Get direct access to financial services and guidance at no cost.

Financial Empowerment Centers through the United Way are family-friendly places where hard-working people can access a range of financially empowering services to move out of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability.

Britepaths is the lead nonprofit partner with the United Way of the National Capital Area and Fairfax County managing the Financial Empowerment Center at South County (FECSoCo). The center opened in the summer of 2017 for residents in Fairfax County. Since then it has provided services to residents throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.

Services are free and available to the public.

Free Services Include:

• Financial Coaching
• Workforce Development Coaching and workshops
• Tax Preparation Consulting (year-round) and VITA Income Tax Assistance (Jan-Apr)
• Small Business Consulting and workshops
• Classes and workshops

Click Here to learn more or contact the FEC at 703-704-6101.

Britepaths’ Workforce Development program helps Northern Virginia job seekers navigate the job search process and find meaningful employment. It is designed to work with under or unemployed men and women in an individualized and coordinated way to ensure that their workforce development needs are met. All services are free and are offered virtually until further notice.

In partnership with the Financial Empowerment Center at South County (FECSoCo), our Workforce Development offerings include:

• Workforce Coaching: one-on-one meetings to assist with resume review, interview preparation, job search guidance, and identifying career training programs or educational resources. Sign Up Here for a virtual Coaching Session Spanish sessions are also provided.
• Avenues to Career Training: AWS re/Start or Google IT training courses. Click Here for more information
• Network Up: A short-term mentoring program that matches a job seeker with a professional in the same or similar field. Click Here for more information
• Classes and Workshops at FECSoCo: The Financial Empowerment Center offers classes and workshops for job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout the year. Click Here to view offerings and register

By Alan Tom

Always keep an eye out for predatory lenders! When I hear this phrase, I think of a lion about to attack its prey. Predatory lenders are companies that provide loans to individuals, but at rates and at terms that are very expensive and often difficult to manage. There are several essential things to look out for that will help you identify a predatory loan.

First, be sure to do your basic research on the lender’s company name. You can find helpful feedback from the Better Business Bureau on most businesses, so perhaps start there. You can also Google the business, ask trusted friends and family or ask other lenders you have worked with. Essentially, know the party that is approaching you!

Secondly, pay careful attention to the upfront and ongoing fees associated with a predatory loan. If the upfront and ongoing fees feel high and difficult to manage, they probably are! Always compare it to other loans you may have received in the past or loans and terms from other reputable lenders, and read the fine print. Never sign something that you have not read completely because hidden fees are often buried in the fine print.

Lastly, predatory loans often have repayment terms that are difficult to manage. If you feel you are being asked to pay back a loan in a very quick timeframe
(including both principal and interest), then be sure to take a step back. When you sign up for loans, it should be under repayment terms that are manageable for you and your specific situation. 

Unsure about a loan offer? The Financial Empowerment Center at South County can help! Schedule a free, confidential, virtual appointment with a Financial Coach and let our experts help you assess your situation and options. To schedule, an appointment for a financial coaching session click here.

Lorton Community Center Open Hire Event, Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Open Hire will take place at Lorton Senior Center, 7722 Gunston Plaza, Lorton, VA 22079

Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, Community Health Resource Fair, Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 1086 Elden Street, Herdon
English
Spanish
 

• MCCP – dental screenings
• Lions Club – Vision screenings
• GMU MAP Clinic – school physicals
• Neighborhood Health – COVID-19 vaccines for 5+-year-olds & adults (first, second, and booster shots)

See attached flyer for more info

• FCHD continues to partner with Curative to provide free COVID testing. In HHS 1 those locations are:
  • Richard Byrd Library – Weds and Saturdays
  • Groveton Baptist church – Weds and Saturdays

See the updated flyer for info on locations/days/hours.