OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County is launching a program that will provide free, confidential financial coaching to residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting June 15, trained financial coaches will work with clients to assess their financial wellness, identify realistic budget goals and solutions, and create customized action plans for them to follow. Coaches will remain in close contact to monitor customer progress and keep them on track to enhanced financial security.
“Millions of people in our state impacted by COVID-19 have filed for unemployment over the past few months, including tens of thousands in our county,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “We know this has led to financial concerns for many residents. The trained financial coaches are ready to help people establish budgets and make other choices to help stabilize their finances. I thank the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for approving the funding for this critical program.”
Coaches will be available by phone and virtual appointment only.
Interested residents can schedule an appointment at 1-248-858-5520 or their nearest Oakland County Michigan Works! location. Oakland County Michigan Works! service centers will resume in-person appointments sometime later this year.
Program participants will receive budget guides and other resource materials to track their progress. Financial coaches also will make referrals to additional county and community resources as needed. Virtual and in-person financial wellness workshops are being planned as well.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with OLHSA to launch this important program during this time of uncertainty,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works! “Their financial coaches will bring a wealth of knowledge to this program, as well as a portfolio of programming and partnerships that will help ensure client success.”
Five financial coaches will be available to meet with residents and are assigned to work with the teams at the Oakland County Michigan Works! service centers, as well as the Oakland County Community & Home Improvement Division.
Financial coaching is one of many services Oakland County Michigan Works! offers to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic move forward from the crisis, Llewellyn said. It is expected many people will be looking for new career opportunities soon and the trained staff at Oakland County Michigan Works! offers counseling sessions on resume development and interviewing tips and techniques by phone and virtual appointment.
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