United Way NCA opens new Financial Empowerment Center at Montgomery County

United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) Thursday announced the opening of its new United Way NCA Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) at Montgomery County.

The announcement was made with United Way’s partners M&T Bank and Coalition for the Advancement of Financial Education (CAFE) Montgomery.

This marks United Way NCA’s fifth Financial Empowerment Center in the Washington region. The new FEC and locations in Washington, Prince George’s County, South County in Alexandria, Virgina and Prince William’s County, Virginia are currently operating virtually providing financial counseling and coaching to help residents stretch their dollars during furloughs, layoffs or reductions in income.

M&T Bank is contributing $300,000 to the development of the Financial Empowerment Center and will provide financial literacy education and other financial resources to the center’s future in-person visitors.

Specifically, United Way NCA Financial Empowerment Centers offer direct access to high-quality financial services and guidance in a welcoming, professional environment at no cost. Each FEC brings together the most effective partners to help clients grow income, build assets, manage debt and improve credit—a much-needed resource for a community with many residents facing substantial economic challenges. Services include one-on-one personal and small business financial coaching, workshops, tax preparation by IRS qualified volunteers, housing counseling, virtual libraries and more. Those in need can receive help while practicing social distancing by telephone, video conferencing or by mail.

In addition to the support from M&T Bank, United Way NCA’s Financial Empowerment Center at Montgomery County is made possible in partnership with CAFE Montgomery.