Orange County promotes free Financial Empowerment Center services; staff report center served 483 clients

Jane Watrell, communications manager for Orange County government, introduced the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) segment and invited program staff to describe services and how attendees can access them.

Vera Pavone Molina, identified as the program manager, explained that a QR code on the screen links directly to the Orange County Financial Empowerment Center webpage and that the service is available at no cost to anyone who lives or works in the county. Staff emphasized confidentiality and flexibility, including virtual appointments.

Program data presented on the screen showed that since the local launch (referenced in discussion as a timeframe covering 2022–2024), the FEC has served over 483 clients and that 383 of those clients were female. Staff described the typical client profile (majority renters, full‑time employees, age range roughly 36–54) and outlined pathways for clients who seek homeownership: counselors assess readiness and provide warm referrals to partner organizations for housing counseling.

Deputy director LaVonne (introduced during the segment) and program staff advised attendees that the first steps are to "look at the numbers," set manageable goals and schedule a confidential session with a counselor. The center offers workshops and individualized counseling and can include couple sessions. A client testimonial at the forum described making an appointment in under two minutes and said the counseling helped build confidence for managing personal finances.

FEC staff encouraged attendees to visit the FEC table at the back of the room and to use the QR code to schedule appointments; organizers said the program is free, confidential and available to residents 18 and older.