
Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) services are designed to engage, educate and empower individuals and families to build a better future through self-sufficiency.
The FOC’s Online Resource Center provides a simple way for people to get connected online to the financial resources they need.
Banking/Financial
DORA Digital Banking App
https://www.bankdora.com/
DORA aims to make banking transparent and accessible to everyone. Similar to Chime and other banking apps, but DORA is backed by credit unions and focus on providing a path to financial security and asset building. Hidden fees, limited atms, and frustrating application processes are things of the past with their all-digital banking experience.
Empower U from Fifth Third Bank
https://53ma.everfi-next.net/
Through the Empower U program, participants have access to more than 50 online courses at no cost to them. Increase your financial know-how on topics such as credit scores, budgeting, and homebuying. Classes are short and mobile friendly so that you can learn at your own pace.
Banzai from Premier Bank
https://yourpremierbank.banzai.org/wellness
Premier is the local provider of Banzai, an award winning interactive content platform that teaches real world finance. It focuses on increasing financial literacy, managing debt, using credit wisely. It consists of short lessons, videos, articles, and activities for all ages.
Veteran Services
Hancock County Veteran’s Service Office
http://hancockveterans.com/
Veteran’s Services provides information and support to veterans including medical benefits, compensation, transportation, employment and other services.
Digital Literacy
NorthStar Digital Literacy
https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/about
Northstar provides digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. Northstar allows end users to freely take assessments from anywhere via our homepage, but also take in-person assessments at local partners. Certificates provide an important credential for employment, as even entry-level jobs increasingly require basic computer skills. Contact Habitat for Humanity’s Financial Opportunity Center to get started!
Findlay/Hancock County Library
https://findlaylibrary.org/content/one-one-technology-training
Library members can register for their own 30-minute session with a staff member to learn more about subjects such as Microsoft Word, email, the internet, smartphones & tablets, eBooks, and general computer use among others.
AT&T ScreenReady https://screenready.att.com
ScreenReady by AT&T provides tips and tools such as digital literacy, digital safety, and digital parenting skills building to encourage healthy and positive interactions through media and technology. With these self-paced, customized learning experiences, individuals and families learn safe skills to use the internet.
Affordable Connectivity Program https://www.fcc.gov/acp
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a U.S. government program designed to help low-income households achieve more affordable and reliable internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Eligible households receive up to $30 per month discount for home internet service or a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop or tablet.
Financial Literacy
Accenture Learning Exchange
Through a partnership with LISC and Accenture, the Financial Opportunity Center has access to over 140 free virtual classes covering topics such as Budgeting, Credit, Debt Management, and even Building a Positive Mindset! Most classes are less than 10 minutes and are smartphone compatible. Contact Habitat for Humanity’s Financial Opportunity Center to get started!
OSU Extension
https://hancock.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/financial-literacy
OSU’s county extension offices offer programs such as Money 101, Manage Your Money, and Real Money, Real World to educate and inform.
Huntington Bank Financial Education
https://huntington.com/learn
Everyone’s financial situation is unique – whether you’re opening your first checking account or saving for a big purchase. The Huntington Financial Education resources help users navigate a variety of financial topics.
Huntington Bank Financial Empowerment
Download Brochure
Huntington offers financial empowerment workshops facilitated by Huntington bankers both on-line and in-person.
Tax Preparation
MyFreeTaxes
https://myfreetaxes.com/
MyFreeTaxes is a free tax preparation service provided by United Way and the IRS for taxpayers who earn below a specific amount for the prior tax year (currently less than $73,000 for 2021). It currently uses TaxSlayer’s software for filing.
IRS VITA And TCE Tax Programs
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Various organizations around the country offer these programs, manned by volunteer tax preparers and are free of charge. Visit the site to find locations and to determine qualification.
Student Loan Information
Federal Student Aid Program
https://studentaid.gov
This government site provides information on FAFSA applications, student loan payment options, information on loan consolidation, as well as other topics related to Student Loans. It is run by the Department of Education.
Adoption And Kinship Support
OhioKAN
https://ohiokan.jfs.ohio.gov/
OhioKAN is a 100% free service for Ohio’s kinship and adoptive families. OhioKAN Navigators are available to talk 1:1 about any questions you may have regarding resources for your family.
General Information
Hancock Helps
https://hancockhelps.org/
Hancock Helps is a free website sponsored by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation providing links to community resources in Hancock County.
Dustin Fuller
Financial Opportunity Center Manager
Phil Brock
Financial Opportunity Center Coach
Caity Bidlack
VISTA AmeriCorps
FOC Innovation Lead