Program Expectation for Volunteers

 Program Expectation for Volunteers

• Volunteer Budget Coaches are recruited from the community, for and not-for profit businesses, learning institutions and other constituencies by United Way of Greater New Haven.
• Budget Coaches complete a 6-8 hour training intended to provide information on basics of developing financial recordkeeping systems, developing a budget, and the importance of developing good financial habits. The training includes segments on coaching techniques and diversity that helps coaches effectively communicate with participants and understand the variety of consumer experiences, needs, demands and financial norms that exist throughout the community and that effect the way their client view and use money, financial institutions, credit and other financial issues.
• Budget Coaches are matched with pre-screened program participants. The pair meets face-to-face monthly over the four month program period. During meetings the following occurs:

1. A system for tracking spending is established and spending is tracked for one month.
   • Financial goals are discussed and set. These may include simple goals such as establishing and organized system for managing finances or bill paying on tie or more complex goals such as saving for the purchase of a home.
   •  A realistic household budget is created and then monitored for several months.
2. Budget Coaches and participants meet to track progress and address challenges toward reaching the household's goals for up to four months.  Budget Coaches provide brief updates to United Way to track program participants' progress and flag issues where coaches or participants may need more resources.
3. At the completion of the coaching, program participants review and update their financial goals and are offered the opportunity to be referred to additional financial education and/or asset building services.

If you would like to become a volunteer budget coach for SAM, complete the volunteer application.