FEN Events
Join us – attend a workshop, the WA Financial Coaching Network, or other event!
The Financial Empowerment Network offers 6-10 free, virtual training workshops each year. These workshops are geared towards any professional working to increase the financial well-being of their clients or community members, no matter their level of comfort with personal finance. You don’t have to be a financial professional to join us – everyone is welcome!
The WA Financial Coaching Network meets the 4th Wednesday of each month from 2-3 pm - see below for more information.
FEN hosts the annual Bank On WA Forum in person every year in the early fall, and occasional Bank On WA virtual events throughout the year. Stay tuned for more information!
We hope to see you at a FEN event soon!
Upcoming Events
Join us the 4th Wednesday of each month 2:00 - 3:00 pm PST!
Sign up here to receive the calendar invite for the full year and financial coaching news & announcements!
Questions?
This initiative is co-chaired by Miladys Garcia of Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, Mary Vargas with Tacoma Community House, and Daniel Abrego with WaFd Bank with the support of Abby Oakhart of the Financial Empowerment Network.
Your Clients Are Already Asking AI About Money: What Financial Coaches Need to Know, Use, and Protect
Thursday October 15th 10-11:30 am
Presented by Devin Stubblefield
Artificial intelligence is already changing how clients search for financial answers, make decisions, compare options, and seek support. This session helps providers understand how clients are using AI, where AI can responsibly support coaching practice, and what risks must be carefully managed.
Participants will examine how clients may already be using AI for budgeting, credit, debt, savings, benefits, housing questions, financial decision-making, and difficult money conversations and explore responsible ways practitioners can use AI for preparation, education, documentation support, reflection, role-play, and follow-up.
The session also covers key guardrails related to privacy, accuracy, bias, over-reliance, ethical
boundaries, and client safety, and reaffirms what AI cannot replicate: trust, empathy, cultural context, professional judgment, motivation, and accountability.
Participants will leave with a practical framework for becoming AI-ready practitioners while protecting the human touch that makes financial coaching transformational.
Helping ALICE Move from Survival to Abundance
Thursday, December 10th 10-11:30 am
The State of ALICE in Washington 2026 report shows that 37% of Washington households (more than 1.1 million families) experience financial hardship. This includes 10% living below the Federal Poverty Level and 27% classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning too much for aid yet unable to afford basic household necessities.
The experience of financial hardship looks different for everyone. Join us to hear from advocates and providers on ways to support people who are making impossible choices to meet basic needs.
Presented by
- Jim Cooper, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest
- Lynn Willis, United Way of Pierce County
- Abby McCutcheon, American Financial Solutions
- Daniel Abrego, WaFd Bank
Past FEN Workshops
Take a look at the recordings and materials from past FEN workshops over the last few years.
Your Money Your Goals Toolkit – Introduction & Overview
March 2022
Presented by: Cassie Russell, an ICF contractor providing training and technical assistance on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If you work with folks who are struggling to make ends meet or have credit challenges this virtual workshop is for you. The Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit has information that helps you have money conversations with the people you serve. Use the tools to help achieve goals and work through everyday client challenges. This workshop is an introduction to the Your Money, Your Goals toolkit that will prepare you to use it in your work with clients.
Budget Conversations & Decisions
April 2024
The process of building a monthly budget can be a big lift for many people. Not only are financial pictures often complicated, how we allocate our spending says a lot about our values. Navigating the budget-building process with clients can be challenging and rewarding if done well. Join us to hear about ways that we can make that conversation a little easier and reach decisions that are informed by financial values.
Facilitated by
Budget & Money Management Resources
Holding Space in Hard Times: Self-Care and Sustainability for Financial Service Providers
March 2026
Workshop Recording | Workshop Presentation
Presented by Megan McCoy, Kansas State University.
Providing financial well-being services in today’s environment is demanding. This workshop focuses on caring for the caregivers. A financial therapist guides participants through strategies for supporting clients in crisis while also tending to their own mental health, money stories, and boundaries. The session also includes a panel of frontline practitioners who share practical tools and real-world approaches they use to sustain themselves in this work.
