$.A.F.E.

Mission Statement
Strategies for Attaining Financial Empowerment,
Join the $.A.F.E.
$.A.F.E., strives to build self-efficacy within
communities by providing the knowledge, tools,
Program Today!
and resources necessary to promote financial
To learn more, call 330.297.7027 ext. 351
stability. The program is committed to
empowering individuals and raising communities Knowledge is Power. Get Educated.
out of poverty through financial literacy.
Get $.A.F.E.!

Family & Community Services

The $.A.F.E. program is in its pilot year at Family
& Community Services, Inc. F&CS is one of the
largest non-profit, social service agencies in North-
east Ohio. It provides programs and supportive
services to individuals and families having
difficulties coping with the basics of living.

Need for Financial Literacy

An estimated 31 percent of all Ohio households
are not considered financially self-sufficient,
even though the majority of these families are
employed. Poor wages, the increasing cost of
gasoline, utilities, groceries, and the lack of
knowledge in household financial management,
all demonstrate the importance of financial
literacy. Financial
literacy education
and awareness is
essential in creating
financial stability. Family & Community Services, Inc.
The $.A.F.E. Attn: VISTA $.A.F.E.
program is dedicated 705 Oakwood St., Ste. 205
Ravenna, OH 44266 Serving Portage, Stark, Summit,
to helping these ph: 330.297.7027 ext. 351 Tuscarawas, and Columbiana Counties
individuals gain fax: 330.296.2684
EmpowerPortage.com/SAFE
with free financial
financial freedom. e-mail: vista@portagefamilies.org education courses
$.A.F.E. Classes
$.A.F.E. classes will provide the
knowledge and support necessary for
participants to become self-sufficient by
understanding all aspects of their
finances. Curriculum was formed by
Consumer Credit Counseling Services,
accredited by the National Foundation
for Credit Counseling, and Kent State
University’s accounting and finance
fraternity, Beta Alpha Psi.
Don’t miss out on your chance at
financial freedom!
Basic Budgets
» Create a family budget
» Learn the importance of an
emergency fund
» Set realistic financial goals
Credit 101
» Learn confusing credit card terms
» Build and maintain credit integrity
» Identify dangers of predatory lending
Credit Report Education
» How to pull a personal credit report
» Interpret a credit report
» Monitor credit report for
identity theft
Call to register today!
330.297.7027 ext. 351
EmpowerPortage.com/SAFE
Get Involved $.A.F.E. Target Areas
There is a glaring need for financial literacy
Join the $.A.F.E. program in its efforts to eliminate
poverty through financial literacy education. Let’s classes within the poverty-stricken communities
empower our community and improve its economic of Northeast Ohio. The amount of Ohioans
stability together! struggling to be self-sufficient and economically
independent is staggering.
Volunteer
During these difficult economic times, we look to our
community for support and assistance. As a $.A.F.E. People Struggling Financially*:
volunteer, you will have the opportunity to improve
the lives of your local community members.
Stand with us in the fight against poverty! » 42,325 (29%) Portage
» Teach financial literacy classes; training is
provided » 113,652 (31%) Stark
» IT and Web production
» Community engagement and fundraising » 155,434 (29%) Summit
How to Donate » 36,935 (35%) Columbiana
Donate supplies for the $.A.F.E. education classes,
i.e. calculators, expanding file folders, USB flash » 26,112 (29%) Tuscarawas
drives, laptop computers, and portable projectors.
Or become a $.A.F.E. Corporate Sponsor. For more
information, contact $.A.F.E. at 330.297.7027 ext.
351.
*These statistics are an estimate of 200% of the poverty threshold
and below, reported by the U.S. Census Bureau from the American
Community Survey 2008.
Family & Community Services, Inc.
Attn: VISTA $.A.F.E.
705 Oakwood St., Ste. 205
Ravenna, OH 44266
ph: 330.297.7027 ext. 351
fax: 330.296.2684
EmpowerPortage.com/SAFE
e-mail: vista@portagefamilies.org