Financial Empowerment Center Marks First Year of Impact with Community Celebration

The Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center (MVFEC) hosted its Year in Review & Financial Empowerment Impact Celebration on Wednesday, January 21st, bringing together community partners, advocates, and local leaders to reflect on the Center’s first year of service and its growing impact across Mount Vernon and Westchester County. The Center operates through a partnership between the City of Mount Vernon, Mercy University, Westchester County and key community organization. It is located in the Mount Vernon Career Center.

The event highlighted the Center’s accomplishments over the past year celebrating milestones achieved by clients and counselors alike, while also examining lessons learned to inform future efforts to increase public awareness of the Center’s free services and to break down barriers that may inhibit residents from taking action and making an appointment.

The Center offers professional financial education through one-on-one financial counseling as well as workshops on various financial topics and all services are offered free of charge to residents of Westchester County regardless of income. Professionally trained and certified FEC counselors help residents manage their finances, create budgets, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Ashley Britton, Program Manager of the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center, followed by remarks from Dr. Kristin Greenwood, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mercy University. Dr. Greenwood highlighted the importance of the partnership between Mercy University and the City of Mount Vernon, recognizing their shared commitment to advancing financial stability and economic opportunity for Westchester residents.

Ms. Britton then introduced Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, who reflected on the Financial Empowerment Center’s first year, acknowledged distinguished guests, and emphasized the Center’s positive impact on the Mount Vernon community, noting its role in helping residents reduce financial stress and build long-term financial security.

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “This Financial Empowerment Center is here because we heard directly from the community that people need practical steps, tools, and accountability partners to help them get their finances in order—to save money, buy houses, open businesses, pay for their children to go to college, and prepare for their retirement. So, we are here to support people as families, as workers, as businesses, in all the neighborhoods of Westchester.”

Offering a countywide perspective, Thom Kleiner, Executive Director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, spoke about the strategic advantage of having the MVFEC located within the Career Center, underscoring the importance of financial literacy initiatives in strengthening the workforce across Westchester.

Thom Kleiner said, “It’s extremely difficult to stay focused and look for a job when faced with the threat of eviction, mounting credit card debts, or other significant financial challenges our job seekers may face. The expert staff at the FEC supports individuals seeking financial guidance, who can then easily connect with our employment counselors for career coaching and the training needed to achieve stability and long-term success. Likewise, our counselors can confidently refer clients to the FEC. It’s a strong, seamless partnership.”

OJ Yizar, Mount Vernon Career Center Manager said, “Housing the Financial Employment Center (FEC) inside the Mount Vernon Career Center allows individuals receiving employment services from Career Center staff to simultaneously access support from FEC staff to build a path toward financial stability. This co-location enables a streamlined, efficient environment that provides convenience and overall support that people really appreciate.”

The program continued with highlights and recognitions led by Ms. Britton, who shared key accomplishments, client success stories, recognized MVFEC staff and acknowledged OJ Yizar and her staff for their help in promoting the MVFEC to their customers, and all contributors whose work has driven the Center’s success. Marlon Molina, Government Manager at the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center, then presented data and outcomes from the Center’s first year, and the role of Bloomberg Philanthropies in the development of a master national system that is tracking statistics that is going to help tell the story of what's happening in the community while keeping all confidential data secure.

Britton presented a customer case study:

“In just three months of working with financial coach, Bethsaida Garcia, I’ve experienced a powerful transformation both financially and personally. With Bethsaida’s guidance, my monthly student loan payment was successfully negotiated from $550 down to $214.20. Out of seven credit cards, I’ve already paid off five, leaving just two remaining, and I now have a clear plan to eliminate them. I’ve also been actively budgeting, which has helped me stay consistent and confident with my finances. My credit score increased from 588 in November to 663 by January 2026. This February, I’ll be paying off my car loan in full, freeing up an additional $300 each month in my budget. Beyond the numbers, the biggest change has been my confidence. Working with Bethsaida has empowered me to take control of my finances and believe in what’s possible for my financial future and now I’m living it.” Carolyn B.

The Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center is commitment to expanding equitable access to financial resources and strengthening partnerships that support long-term economic security for individuals and families throughout Westchester County. For more information visit https://mountvernonfec.org/ or call (914) 813 -7335. Appointments can also be scheduled online. The Center is located at 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.

About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)

The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting-edge experience with large-scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund currently partners with more than 145 cities and counties, and has disbursed over $70 million to local governments and partners to support these efforts. For more information, visit https://cfefund.org or follow the CFE Fund on Bluesky at @cfefund.bsky.social. Learn more about the FEC Public initiative at www.fecpublic.org.

About the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB)

The WPWDB is comprised of leaders from state and county government, nonprofit organizations, education, and the private sector who work collaboratively to strengthen partnerships between business, education, and service providers. Through the Career Center Network, WPWDB supports youth, adults, and employers with training, resources, and workforce solutions across Westchester and Putnam counties. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top-notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world-changing nonprofits, and cutting-edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com.