Panelists include:
- Barbara Maxwell, Blue Mountain Action Council
- Mahogany Tucker, YWCA | Seattle | King | Snohomish
- Mary Vargas, Tacoma Community House
Breakthrough Coaching: Reaching Resistant & Reluctant Clients
December 2025
Workshop Recording | Workshop Presentation | Workshop Handout
Presented by Devin Stubblefield.
When clients resist change, shut down, or circle the same financial struggles repeatedly, it's not always about motivation. It's about mindset, trust, and readiness. But what happens when a client is in crisis, overwhelmed by anxiety, or simply not in a place to be coached?
This interactive 90-minute workshop equips financial coaches and frontline practitioners with practical strategies for the most challenging coaching moments. Through guided discussion and real-world scenarios, you'll explore what to do when traditional coaching falls short and how to maintain your own calm and confidence when conversations get intense.
Credit 101: The Basics, the Myths, and the Moves
June 11, 2024
Workshop Recording | Credit 101 Presentation | Credit 101 Handouts
Presented by Becky House from American Financial Solutions.
Whether you're new to credit or just need a refresher, this foundational workshop is your go-to guide for understanding how credit really works. Led by a credit expert, we break down the essentials—how credit scores are calculated, how to pull and interpret credit reports, and how to help clients improve their credit health. We also covered recent updates in credit reporting and practical strategies to support individuals working toward stronger financial footing. Perfect for professionals and individuals alike, this is your chance to build confidence and clarity around credit.
Credit Building Resources
June 26th, 2024
Improving credit can be a long road. A good credit building strategy will cover paying down past debt while also providing pathways to establish new, healthy credit history. Join us for an interactive discussion on resources that can provide access to safe, affordable credit building and can accelerate positive credit history. Participants will have a chance to learn and collaborate to flush out potential referral sources for their clients.
Facilitated by
Credit as an Asset: Affordable Credit Building Opportunities
August 2021
Presented by: Becky House, American Financial Solutions, Emerson Sekins, and Ellie Vainker, NW Access Fund
Small Dollar Loan Solutions
September 2020
Student Loan Repayment: Options, Forgiveness & What's New in 2025
August 19, 2025
Workshop Recording | Student Loan Repayment Presentation
Presented by Jessica Manfredi and Amber Hay from Office of the WA Student Loan Advocate.
Join us for a deep dive into student loan repayment—cutting through the confusion and uncertainty that often surrounds this topic. With so much misinformation out there, it can be tough to know where to turn. This webinar will give you clear, trustworthy guidance on how to manage student debt in 2025. We’ll walk through current repayment options, strategies for getting out of default, and what it really takes to achieve loan forgiveness or discharge. You’ll also learn about the latest updates from the current administration that could impact your repayment path. Whether you’re managing your own student loans or supporting clients who are in repayment, in default, or just feeling overwhelmed, this session offers practical steps and reliable resources to help you move forward with confidence.
Understanding Collections: Know Your Rights & Options
July 16, 2025
Workshop Recording | Understand Collections Presentation
Presented by Becky House from American Financial Solutions and Julia Kellison from Northwest Justice Project.
In this essential workshop on understanding debt collection we break down the often-confusing world of collections in clear, practical terms. We learned what happens when debt goes to collections, your legal rights, how to handle collection calls, and options like repayment, settlement, or bankruptcy. We also covered new laws, common scams, and where to find help. Take control of your debt—get the facts, know your rights, and explore your options. Whether you're actively dealing with collections or simply want to be prepared, this workshop provides the knowledge and tools to take control of your financial situation with confidence.
Paying for College
December 2023
Paying for college can be complex and confusing, both for prospective students and for those who already have student loan debt. Join us to hear from programs with the WA Student Achievement Council and how they can help Washingtonians navigate these confusing systems and pay for college!
- Jackie Ferrado, WA529
- Christina Winstead, College Bound
- Jessica Manfredi, Student Loan Advocate
Dealing with Debt Collectors
May 10, 2022
Presented by: Julia Kellison of Northwest Justice Project and Becky House of American Financial Solutions.
