A $200,000 grant to the United Way of Forsyth County will help low- and moderate- income residents receive financial coaching and enhance their financial skills. The grant is part of the Financial Capability Network (FCN), a partnership between United Way and Wells Fargo. Established in 2012 with a five-year, $5 million Wells Fargo grant, the network aims to strengthen the financial stability of individuals and families in Forsyth County and seven other communities across the country.
Piloting strategies like coaching, financial wellness classes and budget workshops, the Financial Capability Network’s goal is to better equip individuals and families to make financial decisions that will improve short-term cash flow and long-term financial stability. In Forsyth County, the FCN program is called The Point, a mobile financial stability unit that brings services directly to residents, schools, neighborhoods, community events and places of worship.
In addition to the national grant, our local Wells Fargo donated $25,000 to The Point. The Point is operated by Financial Pathways of the Piedmont and managed in conjunction with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina and Experiment in Self Reliance, all long-time partners of the United Way. The vehicle is outfitted with computers, internet access and the software needed to provide clients with an array of services, including: credit and debt counselling, financial education, free tax preparation, job training and preparation, information about banking services, assistance with financial aid applications for students applying to college, and asset building services.