BOSTON — In Western and Central Mass., poverty rates in cities like Springfield, Holyoke, and Worcester run roughly double the state average, leaving women and girls living on low incomes with limited access to the financial wellness education that can set them on a path toward economic stability.
Women’s Money Matters (WMM) is changing that. The Massachusetts-based nonprofit, which has spent 15 years building the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women and girls living on low incomes, is bringing its programs to the region for the first time with dedicated, in-person programming.
“Women and girls in Western and Central Massachusetts face the same economic pressures as those we’ve been reaching for 15 years in Greater Boston, but without the same access to resources and support,” said Carla Poulos, associate director of Programs and Advocacy at Women’s Money Matters. “Financial wellness isn’t a Boston issue. It’s a statewide issue, and every woman and girl deserves the tools, coaching, and community to build a secure future, no matter where she lives.”
WMM’s expansion brings two of its core financial wellness programs to the region: Financial Futures, its signature three-month program for women living on low incomes, and Life Launch, its financial wellness program for girls and young women ages 8-24. Both programs combine financial health workshops, peer cohorts, and one-to-one coaching to give participants the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage money, set goals, and plan for their futures.
WMM’s Financial Futures financial wellness program delivers measurable results. Graduates have increased their savings by 254% on average, raised their monthly income by 26%, and improved their credit scores by 40 points or more on average. By graduation, 96% feel confident managing their finances, and 100% report using a budget to manage expenses, up from 20% at program start.
WMM has hired staff based in Springfield to build local relationships and support program delivery across the region. Early program partnerships are already underway, including programming with Framingham Public Schools. WMM is actively cultivating additional partnerships across the region, with further prospecting underway at local youth centers and housing authorities.
Until now, only about 3% of WMM participants resided in Western and Central Mass. By FY 2027, WMM aims to reach 20% of all participants from these regions.
As WMM deepens its presence in Western and Central Mass., the organization is actively seeking individuals and organizations to join in this work. Opportunities include volunteering as a financial wellness coach, presenting a workshop on a financial topic, or partnering to bring Life Launch to a school, youth program, or social service agency. Organizations interested in hosting a cohort or referring participants are encouraged to reach out.
Those interested in getting involved are invited to attend an upcoming virtual information session on Tuesday, April 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The session is an opportunity to learn more about WMM’s financial wellness programs, how coaching works, and how individuals and organizations can get involved. To register or learn more, visit womensmoneymatters.org or email [email protected].