Learn more about what you need to know about debt collectors, the collection process & credit reports, and how we can help our clients:
- Understand consumers’ rights in dealing with collection agencies and in the debt collection process
- Understand consumers’ rights related to a credit report, including challenging errors and new rules about what can and can’t be reported
- How to prioritize what debts to pay when money is tight
- PLUS – big changes happening in what medical debts can be reported on credit reports and changes coming to Charity Care laws in Washington State!
Survey of Consumer Debt Issues: Medical Debt, Collections & Garnishments, and More!
November 2021
Presented by: Julia Kellison from Northwest Justice Project
Data Deep Dive: Who is Unbanked in WA?
April, 2025
An exploration of the new data and insights from the FDIC National Household Survey, Prosperity Now Scorecard, and National Bank On Data (BOND) Hub, three excellent data sets for measuring financial health in our communities. We will highlight the positive trends in banking access and unpack what the data tells us about who is unbanked in WA.
Do you work for a financial institution? You will gain information and resources to better connect with potential clients who may be currently unbanked.
Do you work with a community-based organization? Join us to learn more about the barriers to banking access and available support for community members.
Presented by:
- Erwin Reeves, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- Ryan Davis, Financial Empowerment Network
Building Bridges Between Banks & Communities: The Power of the CRA
August 2024
Presented by:
- Erwin Reeves, Community Affairs, FDIC
- Lynn Willis, United Way of Pierce County
- Thushari Gooneratne, JPM Chase
- Jen Reed, Sound Credit Union
Partnerships between organizations are crucial for supporting community members in improving their financial wellbeing. But how do we find the right partners? How do we build strong, lasting relationships? And how do we ensure that we are also a good partner?
One effective approach is through the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The CRA is a law designed to address inequality in lending practices and ensure fair access to banking services and capital for all communities, particularly those that have been historically underserved. This transformative legislation requires banks to actively engage with low- and moderate-income communities, often by partnering with community-based organizations.
In this workshop, explore how to identify and cultivate strong partnerships, leverage the CRA to benefit your community, and become a reliable partner in promoting financial wellbeing. Watch to learn more about CRA basics and see examples of nonprofit and financial institution partnerships.
Justice & Finance Forum: Fostering Economic Resilience
June 2024
Presented by:
- Ruth Utnage, Consultant
- Jerrel Jones, Credit Revolution Education Directors
- Moderated by Tierra Bonds, Take Charge Credit Consulting
One in 5 people in the US have an experience within the justice system. People who have been impacted face steep barriers to financial stability and wellbeing. Though they may be very savvy, many people have a lack of financial knowledge and understanding of how to navigate financial systems that are continuously evolving. Justice involved individuals often struggle to access records, documents, and identification, may owe court fees and fines, are more likely to be the victim of fraud or identity theft, and may face collections and garnishments on past-due debt.
Additionally, 29% of formerly incarcerated people lack a bank account. Banking access is shown to increase peoples’ ability to achieve their financial goals, improve their reintegration into society, and may reduce recidivism rates. This is a market largely underserved by mainstream financial services.
However, models exist to support the financial inclusion of justice-involved individuals. Learn from community members who were formerly incarcerated about the barriers to financial access and challenges to meeting their financial goals. They will also share solutions and resources that we can use to improve the experience of justice-involved individuals in financial institutions and community-based organizations.
Find related resources for additional reading on FEN's *new* justice-impacted resource page
Our resource pages are created by and for you - providers who are working with community members! Do you know a great resource that to support justice-impacted individuals? Please share it here! We will use them to build the new resource page on our website!
Bank On WA Forum
Fostering Financial Belonging: Connect | Expand | Strengthen | Empower
October 2023
Thank you to all who joined us for the Bank On WA Forum 2023! Building on last year’s forum, we explored what it takes to create conditions where all Washingtonians feel they belong and can achieve financial wellbeing.
Take a look at the event program here.
Many session were recorded - you can watch them FREE here!
Day One:
- Financial Belonging - Opening Plenary
- Youth Financial Belonging (Action Squad)
- Trauma-Informed Services
- Partnerships for Financial Belonging
Day Two:
What Happens on the Call? Inside Washington’s Homeownership Support System
June, 2026
Event Recording | Washington Homeownership Resource Center Slides
Did you know? Washington has free, statewide homeownership counseling support available to people who live here.
