FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER

Financial stability empowers families and builds stronger communities.

It is essential that individuals and families be able to make informed financial decisions to weather trying economic times and to plan for the future.

The Urban League of Essex County has been providing financial capability education and coaching to individuals and families for more than five years. The goal of ULEC’s financial capability program is to provide fundamental knowledge of financial staples such as best practices, credit-building initiatives, saving incentive programs, debt management and promote economic stability among the low-to-moderate income households. Financial coaches facilitate this process through workshops, seminars and one-on-one individualized client-driven sessions.

The Financial Opportunity Center has helped over 500 participants create financial goals, build better banking habits, increase net worth, establish and build credit knowledge and scores in preparation for retirement. Participants of financial literacy classes build portfolios rich with goals and priorities for building their futures. To date, more than 4,000 residents and 800 students have received this invaluable training.

For more information, or to get started on your own financial empowerment plan, please contact:

Gavin Taylor
Director, Financial Opportunity Center
973-624-9535 x275
Email

Tanya Matthews
Sr. Financial Coach
973-624-9535 x273
Email

FREE URBAN LEAGUE WORKSHOPS + SEMINARS

Job Readiness

Register HERE

Includes:
Job Preparation, The Right Job For You, O*NET
Resume, Cover and Thank You Letters
Mock Interviews & Dress for Success
Retention, You Have a Job, Now What?

Hosted by:
(973) 624-9535

Mr. Narcisse
x287
Email

Ms. Brown
x216
Email

 

 

Financial Aid: Paying for College
Basic Principles of Money Management
Introduction to Investing
Importance of Meeting with a Financial Coach
Banking and You
Steps to Starting a Business
Credit Building Basics
Estate Planning & Asset Protection

EMPLOYMENT + TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Women In Construction

Ladies Build Your Dream Career

This program prepares individuals to transition from pre-apprenticeship construction trades to apprenticeship programs at NO COST.

Classroom, on-site, and virtual instruction includes construction safety, supported scaffold, fall prevention, and much more.

We provide certifications to begin your career in construction.

Fill out this form if you interested in joining our January 2025 cohort.

Contact:
Ms. Corbin
973-624-9524 x228
Email

Our partners:
The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Nextwave Safety Solutions

New Careers in Green Energy

PRUDENTIAL PATHWAYS Financial Wellness Series

EssexCounty
prudential pathways

We hear every day that many Americans are not financially prepared for their future.  People find the financial planning process overwhelming and they don’t know where to begin.

Thanks to our partnership with Prudential Financial, the Urban League of Essex County is pleased to offer our "friends and family" a financial wellness educational series through Prudential PathwaysSM. Typically only offered to employees, Prudential PathwaysSM will provide practical, down-to-earth information that may help you and your family today, tomorrow, and beyond.  It is designed to give you an understanding of the fundamentals of financial wellness through educational seminars.

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HEALTHCARE IN RETIREMENT
Wednesday, May 21
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Via Zoom
REGISTER HERE
Join us online for an informative session on navigating healthcare options during retirement. Learn about important considerations, key factors, and tips to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning for your own retirement or assisting a loved one, this event is designed to provide valuable insights. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain knowledge and clarity on healthcare in retirement.  Register now and secure your spot!
This session covers topics including the ABCs of what Medicare covers, understanding healthcare costs in retirement and strategies to cover those costs, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and long-term care insurance.
For more information:
Tanya Matthews
Sr. Financial Coach
973-624-9535 x273
Email

CHASE BANK Financial Wellness Series

EssexCounty
Chase-logo

PAST SEMINARS:

Building and Managing Credit
Learn the basics of Credit Management.  Your credit worthiness can impact your ability to borrow money, make purchases and so much more!

ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Economic Empowerment Series

EssexCounty
Brick-City-Alphas

LIFE INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT PLANNING
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)

via Zoom (upon registering, you will receive a personalized Zoom link to access this meeting)
REGISTER HERE

Join us for an informative online event focused on life insurance and retirement planning. Learn how to secure your financial future and empower yourself economically.
Our expert speakers will cover topics such as the importance of life insurance, different types of retirement plans, and how to make smart financial decisions for your future.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take control of your financial well-being. Register now to start your journey towards a more secure and prosperous future!
Discussion on various topics relating to Life Insurance and Retirement Planning strategies, such as:
  • Establishing an Estate
  • Navigating the different types of Insurance Products, i.e., Term, Whole Life, etc.
  • What is a Beneficiary?
  • Burial Planning options
  • Methods of Financing Your Retirement Living Goals
  • Establishing a Will, Trust, etc.
  • Protecting Your Assets from Fraud
If you wish to learn about various strategies to secure you and your family's financial future and begin your journey on generational wealth and to ensure your Retirement is financially sound, join this seminar.  Please spread the word.

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PAST SERIES

Understanding Entrepreneurship - Economic Empowerment Series

Making Money Make Sense: Banking & You.  Your Financial Journey.

Buying Your First Home & Mortgage Informational

Sending Your Child to College

First Steps to Financial Freedom

FREE TAX PREPARATION

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS sponsored program, designed to provide FREE tax preparation for families making $60,000 or less.  Every year, the Urban League of Essex County in Newark, NJ trains and certifies volunteers, through the IRS Link and Learn Certification process, to become tax preparers and provide FREE tax preparation services to our community.  VITA/TCE services are not only free, but they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns, because all VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards.  This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.

In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing.

Please contact us at 973-624-9535 Ext. 273 for additional information.

For more information:

Alice Frazier

Vice-President

Financial Opportunity Center + Workforce Development

973-624-9535 x267

Email

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