Financial Empowerment Center

The Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. Our financial counselors are trained and certified by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help you navigate complex financial challenges and reach your financial goals. This service is offered to all Central Ohio adults, free of charge, through a partnership with Jewish Family Services and the City of Columbus.

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DECREASE DEBT

Develop a personalized plan to overcome the cycle of debt and work towards becoming debt free.

IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Review your credit report and learn new strategies for building your credit score

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BANKING

Learn how to open a safe and affordable bank account and use it to your benefit

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SAVINGS

Set savings goals and establish healthy savings habits

schedule an appointment with a financial counselor

New Clients

Returning Clients

FREE TAX PREPARATION CLINIC

The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center, in partnership with United Way Tax Time, presents a Free Tax Preparation Clinic. The entire event is offered at no cost.

Saturday, February 11, 10:00AM-3:00PM at Linden Community Center
1350 Briarwood Ave, Columbus

Saturday, March 11, 10:00AM-3:00PM at Westgate Community Center
455 S Westgate Ave, Columbus

Saturday, May 6, 10:00AM-3:00PM at Driving Park Community Center*
1100 Rhoads Ave. Columbus
*for late filers

We invite you to join us for:

Tax preparation by an IRS trained and certified Tax Preparer for individuals/families earning under $60,000 per year.
A workshop (noon -1pm) presented by Chris Blakely, CFP: “Your Financial Future – The Path to Financial Health”. Chris Blakely brings decades of experience to the team at the Financial Empowerment Center. In this workshop, she will walk participants through steps to follow to improve your financial wellness. She will guide you through strategies related to setting goals, managing credit and debt, saving money, and more. All workshop attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a Kroger gift card. Sign up for the workshop here.
A Resource fair with community organizations who offer financial resources
Food for event participants

To learn more or schedule an appointment for tax prep call 614-237-9675 or email [email protected].

Meet the Financial Counselors

Tami Saunders is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Sociology. She has a long history of coaching individuals to navigate challenging circumstances successfully. Tami is passionate about empowering her clients with the building block of financial wellness in order to enrich their lives.

Marcia Slekitis earned her MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella University. She brings a strong level of compassion and years of experience in counseling and coaching individuals through positive connections. Marcia is an organized and empathetic professional who is passionate about helping people meet their financial goals. She speaks Brazilian Portuguese, English, and intermediate level Spanish.

The Financial Empowerment Center is a collaborative partnership between the City of Columbus and Jewish Family Services.