Join leaders from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center and Parkview Services for an inside look at how Washington’s homeownership support system works, from the first hotline call to individualized HUD-certified homeownership counseling.
Housing counselors are ready to come alongside existing programs and services to support people’s homeownership journey; whether folks are saving for their first home or staying in their generational home. If homeownership is part of the plan, housing counselors are ready to join the team!
Participants will leave with practical tools and referral pathways to connect clients to trusted, underutilized resources that support both attaining and sustaining homeownership.
Presented by:
- Elizabeth Perez, Washington Homeownership Resource Center
- Leysy Martinez, Washington Homeownership Resource Center
- Loretta Cael, Parkview Service
Making Homeownership Accessible: Spotlights on Opportunities & Resources to Get Ready
June 2023
Homeownership can seem daunting in this current housing market; the challenges to home buyers are unprecedented. But we know that homeownership is a key to building lasting, generational wealth. Learn more about bridging the housing gap - hear about tools, resources, and creative solutions that can make buying a home more accessible, equitable and affordable for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
This workshop covers:
- Various models for housing access, including community land trusts and self-help housing
- Resources that support homeowners like pre-purchase housing counseling and education, down payment assistance, home repair support, and foreclosure prevention options
- Work happening to increase homeownership for Black Washingtonians, with the goal of reducing generational wealth inequities
Listen in to learn from providers across the state about how they are supporting home buyers throughout the ownership cycle:
- Kim Toskey, Homes and Hope Community Land Trust
- Ali Sheibani, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas
- Jennifer Hentges, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP)
- Brooke Gibson, HomeSight
- Marty Kooistra, Black Homeownership Initiative
- moderated by Elizabeth Perez, Washington Homeownership Resource Center
Learn about resources available to support your community, and walk away with information you may be able to use yourself as well!
Retirement Strategies: Washington Retirement Marketplace
March 2020
Building Financial Well-Being Through Small Business Ownership
October 28, 2025
Workshop Recording | WA State Microenterprise Association Presentation | Enterprise for Equity Presentation | DFI Presentation
Presented by Lisa Smith with the Washington State Microenterprise Association, Beth Henriquez with Enterprise for Equity, and Erin Klika with the Department of Financial Institutions.
Small business ownership can be a powerful pathway to financial wellness—especially for people who have historically faced barriers to economic opportunity. Join us to explore how entrepreneurship can support long-term financial stability and independence, while also sharing practical financial wellness tools and resources. Participants will hear real-world experiences, gain insights into challenges and opportunities, and leave with strategies to better support small business owners on their journey toward financial well-being.
Linking Financial Wellness and Small Business Development
April 27, 2022
Presented by: Jennifer Quiroz, Financial Empowerment Network and Lisa Smith, Washington State Microenterprise Association
Recording
Chat box resources
FEN slide deck
WSMA slide deck
Enterprise for Equity Slide Deck
YWCA Slide Deck
Ventures Slide Deck
Panelists:
- Jenefeness Tucker, VP of Community Relations & Public Affairs at Seattle Credit Union, Entrepreneur, Professor of Economics; Seattle Central College & Collaborator with Black-Owned Business Excellence in WA (BOBE)
- Beth Henriquez, Program Director & Loan Officer at Enterprise for Equity
- Sofia Austin, Financial Coach at YWCA Seattle | King County
- Mayra Gómez, Credit Building Manager at Ventures
For many folks from marginalized communities, small business ownership can be a powerful path out of poverty and into financial security and well-being. Yet in today’s economy, financial systems are increasingly complex, business planning is challenging to navigate, and barriers to achieving financial stability can be daunting.
During the webinar, we heard from panelists (Panelist Bios) from organizations grounded in both financial empowerment and small business development, who shared their journey to offering both types of support and what structures and partnerships have worked well for them along the way. We hope you will leave with resources and new ideas about how you can support your clients in accessing both types of support.
