Financial Mentoring

Program information

Two women looking and a laptop and smiling

Meet virtually with a mentor to get answers to your pressing financial questions
Gain an understanding of your financial health and set goals for the future
Check in monthly with your mentor to discuss and accelerate your financial journey

What mentees are saying

The following are messages from survivors in our mentorship program.

The prior gaslighting cut my confidence down to brain fog that would affect even my motor skills. I got that back. I have clear focus and sharp critical thinking again, successfully meeting complex problems with innovative solutions. Therapy didn’t help me get that back. The empowerment this program was built for did.

I feel like I have a therapist but for my finances

[I got] reassurance that I can reach financial stability for myself and children.

I don't feel so alone when it comes to making budget or financial decisions for me and my kids.

At the sessions end, I felt worthy and capable from her validation of character and thoughtful words of encouragement.

[My mentor] was able to help me keep myself accountable. Investing in myself is self care. Getting my resume updated, is showing myself self care. Going for that desired job(s) is showing myself self care.

Knowing that [a good future] is possible and likely, it makes me appreciate the present moment that I get to make my own because I am not actively being forced into a state of reactivity by a mental sadist/emotional vampire anymore. I have the peace I need for the mindfulness I want.

[I] put my first $100 into a savings account!

Get paired with a mentor

Sign-ups are open!

We are currently welcoming survivors based in Oregon to join our financial mentoring! As our funding and volunteer base grows, we aspire to expand this program to other states.

10/10

Average net promoter score (e.g. how likely are you to refer friend or colleague) from survivor participants in 2024

100%

of survivors participants in 2024 reported an increase in financial confidence and stability

9/10

Average degree to which mentoring increased survivor participants' financial confidence in 2024

Frequently asked questions

What is financial mentoring?

Financial mentors empower you to build financial skills and improve your financial health. They often help clients manage expenses, build savings, reduce debt, and navigate public assistance benefits.

Who is eligible for financial mentoring?

Anyone who self identifies as a survivor of domestic abuse or stalking in Oregon is eligible for FinAbility’s financial mentoring program.

We define a survivor of domestic abuse as someone who has experienced physical, emotional, financial, or psychological harm from a current or former intimate partner, family member, caregiver, or household member. This includes individuals who have survived intimate partner violence, elder abuse, or grew up in a home with abuse.

This is a trust-based program—if you identify as a survivor, we believe you. You can join regardless of how long you have been separated from your harm-doer.

Do sessions happen virtually or in person?

Financial mentoring sessions take place virtually over Zoom.

How long is this program?

As long as you need! There’s no time limit on how long you can meet with your financial mentor.

Can I do financial mentoring anonymously?

In order to coordinate mentoring sessions, we will need to share your email with the financial mentor you are paired with. However, you are not required to provide any other identifying information and are welcome to use a pseudonym.

How are financial mentors selected?

All financial mentors must pass a screening interview, skills proficiency assessment, and background check in order to volunteer with FinAbility. Our screening process not only assesses mentors' professional qualifications but also evaluates if they uphold FinAbility's values of integrity, courage, and humility.

Additionally, we require financial mentors to complete 10 hours of training on how to provide trauma-informed support to survivors.

How frequent are mentoring sessions?

Session frequency is determined by each mentor-mentee pair. We recommend meeting anywhere from weekly to once every two months.

How long are mentoring sessions?

Sessions are typically 60 minutes depending on your needs and scheduling preferences.

How long until I'm paired with a mentor?

We are working to onboard new financial mentoring asquickly as safely possible. If you completed our interest form, we will let youknow as soon as a mentor is available to be paired with you. Matching is first-come first-served, based on when you completed the interest form.

How does FinAbility provide this service at no cost?

FinAbility is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through individual donors, community grants, and corporate sponsors. We can provide financial mentoring at no cost thanks to the generosity of our local community and volunteers from partners like the Autzen Foundation, First Tech Federal Credit Union, and OnPoint Community Credit Union.

Still have questions about mentoring? Get in touch

Your impact can be powerful!

The following are messages from survivors in our mentorship program.

I feel like I have a therapist but for my finances

[I got] reassurance that I can reach financial stability for myself and children.

I don't feel so alone when it comes to making budget or financial decisions for me and my kids.

At the sessions' end, I felt worthy and capable from her validation of character and thoughtful words of encouragement.

[I] put my first $100 into a savings account!

About being a mentor

Responsibilities
- Help your mentee navigate topics like budgeting, credit building, and debt management
- Utilize a trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach
- Support fellow mentors seeking advice on how to best support their mentee
Commitment
- 15 hours of self-paced training and onboarding
- 3 to 5 hours a month (depending on how frequently your mentee wants to meet)
- Commitment of at least one year of volunteering, supporting a minimum of one mentee per quarter

9.6/10

Average mentor net promoter score (e.g. how likely are you to refer a friend)

9.6/10

Average rating of how rewarding mentors found their volunteer experience

100%

of mentors felt they had the tools, training, and support needed to be effective

Ready to make an impact?

Complete our mentor application