The United Way of Chester County and the Chester County Intermediate Unit have teamed up with Clarifi, a nonprofit organization devoted to lifelong financial literacy, to roll out a free financial boot camp for local Head Start families.

The program is designed to help clarify and navigate individuals through complex debt situations with the guidance of a trained financial coach. The six-month program, consisting of a series of financial workshops, will launch on April 26 and offer a variety of resources in budgeting, saving, and retirement planning.

Head Start clients will graduate with a customized plan to take action toward financial planning and stability.

Volunteers are needed to mentor Head Start families in the role of financial coach. Prior financial industry experience is not necessary, and Clarifi will offer a comprehensive training session for all interested volunteers. The role of the financial coach is to act as mentor and encourage Head Start clients to stay on track in achieving realistic financial goals and foster new skills.

Volunteers will be paired, one-on-one, with a Head Start client, requiring a few hours of donated time each week, over a six-month commitment. Training for volunteers is offered via a one-day session on either March 8 or 9 from 1-6:30 PM at The Gordon Early Education Center in Coatesville.

“We are excited to partner with Clarifi to offer a vital, new resource in support of our local Head Start families,” said Claudia Hellebush, United Way of Chester County CEO. “This is a community-driven initiative where our partners and volunteers are integral to the success of the families we serve. It’s a win-win when we can unite those who can help with those who need our help the most.”

Financial stability has been a key platform of the United Way of Chester County for over a decade. The United Way Financial Stability Partnership consists of more than 25 partners, all dedicated to creating and maintaining a cohesive and comprehensive network of services to support and grow financially stable and self-sufficient families and individuals.

Interested volunteers can apply to become a financial coach by contacting the Clarifi Coaching Program Team at bootcamp@clarifi.org or call 215-320-1484.