Fraud & Consumer Protection Series
July 2024
The random text from an unknown number. The person pretending to be a loved one. The link that opens your account to be taken over by an unknown user. Fraud and scams are a constant challenge when interacting with our world, both online and offline. Join us for three quick, interactive Lunch & Learn sessions on ways that scammers are worming their way into our lives and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
July 11: Imposter Scams & Identity Protection
July 18: Targeting the Generations
July 25: FinTech
Presented by
- Elena Huizar, WA Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection
- John McKenney, WA Office of the Treasurer
- Minda Michelle Mattox, WSECU
Preventing Fraud & Avoiding Scams
July 2023
As quickly as we work to identify and evade fraudsters and scammers, their tactics are evolving. Join us to hear from the WA Attorney General’s Office about avoiding fraud and scams. During this “train-the-trainer” workshop, you’ll learn:
- Resources available to educate your community on avoiding falling prey to fraud and scams
- How to identify the signs of someone who may have experienced fraud/scam
- Strategies to support victims of fraud, including - how and where to refer them and what resources might be available
Gain knowledge about current tricks and schemes, learn about the vast resources available, and get comfortable in having these conversations with your clients and community.
Supporting the Financial Wellbeing of the Immigrant and Refugee Communities
April 22, 2025
Appleseed Network Presentation | CHA Presentation | Workshop Recording
Presented by the Appleseed Network and the WA Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
This workshop equips you with the tools to support immigrant and refugee communities facing fear and uncertainty in today's climate. With rising misinformation and the threat of deportation, it's crucial to have access to trustworthy resources. In this session, you'll learn how to confidently address these challenges, help individuals create actionable plans, and combat misinformation with vetted information. Walk away with practical resources and the knowledge to better support your community in these difficult times.
Increasing the Financial Wellbeing of Immigrant and Refugee Communities
May 2023
Washington State has a history of welcoming immigrants and refugees from all over the world, with incredible ethnic and language diversity. How do we ensure that we are equitably serving all people with dignity and respect for their lived experience? How do we bridge differences in understanding of financial systems, English language ability, and cultural values around money?
Hear from:
- Macy Birdwell, World Relief of Western WA
- Elizabeth Escobar, Express Credit Union
- Thushari Gooneratne, JPM Chase
- Olga Kola, Mother Africa
- Mary Vargas, Tacoma Community House
- Moderated by Donna O'Connor, Hopelink
Learn from folx across sectors who have been working to increase the financial well-being of immigrant and refugee communities through financial education, financial coaching, and access to financial systems. They cover the role of cultural humility and the coaching mindset, the importance of high quality language access, how immigration status can affect the resources and services available, and some specific ways we can better serve our immigrant or refugee community members.
Racial Economic Equity
February 2023
Facilitated by Devin Stubblefield, Johanna Barrero, and Melissa Canu, ICF Team members who provide training and technical assistance on behalf of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
Racial Economic Equity is an important topic that the CFPB and agencies all around the country are beginning to address. During this 90-minute session, participants were led through a process to work together to identify barriers, and brainstorm possible solutions to racial economic equity within the services they provide.
You can access a pdf of the Mural from the Bank On WA session on February 8th here.
You can access a pdf of the Mural from the Financial Coaching Network session on February 22nd here.
Driving Consumer Protection and Financial Empowerment in Washington State
January 2025
A two-day event focused on the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau's Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit and a Focus on Reentry Companion Guide. Together we grew our confidence navigating these resources, learned from innovative practices happening in WA, and explored financial empowerment resources for people who are justice impacted. Day 2 was the only day recorded.
Presented by ICF and the CFPB.
Supporting the Financial Wellness of Justice-Involved Individuals: Review of the Your Money Your Goals toolkit and Re-entry Companion Pack
February 23, 2022
Presented by: Cassie Russell, an ICF contractor providing training and technical assistance on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
This interactive session will cover the Focus on Reentry companion guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This guide is designed to help financially empower criminal justice-involved individuals and their families. The workshop session provides an overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Your Money, Your Goals suite of materials and resources, including setting goals, preparing for release, understanding paystubs, creating a reentry debt log, requesting credit reports, and opening a checking or savings account.
Navigating Benefits Cliffs
August 2023
Public benefits are available as an important financial foundation to support low-income and marginalized community members. As people increase their income and assets, the systems can be a confusing maze with opaque rules that limit folks ability to achieve financial wellbeing.
