The Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center (MVFEC) recently celebrated its first full year of operation by reviewing what it has done during a gathering of community members, organization advocates, and local leaders.
The center operates at the Mount Vernon Career Center at 130 Mount Vernon Ave., and involves a partnership that includes the City of Mount Vernon, Mercy University, Westchester County and key community organizations.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “This Financial Empowerment Center is here because we heard directly from the community that people need practical steps, tools, and accountability partners to help them get their finances in order — to save money, buy houses, open businesses, pay for their children to go to college, and prepare for their retirement. So, we are here to support people as families, as workers, as businesses, in all the neighborhoods of Westchester.”
The center offers professional financial education through one-on-one financial counseling as well as workshops on various financial topics. All services are offered free of charge to residents of Westchester County regardless of income. Professionally trained and certified counselors help residents manage their finances, create budgets, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products.
According to OJ Yizar, manager of the Mount Vernon Career Center, “Housing the Financial Employment Center (FEC) inside the Mount Vernon Career Center allows individuals receiving employment services from Career Center staff to simultaneously access support from FEC staff to build a path toward financial stability. This co-location enables a streamlined, efficient environment that provides convenience and overall support that people really appreciate.”
Among those attending were Ashley Britton, program manager of the MVFEC, and Kristin Greenwood, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Mercy University.
Thom Kleiner, executive director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board said, “It’s extremely difficult to stay focused and look for a job when faced with the threat of eviction, mounting credit card debts, or other significant financial challenges our job seekers may face. The expert staff at the FEC supports individuals seeking financial guidance, who can then easily connect with our employment counselors for career coaching and the training needed to achieve stability and long-term success. Likewise, our counselors can confidently refer clients to the FEC. It’s a strong, seamless partnership.”
