History:

MTFF began as part of a prison non-profit which started in Feb 2012.  The prison re-entry coordinators requested a basic level financial life-skills program where we came to them.  We received our 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit status in June 2014.  As of 2018, we are fully in the community, area schools, and as an add-on to other non-profits.

Our primary service area is the Kansas City Metro area.

Financial Stewardship Program & Costs

Moneytalk Financial Foundations Financial Stewardship program will enable individuals to make great strides toward becoming financially independent.  Through this program, these individuals will have a monthly budget allowing them to successfully manage a bank account, pay their bills in full and on time, reduce their debt, increase their savings, start an emergency fund, and increase their credit score.  Through these changes in money management, these individuals will also experience more stability in their families, home, and job.

This progress in their money management will come through services such as financial life-skill workshops (such as budgeting, managing a bank account, basics of insurance, purchasing a vehicle, etc), financial coaching for individuals and couples, Courage to Change ongoing support, and much more.

It has been our experience clients are more likely to continue making progress if they have some investment in the process.  Therefore, clients will be expected to investment either a small fee or volunteer hours.  As their money is tight, we offer both a need-based scholarship and an earned scholarship through volunteering.  If they choose to pay a small monthly fee, they will be required to sign a Client Agreement stating the monthly amount and length of time.  This agreement will allow the client to be included in the reporting to the credit reporting bureaus; thereby providing the client with recent positive (assuming payment is made in full and on time) transactions which will help their credit score and everything that uses this score.  If they choose volunteer hours, we will do our best to provide them with opportunities to use their skill set either with Moneytalk or one of our partnering non-profits.  This volunteer work will also be something they can include on their resume.

Long-Term Vision

The long-term vision includes having a facility of our own where clients can attend workshops and participate in other services.  We will also be able to support more volunteers, preparation and storage of supplies and materials for workshops.  As a Christian non-profit, we will have a Christian environment.

Students will have an after-school program with two primary functions.  The first function is serving immediate needs such as help with homework, mentoring to finish high school, learn additional financial related life skills (such as minor repairs, gardening, cooking, etc) and a safe place to hang out and be a kid.  The second function is preparation for entering the workforce such as cultural behaviors (dress code, common courtesy, etc), problem resolution skills, explore career options, and volunteer opportunities (increase skills and be included on resume).

Credit Reporting of payments for both coaching services and donations associated with a pledge.  The biggest complaint clients have is their credit score and credit history.  For those donation with a pledge, they will also have recent positive transactions without incurring any debt or paying interest.

Financial Hot Line where clients can call with critical situations needing quick resolution.  This support may include financial assistance, resource referrals, alternate non-financial solutions, etc.  By providing an opportunity for constructive resolution to financial stress, clients will be less likely to attempt suicide or partake in criminal activity.

Work Ready program to help clients prepare for employment and be successful in their job.  The preparation includes both hard and soft skills, acquiring a social security card, creating a resume, mock job interviews, mentoring with input from their supervisor at work, and more.

On the website under Inspire, Services, Requested is a listing of requested future services included in the long-term vision.  Contact us with additional recommendations.

2019-2020 Plans:

We will be working with Reclamation Clubhouse (sponsored by Pathway to Hope), DCF clients rolling off TANF, KC Great Schools (lead by aSTEAM Village), budget counseling collaboration with Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and working with area school districts.  We will also be creating the Credit Reporting process.  Next fundraiser is TopGolf (April 28) in Overland Park.

Opportunities for Involvement:

Each workshop topic has a website page (Inspire, Services, Personal Finance) which lists donation, sponsor, and volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer opportunities are available behind the scenes, assisting during workshops, advisory board, subject matter expert, guest speakers, and more.  Volunteers can also provide short articles for the weekly newsletter with product information, legal changes, tips and tricks for saving or managing money.  Volunteers can also attend Chamber of Commerce networking events (we are members of several) as well as no-cost networking events.

Sponsoring workshop activities (such as business names on bank account activity); materials (such as printing workbooks, donating candy, paper, etc); funding the workshop or coaching scholarships; donations; and hosting a vendor booth, donating goodie bag items, donating a raffle item for fundraisers are always welcome.

Help promote MTFF through like, sharing, and commenting on posts on Facebook and LinkedIn; introduce your business contacts to MTFF; pass out flyers and brochures; etc.