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Kiera Ford (Submitted)<\/p>\nUnited Way of Erie County has announced the continued expansion of its Financial Empowerment Initiative through the addition of experienced educators, according to a news release.<\/p>\n
The addition follows the successful completion of its first workshop earlier this year, where facilitators and financial professionals helped individuals and families strengthen their financial knowledge, built confidence and created pathways toward long-term stability, the release said.<\/p>\n
The initiative focuses on providing accessible, practical financial literacy education throughout Erie and Huron counties areas where the United Way serves through workshops, community conversations and hands-on learning opportunities, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Kiera Ford (Submitted)<\/p>\n
Programming centers on topics including budgeting, saving, credit improvement, debt management, banking, investing, and long-term financial planning, with a strong emphasis on supporting ALICE households \u2014 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt United Way of Erie County, we believe financial literacy is one of the most important tools for creating long-term stability and opportunity,\u201d said E.J. Brinson, executive director of United Way of Erie County, in the release. \u201cWe are intentionally bringing together educators, facilitators and financial professionals who can connect with people in meaningful ways and provide practical knowledge that helps individuals and families make informed financial decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cALICE households deserve more than short term solutions, they deserve access to knowledge, opportunity, strategy and a community willing to walk alongside them. This work is about equipping people with tools, confidence and support they can apply in everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expanded initiative includes workshops, educational programming and collaborative community partnerships designed to make financial education more accessible and engaging throughout Erie County.<\/p>\n
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Sophia Jackson (Submitted)<\/p>\n
Workshops are being offered in collaboration with local churches, nonprofits and agency partners to ensure programming remains trusted, community centered and accessible to residents where they already feel connected and supported, the release said.<\/p>\n
Participants who complete designated workshops may become eligible for additional supportive resources connected to United Way of Erie County\u2019s pillars of health, education and financial stability.<\/p>\n
These resources are designed to help individuals and families navigate barriers that may impact their ability to remain stable, continue their education, maintain employment or address urgent household needs.<\/p>\n
Facilitators<\/p>\n
Joining the initiative is Kiera Ford, an educator, writer and community leader with more than a decade of experience in education, curriculum design, strategic communication and community engagement.<\/p>\n
A graduate of Sandusky High School, Miami University, Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas, Ford is passionate about creating educational opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities, the release said.<\/p>\n
Ford will support the initiative through workshop facilitation, curriculum development, and community outreach efforts focused on helping residents build practical financial skills and confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinancial stability goes beyond bank accounts and portfolios,\u201d she said in the release. \u201cIt offers a freedom that is physical, mental and emotional \u2014 and that type of freedom is power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sophia Jackson, an educational consultant, facilitator and community educator with more than 25 years of experience supporting students, families, nonprofits and educational institutions across public schools, higher education and home education settings, will speak.<\/p>\n
Jackson earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.<\/p>\n
Currently, she is an adjunct instructor and partners with nonprofits and schools to increase access to financial literacy education and empowerment resources that support long-term stability and self-sufficiency.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis work matters to me because I\u2019ve seen how financial instability impacts entire families,\u201d Jackson said in the release. \u201cFinancial empowerment gives people the tools and education to break cycles of crisis and build stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I connect people to knowledge and resources, I know we\u2019re investing in generational change.\u201d<\/p>\n
The initiative will also include collaboration with Ben Haraway, an Edward Jones financial advisor based in Sandusky.<\/p>\n
Haraway, who has a background as a CPA and a degree from Ashland University, specializes in helping individuals and families understand long-term financial planning, investing and wealth-building strategies.<\/p>\n
Haraway will contribute to the initiative through educational workshops and community conversations focused on helping residents better understand investing, retirement planning and financial decision-making.<\/p>\n
His professional experience and approachable teaching style will support United Way\u2019s goal of making financial education practical, accessible, and relevant for individuals and families at every stage of life.<\/p>\n