Financial Security
United Way brings local ideas, people and resources together to make sure everyone-especially the most vulnerable-has the opportunity to thrive.
Financial Security for every family
Everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living that sustains a family, live in safe and affordable housing, and build security for the future. At United Way of Northwest Louisiana, we’re committed to helping individuals and families not only make ends meet today but also create lasting financial stability for generations to come.
Through the Northwest Louisiana Financial Security Center, United Way brings together proven programs, trusted partners, and powerful tools to help more adults thrive in a career, increase savings, and build generational wealth.
NWLA Financial Security Center
The Northwest Louisiana Financial Security Center is a one-stop hub offering personalized tools and expert guidance to help individuals and families build lasting financial stability. From credit building to money management, hands-on support is available every step of the way. Key services include, but are not limited to:
- Free, Confidential Financial Coaching
- Personalized Budget Plans
- VITA Free Tax Preparation
NWLA FINANCIAL SECURITY CENTER
A Hub for Lasting Financial Empowerment
The Northwest Louisiana Financial Security Center is a one-stop hub built to help individuals and families achieve lasting financial stability. Whether someone is building credit, paying down debt, or planning for the future, the center offers personalized tools, expert guidance, and hands-on support to meet them where they are. From day-to-day money management to long-term planning, the center's services reflect United Way of Northwest Louisiana's commitment to building stronger, more financially resilient communities.
Credit Report Review & Education
Credit Building Support
Personalized Budget Plans
Savings Strategies
Debt Reduction Planning
Free, Confidential Financial Coaching
VITA Free Tax Preparation
BankOn-Certified Banking Product
Money Management Tools
Financial Literacy for High School Seniors
Estate Planning Support
Why It Matters
40% of Americans struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense
Millions remain unbanked or underbanked, limiting access to safe financial products
Generational wealth gaps persist, leaving many families without the tools to build long-term stability
BANKON NWLA
Safe & Affordable Banking for All
Banking should help families move forward, not hold them back. That's why United Way leads the BankOn Northwest Louisiana Coalition, part of a national initiative connecting individuals to safe, affordable bank accounts certified to national standards. By partnering with banks, credit unions, and community organizations, BankOn ensures everyone has access to the financial products they need to succeed.
Benefits:
- Low or no monthly fees
- No overdraft charges
- Online and mobile banking
- Free direct desposit and bill pay
Local Partners:
- Low or no monthly fees
- No overdraft charges
- Online and mobile banking
- Free direct desposit and bill pay
Financial Literacy WOrkshops
Preparing the next generation
Financial literacy is essential for success at every stage of life. Through United from the Start and our Community Financial Literacy Workshops, United Way equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage money responsibly and build long-term stability. From forming healthy habits early to reinforcing them throughout adulthood, these programs meet people where they are on their financial journey.
Who We Serve
- High School Seniors
- College Students
- Young Adults
- First-time homebuyers
Topics
- Budgeting basics and personalized money plans
- Understanding credit, debt and how to build positive history
- Safe and affordable banking options
- Saving strategies for college, career, homeownership, and emergencies
Re-entry & Work Release Programs
Empowering New Beginnings
The Caddo Parish Work Release Program provides eligible non-violent offenders with full-time, off-site employment while saving wages for reentry, backed by one-on-one financial counseling and BankOn banking support. The Reentry Program starts even earlier, placing eligible offenders in a Transitional Work Program up to four years before release with on-site financial literacy workshops. Together, they offer practical, hands-on support at every stage of the journey back to self-sufficiency.
Included Programs
- Financial Literacy Workshops at local churches and libraries
- On-site workplace Financial Literacy Workshops
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Keep more of what you earn
United Way's VITA program offers seasonal free tax preparation for households earning $67,000 or less. Our IRS-certified volunteers provide quality, confidential assistance, helping individuals identify eligible credits and deductions while ensuring access to trusted service without the high costs of commercial preparers. It's reliable, expert support that puts more money back in the pockets of the families who need it mos
Building Financial Stability Empowering Northwest Louisiana
The Financial Security Center connects individuals and families with financial coaching, education, workforce resources, and trusted community partnerships to help build financial stability, achieve long-term goals, and create thriving futures.