Virginia Cooperative Extension is seeking volunteers who are interested in helping families learn skills to manage their finances more effectively. Master Financial Education Volunteers receive 30 hours of in-depth training, after which they agree to provide a minimum of 50 hours of service to the program. Their Winter 2019 Master Financial Education Volunteer training will begin on March 6th every Wednesday in Winchester for nine weeks. Volunteers can choose to attend from 1‐4 p.m. or 6‐9 p.m. or mix and match sessions to suit their schedule. Bi-lingual volunteers are especially needed.
Master Financial Education Volunteers (MFEVs) receive training on topics such as budgeting, credit, banking, insurance, and debt management, as well as communications skills, group facilitation, community resources, etc. Volunteers can be involved in a variety of ways, including team-teaching money management classes, working with small groups, or assisting with an array of tasks, such as marketing, grant writing, data entry, and staffing special events. Extension Agent, Karen Poff, says of the program, “People from all walks of life can benefit from financial education. Whether people just want to improve their knowledge of money management or are struggling to make ends meet, our volunteers are here to help.” Potential volunteers must complete an application and agree to reference checks and a background check in order to participate.
The goal of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial program is to promote self-sufficiency by strengthening personal finances through education. People who understand financial management well are better able to avoid financial problems, live within their means, maintain stable housing, and provide for themselves through retirement. One former learning partner commented after completing financial mentoring, ““I truly believe that the program has turned my financial problems around . . . It brought me great pleasure working with [my volunteer] . . . Thanks for believing in me.” If you are interested in helping make a difference in someone’s life through financial education, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! If you would like additional information on volunteering or to receive an application, contact Karen Poff by e-mail at kpoff@vt.edu or by phone at 540-635-4549. Potential volunteers can also learn more about our programs by visiting us athttp://warren.ext.vt.edu/programs/nsvfep.html(website) orhttp://www.facebook.com/nsvfinancialeducation(Facebook page).
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Karen Poff by calling your local office to discuss accommodations at least 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.