June 25, 2025

Press Release: Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center Set to Launch Late Summer/Early Fall 2025

Jefferson County Government and Community Action Coalition Partner to Provide Free Financial Counseling for Residents

Jefferson County, WI – Jefferson County government, in partnership with Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC), is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) in late summer/early fall of 2025. This program will offer professional, free, one-on-one financial counseling to all Jefferson County residents over the age of 18—helping them reduce debt, build credit, increase savings, and work toward long-term financial stability.

“Financial wellness is the foundation for stability in every other area of life,” said Meghan Mietchen, CAC Executive Director. “We’re proud to bring this resource to Jefferson County in partnership with local government and generous funders who share our vision of an empowered, financially resilient community.”

“Local leaders know first-hand the connection between family financial stability and community financial stability,” said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “Jefferson County is one of several dozen local governments working to bring free, high-quality financial counseling as a public service to their residents. We are proud to partner with them to help residents work towards a stronger financial future.”

Free, Professional Financial Counseling for Everyone

The Jefferson County FEC will offer in-person services at multiple locations throughout the county, including planned spaces at Madison College’s Fort Atkinson and Watertown campuses, with additional co-locations in Jefferson, Lake Mills, and Johnson Creek. Final site decisions are still underway and will be confirmed later this summer.

Staffed by professionally trained counselors, the FEC will offer personalized support in:

  • Budgeting and money management
  • Finding safe, affordable banking products
  • Building credit and improving credit scores
  • Reducing debt and delinquent accounts
  • Growing savings and emergency funds

First piloted in New York City in 2008, FECs across the country have worked with over 189,000 clients, helping them reduce individual debt by over $315 million, and increasing their families’ savings by more than $61 million. In addition, a CFE Fund evaluation showed that this program works even for residents with very low incomes and other complex financial challenges. Jefferson County is one of several dozen local governments that is working to launch or have already launched a local FEC initiative. The national FEC movement is supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation and other generous partners.

Funded by Community, Built for Impact

This no-cost program is made possible by generous support from:

Current funding supports operations through 2027. Jefferson County and CAC welcome additional funders to support and expand the impact of this vital program, helping ensure long-term financial empowerment for residents across the county.

A Call to Local Employers

Jefferson County and CAC are also inviting Jefferson County businesses to partner with the FEC by offering this service directly to their employees. “Employers who care about the financial well-being of their workforce can help connect them to free, professional support,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “It’s a win for both the employee and the organization.”

Get Involved

  • Spread the word: Let friends, neighbors, and coworkers know about the upcoming launch.
  • Become a referral partner: Jefferson County and CAC welcome nonprofits, schools, businesses, and service providers to refer clients or staff directly through either the Jefferson County website or CAC website.
  • Support the FEC: Sponsorships and community partnerships help ensure the program’s longevity and reach.

To learn more about this program and to get involved, contact Heather Nunez, FEC Local Government Manager for Jefferson County, or Rhiannon Tonies, FEC Program Manager for CAC.

📸 Photo credit: Melissa Songco, Habitat for Humanity

Taken at UW Extension in Jefferson, WI on May 21, 2025, these photos capture the FEC Breakfast event hosted by Jefferson County and Community Action Coalition (CAC). Pictured are FEC Program Manager Rhiannon Tonies, Executive Director Meghan Mietchen, Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey, and FEC Counselor Fernando “C.J.” Garcia. The breakfast brought together local government leaders, funders, and community partners to celebrate and prepare for the upcoming launch of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) — a free resource offering professional, one-on-one financial counseling as a public service to residents across the county.

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About Jefferson County Department of Human Services

Jefferson County Department of Human Services is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all county residents through high-quality, accessible programs and services. The department works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by addressing a broad range of human needs—including housing, employment, behavioral health, and financial stability. In partnership with Community Action Coalition, Jefferson County Human Services will help lead the implementation of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), ensuring residents have access to the tools and support needed to achieve lasting financial wellness. For more information, please visit www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services.

 

About Jefferson County Department of Human Services

Jefferson County Department of Human Services is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all county residents through high-quality, accessible programs and services. The department works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by addressing a broad range of human needs—including housing, employment, behavioral health, and financial stability. In partnership with Community Action Coalition, Jefferson County Human Services will help lead the implementation of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), ensuring residents have access to the tools and support needed to achieve lasting financial wellness. For more information, please visit www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services.

 

About Community Action Coalition (CAC)
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin works to end poverty and help people live better lives. Serving Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties, CAC empowers individuals and families through programs in housing, food security, and financial empowerment. For more information, please visit www.cacscw.org.

About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)
The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting-edge experience with large-scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 145 cities and counties, and has disbursed over $69 million to local governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Bluesky at @cfefund.bsky.social.

For questions about this press release, please contact:

Devin Lopina (he/him)
Communications Specialist, CAC
devinl@cacscw.org | 608-237-1255