• Orcas Money Smart 2026-2027

    Orcas Money Smart is a 7-month financial wellness program designed to help participants build financial confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and work toward greater financial stability. Through practical education, individualized mentoring, and a supportive learning community, participants develop the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions that align with their own goals and values.

    Topics include budgeting, saving, banking, credit, debt, housing decisions, disaster preparedness, consumer protection, and planning for the future.

    Each participant is paired with a trained volunteer mentor who provides encouragement accountability and individualized support as participants create and work toward their own SMART goals. The mentor relationship is collaborative and participant-driven, recognizing that every person's financial journey is unique.

    Our program is groundend in the principles of respect, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. We recognize that financial experiences are shaped by many life circumstances, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where participants feel safe, supported, and free from judgment.

    Participants who attend all class sessions, actively engage with their mentor, and complete their individualized SMART goals will receive a completion bonus in recognition of their commitment and hard work.

  • CLASS SCHEDULE

    Classes meet the first and third Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm.

    2026

    • October 5
    • October 19
    • November 2
    • November 16
    • December 7
    • December 21

    2027

    • January 4
    • January 18
    • February 1
    • February 15
    • March 1
    • March 29 (Celebration & Graduation)

  • PROGRAM VALUES

    Orcas Money Smart is built on the belief that everyone deserves access to financial knowledge and the opportunity to build a more secure future.

    Throughout the program we strive to create an environment that is:

    • Welcoming and emotionally safe 
    • Respectful of each participant's lived experience
    • Free of judgment or shame
    • Collaborative rather than prescriptive
    • Flexible and responsive to individual needs
    • Focused on strengths, resilience, and personal growth

    Participants are never expected to share personal financial information beyond what they are comfortable discussing.

  • IMPORTANT DETAILS

    • All conversations are treated with respect and confidentiality.
    • Instructors and mentors provide encouragement-not judgment.
    • Snacks and beverages are provided at every class. 
    • Class size is limited to 10 participants to allow meaningful discussion and individualized support. 
    • You do not need to be an Orcas Community Resource Center client to participate.

  • CONTACT INFORMATION

  • Enrollment Questions

    These questions help us understand how to best support participants and ensure the program is a good fit. There are no right or wrong answers.

  • Are you able to attend classes on the first and third Monday of each month from October 2026 through March 2027?*
  • Are you able to meet with a mentor at least twice per month?*
  • Is there anything that might make participating in the program difficult? Our staff will work with you whenever possible to identify supports or accommodations.*
  • How would you describe your current financial situation?*
  • May we contact you after the program to learn how you're doing and improve future programs?
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