Financial literacy is about more than numbers. Through a partnership with Financial Beginnings, Catholic Charities of Oregon is helping women at Kenton Women’s Village build confidence, set goals, and take meaningful steps toward financial stability.
Talking about money isn’t always easy.
For many of the women at Kenton Women’s Village, it can feel especially complicated. It’s shaped by past experiences, limited access, or simply never having had the opportunity to learn the basics. That’s what makes Catholic Charities of Oregon’s partnership with Financial Beginnings so impactful.
Together, we’re creating space for something simple, but powerful. We’re creating honest conversations about money and providing the tools to move forward with confidence.
A Different Approach to Financial Literacy
Financial Beginnings is a national nonprofit, founded in Portland in 2005, with a mission to empower people to take control of their financial futures. Through a network of more than 3,000 trained volunteers, they deliver financial education in all 50 states.
At Catholic Charities, we’re using their Forward program, designed specifically for adults facing financial instability.
“This work is about more than budgets and bank accounts,” said Ryan Weber, Program Partnerships Coordinator for Oregon. “It’s about building trust, removing the barriers to talking about money, and empowering people who may not have had control of their finances in the past.”
For many participants, those barriers run deep.
“There can be real trauma around money,” Weber said. “Even the idea of having money—or managing it—can feel overwhelming.”
Starting with Trust
At Kenton Women’s Village, the course is led by volunteer instructor Jamie Steiskal, a branch manager and assistant vice president at WaFd Bank, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the classroom.
The course was designed as a four-week series, but quickly expanded to five sessions to allow more time for connection and conversation.
It begins not with numbers, but with reflection.
“We start by asking, how did you learn about money growing up?” Steiskal said. “That first session is really about listening. Everyone’s story is different, and it shapes how they approach money today.”
From there, the course builds step by step:
- Envisioning goals and defining what participants want their lives to look like
- Identifying resources and opportunities, from employment to public benefits
- Learning how to build and manage a budget
- Practicing how to prioritize expenses when real life doesn’t go as planned
For Steiskal, the goal is both practical and deeply human.
“I want them to walk away with some hope,” she said. “Everything is very expensive right now. It’s easy to feel stuck. But having even one piece of your life that you can take control of—that matters.”
Meeting People Where They Are
Participants come to the course with a wide range of experiences.
Some have never had the chance to manage their own finances. Others are rebuilding after financial setbacks, job loss, or major life transitions. Many are navigating extremely limited incomes.
“There’s not always a lot of flexibility,” Steiskal said. “So we focus on what is possible. That might mean connecting someone to benefits, exploring training programs, or helping them take the first steps toward building credit.”
Just as important as the curriculum is the ongoing support. While the course itself is time-limited, Steiskal keeps the door open.
“I tell them, I’m here if you have questions,” she said. “Whether it’s about banking, credit, or just figuring out next steps.”
What Participants Are Taking Away
For participants, the impact is tangible.
“The sessions were very informative, and I found Jamie to be extremely knowledgeable,” shared Helen Anderson, a recent participant. “I now have a much greater understanding of how to budget, track my spending, and prioritize my financial goals. I feel better equipped to manage debt and focus on increasing my savings.”
For others, the experience is more personal.
One participant noted that even talking about finances openly can be emotional—something the course makes space for, without judgment.
That openness is part of what makes the program work.
Building Toward Stability
Financial literacy isn’t a quick fix. It’s a foundation.
Through this partnership, Catholic Charities is helping women build the knowledge, confidence, and support systems they need to move toward greater stability—on their own terms.
Courses at Kenton Women’s Village are expected to continue twice a year because when people have the tools to understand their finances, they have a path forward.