The Money Matters Program (MM$) is run in partnership with Momentum Calgary. The program’s goal is to get individuals to the point where they are successfully managing their own money.
The Financial Administration (FA) program includes a Financial Education component. JFSC is one of three Calgary agencies offering this program along with YWCA and The Calgary John Howard Society.
The Money Matters Financial Administration (FA) Program:
- Provides one-to-one support for up to two years.
- Directly manages participants' finances as an informal trustee. Money is managed from a separate bank account to ensure things like rent and bills are paid.
- The arrangement is voluntary, and monthly budgets are developed in collaboration with participants.
- Offers a range of services to meet the participant’s financial needs, including assistance with opening and maintaining a bank account; assistance with bill payment and developing methods to be able to manage their bills on their own; and access to the Financial Education component.
- Supports participants in addressing debts and creates a debt management plan as needed. If the nature or severity of financial challenges is too great, referrals may be made to outside services such as Credit Counselling Society Calgary, Money Mentors or a bankruptcy trustee.
- Works with participants to review their progress and adjust goals and strategies where necessary.
Financial Education component:
This component should begin within 6 months of starting the program and is ongoing. Financial Education training:
- A series of seven, two-hour workshops on topics such as money personality, budgeting, credit, debt management, assets, banking, and consumerism.
- Workshops are offered through Momentum and can be taken online or in-person.
- Provides activities for cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative support
- Builds connections and relationships
- Provides access to professional support and advocacy
Since 2004, Momentum has worked with people living with mental health and/or substance use challenges to increase their personal financial management skills with the goal of ensuring sustainable independent living.
We meet clients in the community, in their homes or at our offices.
Eligibility: Adults 18 years of age or older who:
- Identify as living with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
- Are able to meet with a Financial Administrator to complete intake process and then minimum of one meeting a month.
- Have willingness and the ability to use online banking to accept E-Transfers.
- Currently have stable housing and a source of income.
- Are willing and able to complete the Financial Education workshops (ideally within the first 6 months of program enrollment).
Referral: Can be self-referred or through a professional
Fee for Service: None
Contact us: 403-287-3510