Economic
Empowerment

Empowering families to realize their potential

A little support goes a long way in helping today’s families flourish. Economic and social stressors can make it tough to focus on relationships, finances and parenting. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn, especially if you don’t have a strong support network in place. At Metropolitan Family Service, we equip families with the tools to succeed.

students at Economic Empowerment event

Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, especially when it comes to managing your money. It only takes a few stumbles to get off course. And it can be really tough to bounce back.

By offering one-on-one consultations and workshops, we help families develop knowledge around budgeting, saving, debt management and credit information.

We coach them on how to set and reach their financial goals. We help them get back on track for a more secure future.

Sandra Jones
Director of Program Collaborations
(503) 232-0007, ext. 104

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT 101
April 3rd / 6:30pm - 8:30pm / virtual workshop (Zoom link)

PORTLAND ELECTRIC WAYS TO WORK

With the increasing popularity of electric cars, MFS is responding by adapting our Ways to Work program to focus on helping underserved communities access lower carbon vehicles (EVs, PHEVs and hybrids) and e-bikes. For over 15 years, MFS’s Ways to Work program has helped low income, credit challenged working families and individuals obtain affordable, safe auto loans, while reducing the purchase price and maintenance costs associated with owning a vehicle.

NEED A LIFT?

Portland Electric Ways to Work Team
(503) 232-0007 x104

WAYS TO SAVE

How can you pay for college or vocational training when you don’t have the money? We offer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to participants who are already receiving services through other programs at Metropolitan Family Service, which allows them to create a savings plan where every dollar saved is matched. This helps MFS participants achieve their dreams of attending and affording college or enrolling in vocational training programs; save for retirement, a rental deposit, a home repair, or to purchase a vehicle.

The MFS IDA program is a partnership with the Oregon IDA Initiative.

Please note: The Ways to Save program is currently unable to accept new clients.

Ways to Save Team
(503) 232-0007 x103

“Metropolitan Family Service paid for my training to be a medical interpreter.”

— Dora, Economic Empowerment Client

CAREER COACHING

The MFS Career Coaching Program is designed to help low-income community members participate more fully in the economy through employment and education opportunities. The program is open to adults who are 18 years or older living in the Reynolds and David Douglas School district areas. Participants will meet one-on-one with career mentors to work on career planning and mapping and be assisted with the transition back to work or to a more fulfilling career opportunity. In addition, participants are able to take part in our wider offerings of financial capability services. Clients must reside in Reynolds or David Douglas School District. This work is part of the Multnomah County funded Successful Families Initiative in David Douglas School District and Albina Rockwood Promise Neighborhood Initiative in Reynolds School District.

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Natalie Mitchell
Career Readiness & Financial Coaching Coordinator
(503) 560-0592

SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT COACHING

In partnership with Prosper Portland, provides one-on-one coaching to small business owners whose credit scores affect their ability to borrow and grow their businesses.

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Leah Voit
Economic Justice Coordinator
(503) 232-0007 x103

CASH OREGON

Free Tax Support

MFS CASH Oregon supports Earned Income Tax Credit outreach and free tax preparation programs. We provide low income families and individuals from every community and background in Oregon with the tools and resources to begin building solid financial futures.

MFS CASH Oregon is supported through IRS VITA, and done partnership with AARP Tax-Aide.

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Riley Eldridge
Director
MFS CASH Oregon
(971) 386-3276

YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The MFS Youth Internship Program creates opportunities for young people to engage in impactful activities that contribute to their community. Through work-based learning, connections with local professional mentors, and immersive career exploration experiences, participants not only gain valuable economic empowerment skills. Join us in fostering a dynamic environment where youth actively invest in their community while shaping their own promising futures.

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MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

VIDEO

ARTICLES

  • Coins Club - A class teaching young students financial literacy skills: including currency, forms of exchange, community focused reciprocity. We teach how budgeting and saving applies not just to money, but also to time and energy.

SOCIAL