Training & Technical Assistance Program

Creating a Financial Education Program with Orion Industries

The Opportunity

In April 2025, Orion Industries reached out for support in launching a new financial education initiative. While the team was eager to begin, their initial efforts were fragmented, leaving staff feeling overwhelmed by the scope of the project. They needed a clear framework to transform their vision into a sustainable program that could truly serve their participants.

Our Collaborative Approach

We partnered closely with Orion over several months to move from initial confusion to intentional action. Through collaborative planning and technical assistance, we co-created "Smart Money Foundations: Take Control of Your Money – No Matter Your Situation." Our support focused on building internal capacity by:

• Designing a Core Curriculum: Developing a four-class series covering budgeting, saving, goal setting, credit, and banking.
• Empowering Staff: Establishing a leadership structure with designated class coordinators at multiple locations and engaging 13 staff members in the overall project.
• Connecting Community: Integrating eight guest speakers to provide subject matter expertise and expand the participants' professional support networks.

Meaningful Impact

The pilot program launched in September across Orion’s Mukilteo and Auburn locations with exceptional results. By focusing on a relational and supportive learning environment, the program saw 26 participants successfully complete the series in addition to other great successes:

• High Engagement: One site achieved a 92% completion rate and the other a 78.5% completion rate.
• Cultural Growth: Beyond the participants, Orion staff attended the sessions to gain tools for providing ongoing, individual financial coaching.

Reflection

What began as a complex challenge evolved into a structured, impactful program. By centering on clarity and partnership, Orion Industries now possesses a robust framework for financial education that strengthens both their staff’s coaching capabilities and their participants' long-term well-being. With the completion of this pilot program of their Smart Money Foundations they have continued to offer this series to their program participants.  

“We were so grateful FEN was able to step in to provide all the guidance, class materials, guest speakers, and support to get this program up and running. Without their assistance, we would still be in the development phase, rather than scheduling all our classes for 2026.” - Karlina, Orion Industries

FEN provides custom, interactive, and engaging trainings to organizations who are looking to expand their financial education knoweldge and develop effective skills for money conversations. 

We can work with you to develop a customized training for your organization. Email us a hello@fenwa.org so we can talk more! 

Examples of trainings FEN can provide:

Navigating Your Money Story While Supporting Others

Many people feel hesitant to offer guidance when they are still navigating their own financial journeys. In this workshop, we will explore our personal money belief systems to build the self-awareness needed to lead with empathy. By understanding our own relationship with money, we can more confidently facilitate difficult financial conversations with others, even while navigating our own challenges.

Building a Foundation for Trauma Informed Financial Conversations

Money conversations are inherently vulnerable, especially when layered with trauma. This workshop explores how our personal histories shape these interactions. We will examine the physiological impact of trauma, identify its signs, and practice trauma-informed tools designed to facilitate financial healing while safeguarding against re-traumatization.

Demystifying Credit: Empowering Survivors Toward Long-Term independence

Economic abuse often leaves survivors with complex credit challenges, creating a significant barrier to long-term independence. This workshop demystifies the credit system, moving from confusion to clarity. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of credit and learn practical strategies to help survivors assess their reports, address damage, and make informed decisions that support their financial freedom.

Cultivating Financial Agency as a Tool for Safety

Financial security is often the invisible bridge between leaving and staying in a domestic violence situation. In this session, we will explore how financial safety planning can be a transformative part of the DV advocacy process. This workshop provides a clear, trauma-informed roadmap for financial safety planning and helping survivors understand their assets, debts and the resources available to them.