This workshop helps providers understand the rules, learn about resources, and hear from folks who are actively/successfully helping their clients navigate benefits cliffs for programs such as Social Security, TANF, Medicare & Medicaid, SNAP, Childcare, LIHEAP, and Public Housing:
- Hannah Rosenburger, Solid Ground
- Brittany Birken, Federal Reserve of Atlanta
- Allison Barber, NW Access Fund
This is a common challenge and we don’t have all the answers. Together we will explore how to build a bridge that spans from surviving to thriving, so that folks can get across and land safely on the other side.
Policy Advocacy 101
November 12, 2024
Presentation Materials | Workshop Recording
A collaborative conversation on how we can advocate for our community members and engage in economic justice at the policy level. In this workshop, you'll learn:
- How Washington’s legislative process works
- How to influence lawmakers at every stage of the process
- How to join a statewide community of advocates and fight for change!
Presented by Molly Gallagher, Statewide Poverty Action Network
Using Fintech to Drive Equity & Support Financial Well-Being
August 24, 2022
Presented by: Megan Bolado, Change Machine
Fintech has the potential to help your clients meet their financial goals from creating a budget to savings. Just like traditional financial and banking products, there are endless tech-based products and services that can support day to day financial activities and goals. Join us to learn more about the world of fintech, how you can quickly evaluate and understand the different products out there, and how fintech can impact the financial well-being of your coaching clients and customers.
Cryptocurrency & Digital Wallets
June 21, 2022
Presented by: Brian Duerr, Washington State Employees’ Credit Union
Navigating Money, Banking, Benefits, and Mental Illness: What You Need to Know
April 30, 2026
Workshop Recording | Finances & Mental Health: The Role of Financial Services Presentation | Serious Mental Illness & Financial Education: A Feasibility Study Presentation | Financial Coaching for People Accessing Disability Benefits Presentation
Presented by Ruth Daugherty, Northwest Access Fund, Annie Harper, Yale University, Becky Sladek, University of Washington, and Jennifer Graves, University of Washington.
People living with mental illness often face complex financial realities shaped by hospitalization, poverty, public benefits, and limited access to financial systems. This session brings together research and frontline practice to explore how mental illness influences financial experiences, decision-making, and stability. Presenters examined systemic barriers such as banking access and disability benefits, while grounding the conversation in the real-world realities of living on public benefits.
NIFF-ty Finance: Empowering Financial Decision Making for All Through Neuroinclusive Financial Education
February 18, 2026
Workshop Recording | Workshop Presentation
Presented by Sydni Fomas Do, ABD from University of Arizona and Andy Manthei from Greenpath Financial Wellness.
Every client brings a different way of thinking, feeling, and lived experience into financial decisions. Brain chemistry plays a role in how people process information, manage emotions, plan for the future, and respond to financial stress. Just as these differences shape physical and mental health, they also shape how clients engage with money. This session bridges together personal experience and behavioral insights to connect with neurodiversity and finance. Participants will leave the session with client centered considerations they can apply to make financial guidance more inclusive and effective within their own practice.
Serving Clients in Times of Crisis
May 22, 2025
Workshop Recording | Serving Clients in Times of Crisis Presentation
Presented by Jenefeness Franke from United Ways of Pacific Northwest & Fiscal Finesse with a panel including:
- Trevor Plate from International Rescue Committee
- Danniela Pinto from Tacoma Community House
- Rocky Hollenbaugh from United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
In these challenging and uncertain times, both clients and coaches face difficulties. How can we best help our clients who are experiencing a crisis? How do we help when we might also be experiencing a hard time? This workshop is designed to empower individuals with tools and support to serve their clients effectively. The session featured an insightful panel discussion with seasoned financial coaches, who shared their experiences, best practices, and practical advice for guiding clients through turbulent times.
Coaching Mindsets in Tough Money Conversation - In partnership with HUD
September 19, 2024
Presentation & Financial Wheel of Life Resource
Working with people who are experiencing resource scarcity can involve a lot of tough conversations. This gets harder when clients share their experiences of trauma or when we as practitioners aren’t sure how to balance the relationship with the program goals and deadlines. To make this process easier and more productive, we invite you to join us as we discuss ways to maintain a mindset that will help turn tough conversations into an opportunity to build trust and support clients in their journey.
