$150,000 grant for hub to help residents with financial challenges; one-on-one financial counseling launches in spring

Cuyahoga County, OH - Cuyahoga County today announced the opening of its new Financial Empowerment Center, a centralized hub designed to connect residents with services that support financial stability and long-term economic mobility.

Located on the first floor of the County Administrative Building, the Financial Empowerment Center reflects the County’s commitment to providing coordinated, wraparound services that help families address financial challenges and build stronger futures.

“The Financial Empowerment Center is an investment in the financial health of our residents,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “When people can stay in their homes, support their families, and build financial security, our whole community grows stronger. This Center gives residents the tools and guidance to stabilize their finances and build a more secure future.”

As part of this initiative, the County received a $150,000 grant from the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) to launch free, one-on-one financial counseling later this spring. Once available, professionally trained counselors will work with individuals and families to manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, protect assets, and access safe and affordable banking options.

“Local leaders know first-hand the connection between family financial stability and community stability,” said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “Cuyahoga County is joining dozens of local governments working to bring free, high-quality financial counseling as a public service to its residents; we’re proud to partner with County leaders as they help people work toward a stronger financial future.”

Financial Empowerment Centers nationwide have served more than 201,000 clients with financial counseling services, helping them reduce individual debt by over $344 million, and boost their savings by more than $69 million. A CFE Fund evaluation also found that the program is effective for residents with very low incomes and other complex financial challenges. The national FEC initiative is supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation and other generous partners.

In addition to the CFE Fund, KeyBank, First Federal Lakewood, and a host of other community partners have contributed to the Financial Empowerment Center. The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging will serve as the counseling provider.

“Benjamin Rose is proud to work with Cuyahoga County and the CFE Fund to bring this resource to residents,” said Orion Bell, President and CEO of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. “By providing free financial guidance, we can help people, especially older adults, reduce debt, improve credit, increase savings, and ultimately make informed decisions that strengthen their long-term financial well‑being.”

The Financial Empowerment Center is part of a broader County strategy to expand access to financial resources. It builds on years of delinquent tax outreach efforts that have connected residents with financial counseling and support as they navigate property tax challenges. This new approach expands that model with ongoing coaching designed to help residents beyond a single financial crisis.

“The Treasurer’s Office is proud to expand our services to residents through the Financial Empowerment Center,” said Cuyahoga County Treasurer Brad Cromes. “Financial security should be attainable for every household, and this initiative helps to make that possible. We’re confident these services will help families build long-term security and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.”

Residents will also be able to access support online, making it easier to reach the Center from anywhere. The Treasurer’s Office plans to host regular community outreach events to bring financial assistance directly into neighborhoods. For more information on services and programs, visit cuyahogacounty.gov/fec.

Photo Gallery from the ribbon cutting, courtesy of Cuyahoga County Communications.