The goal of the Financial Center is to drive personal and community transformation through financial empowerment. 

 

The Financial Clinic is a one-stop-shop which provides innovative solutions to help families to reach their full financial potential by increasing credit scores, building wealth, and learning new ways to achieve short and long-term financial goals. The Clinic accomplishes this through coaching and group-based education for help with credit repair, tax preparation, home-purchase, debt management, planning and goal setting, and referrals to benefits and resources. Riverworks Development Corporation has operated the Financial Clinic, based on a national model from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), since 2008.

 

The Financial Clinic achieves its goals through no cost services to individuals.

 

• Financial Coaching helps families reach financial goals by teaching money management skills, such as how to increase their credit scores, build savings, pay down debt and prepare for homeownership. Participants work with their coach to create an action plan and received support to achieve their goals.   

 

• Financial Navigator Program is a partnership with the City of Milwaukee, helps families deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Trained Financial Navigators provide structured guidance over the phone to help families strategize around financial support for disruptions to their income and other financial debt.   

 

• Anti-Displacement is a partnership with MKE United and The City of Milwaukee, provides grants to eligible homeowners who live in near downtown neighborhoods to help them pay for property tax increases.    Riverworks administers the Anti-Displacement application process and provides financial coaching to participants.  

 

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers year-round free tax preparation and coaching to families who make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking, and taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns and/or assisting with dealing with IRS garnishments. ​