By the end of this workshop attendees will:
- Develop expertise in building trust with clients to strengthen the coaching relationship.
- Learn strategies to remain authentic while receiving traumatic stories in an open and curious manner.
- Explore how incorporating coaching mindsets can improve program outcomes and support client goals.
- Learn how client values shape their long-term financial decisions.
Presented by
- Devin Stubblefield, Faith Finance Center
- Raquel Munguia, Washington Homeownership Resource Center
- Charnell Morud, Verity CU
Facilitated by
- Ryan Davis, Financial Empowerment Network
Financial Wellness Part 2: Trauma & Financial Experiences
March 7, 2024
Money is not simply dollars and cents to be spent. Money comes with a lifetime of experiences and memories that shape how people feel when having money conversations. As financial coaches, we meet people where they are in their journey and sometimes that means talking about past or ongoing trauma as it relates to their finances. Being able to honor those experiences in a trauma-informed way is a skill that can turn an uncomfortable topic into significant progress. Join us as we share resources to strengthen financial conversations with clients who have experienced trauma.
- Diana Alvarez, YWCA
- Charnell Morud, Verity CU
- Janet Torres-Garcia, El Centro de la Raza
Facilitated by
- Minda Michelle Mattox, WSECU
Trauma-Informed Financial Conversations
September 2023
Presented by Abby Buter.
We all carry our own stories and history with us wherever we go. Not only do we bring our own experiences into working with clients, but they bring theirs. Most people have experienced some kind of trauma and adversity that impact an individual’s journey through life.
This workshop will lay the foundation for how to engage with clients in a trauma informed way. We will discuss how trauma affects people and the signs of trauma. We will learn tools with which to respond, and how to safeguard against re-traumatization.
In this workshop we’ll answer the following questions:
- What does it mean to be trauma informed?
- What’s going on in our body when we’re activated (aka triggered)?
- What are tools that we can use when ourselves or a client is feeling activated?
- How does being trauma informed strengthen financial conversations with our clients and community?
Safety, Privacy, and Access: Supporting Marginalized Communities in Tax Season
January 15, 2026
Working Families Tax Credit Presentation | United Way of King County Presentation | UW Federal Tax Clinic Presentation
Presented by UW School of Law Federal Tax Clinic, Hopelink, United Way of King County, and Department of Revenue's Working Families Tax Credit.
Communities facing the greatest barriers, including immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, domestic violence survivors and others who have been historically marginalized, often encounter unique risks when accessing financial, tax, and public services. Fear of data sharing with enforcement agencies, uncertainty about documentation changes, and discrimination during filing can all prevent people from getting the support they deserve. This workshop brings together experts from legal, government, and community-based sectors to help service providers understand risks and resources available.
This workshop was not recorded.
Taxes 101: Tax Basics for Financial Empowerment
February 12, 2025
Taxes 101 Presentation | Facts about ITIN Presentation | Workshop Recording
It was great to get back to basics and hear an overview of income taxes and facts about the individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). We learned about the new resources including the website My Free Taxes WA where you can find free tax prep resources and United Ways of Pacific Northwest's Benefit Kitchen. Make sure you check them out!
Presented by Tasha Dalstra with United Way of King County, Elizabeth Escobar with Express Credit Union, and Jim Cooper with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.
Taxes in Washington
January 10, 2024
Tax season is an important time of year and getting the most out of tax returns can be a daunting task for families looking to kickstart savings, reduce debt, or reach their financial goals. Access to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Washington Working Families Tax Credit are incredible resources to take the next step towards stability and beyond. Join us to learn about updates to the WFTC and ways to connect community members with free tax filing!
- Katie Koontz, WFTC Team, Department of Revenue
- Ryan McFerran, United Way of King County
- Cindy Gossett, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Supporting VITA and Free Tax Preparation Across the Northwest
January 19, 2022
Presented by: The FDIC
Panelists include:
- Riley Eldredge, Metropolitan Family Service - CASH Oregon
- Dan McAvoy, NeighborWorks Umpqua
- Sue Curtis, AARP Tax Aide Skagit County
- Andrea Alexander, NW Native Asset Building Coalition
