a privilege to support Orcas Money Smart as a volunteer mentor and be part of the program.”
Orcas Money Smart class starts annually each fall. We are actively seeking both participants and mentors. If you would like to participate in this incredible learning opportunity, email info@orcascrc.org.
The Orcas Community Resource Center’s mission is to foster a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with the services needed to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. We’re here to help! If you’d like to learn more about our services, please contact us.
