MakingChange had a record year in FY18, helping 2,161 people manage their money and change their lives through financial wellness programs.
The Howard County nonprofit’s Financial Education Seminars served 1,275 participants. The 92 seminars focused on budgeting, understanding credit, and savings, among other topics.
Personal Financial Coaching was offered to 143 clients who were interested in addressing their specific financial concerns. These clients attended 406 sessions, and 78% created an action plan to achieve their financial goals.
MakingChange also prepared free tax returns for 743 people who visited the MultiService Center in Laurel or the NonProfit Collaborative of Howard County in Columbia. The 22 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers worked 1,500 hours to offer the free service.
In addition, the Housing Counseling Program helped 269 households, one or more of whose members attended the First Time Homebuyer Program, which consists of 6-hour group and two hours of one-on-one counseling. The program complies with HUD, Maryland Mortgage Program and the Moderate Income Housing Unit program guidelines for participants.
