From the Orange County Newsroom
Orange County’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) initiative, which has helped hundreds of people take control of their finances, is expanding its reach. Five locations operate across the County, and a new virtual meeting option is designed to make financial counseling more accessible than ever.
The program, which offers free, one-on-one financial counseling to all who live or work in Orange County, has already made a meaningful impact. In its first six months, 290 clients have been served, collectively increasing their savings by more than $93,000 and reducing total non-mortgage debt by nearly $200,000. With plans to expand further, Orange County, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County, aims to build on that momentum and reach even more community members in need of financial guidance.
Related: Getting Out of Debt: Financial Empowerment Center offers free counseling to Orange County residents.
“With locations across Orange County in tandem with virtual appointments, we’re meeting people where they are,” said Beyra Pavon-Molina, Program Manager of the FEC. “Whether someone lives in East or West Orange County, works downtown or prefers to connect from home, it’s now easier than ever to take that first step toward financial stability.”
The five Financial Empowerment Centers currently open across Orange County include:
- John Bridges Community Center – Apopka
- Hal P. Marston Community Center – Orlando
- Pine Hills Community Center – Orlando
- East Orange Community Center – Orlando
- Oak Ridge Neighborhood Center for Families – Orlando
The virtual option has proven to be a game-changer for many clients. It allows them to schedule sessions around their workday, family obligations or transportation challenges — providing the flexibility and convenience many need to make financial counseling part of their routine.
“Our goal is to remove barriers,” said Pavon-Molina.. “Some people simply don’t have time to commute to an office, so we bring that office to them.”
Each session is led by a professional financial counselor trained to provide personalized guidance. Whether a client is working to reduce debt, build savings, create a household budget, or improve their credit score, the sessions are completely free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.
“We want people to know this is a safe space,” said Pavon-Molina.“We’re here to empower individuals to set realistic goals and take control of their financial future, but there’s still work to do. We want everyone who could benefit from our services to know we’re here — and ready to help.”
With its expanding footprint and digital accessibility, the Financial Empowerment Center is positioned to reach more residents than ever before, helping build a stronger, more financially resilient community.
Ready to take control of your finances? Visit Orange County Financial Empowerment Center or call 407-648-4567 (option 3) to get started.
