Financial instability can happen to anyone regardless of income, education level, or family background. A 2023 study found that 62% of U.S. adults are living paycheck to paycheck. While the symptoms of financial instability are often apparent and recognizable (inability to pay for life necessities) financial instability is often a marker of underlying challenges and can cause challenges beyond meeting material needs. Chronic financial stress can lead to various negative health consequences including mental (e.g anxiety and depression), physical (e.g. high blood pressure and heart disease), as well as strained relationships within families and marriages.

Despite the prevalence of financial challenges, finances and financial hardship remain a taboo topic for many. In one survey of Americans, 52% of respondents reported they never talked about finances growing up, and 1 in 4 shared they learned it’s not polite to talk about money. Yet the majority of respondents expressed wanting to broach money talk, including 41% desiring meaningful conversation on ways to save for the future, 36% wanting to discuss money mistakes they’ve made, and 34% desiring basic financial literacy. Through our Coaching programs at North Raleigh Ministries we create a safe space to have these conversations about money and the underlying challenges that our clients face.

At North Raleigh Ministries our coaches are trained in evidence based intervention including Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help clients work through financial and related challenges. The financial aspect of coaching moves beyond simple money management skills and explores their relationship with money, money behaviors within their control, and creative planning to envision and plan for a financially stable future. In addition to coach support, our coaching programs include weekly access to our self-shop market to assist with food and household items as a part of their financial planning.

Transitions
This six week program consists of goal setting and coaching, as well as weekly access to our food pantry. Transitions offers a tailored approach to financial empowerment through individual sessions with a professional coach. Coaches work with participants to identify goals specific to their desired future and offer guidance and support as they take steps towards completing these goals. The Transitions program is available to all first time clients within their first 60 days. The intention of the Transitions program is to foster hope and plan for a self-sustaining future.

Journey
Journey offers a deeper dive into addressing financial and related life challenges. This 12 week program consists of individual coaching and goal setting, participation in a financial wellness/education group with peer support, and weekly access to our food pantry. The intention of the Journey Program is to foster hope, break the cycle of financial stress, and plan for a self-sustaining future. Whether participants are facing a new challenge or are ready to break the cycle of financial instability, they are able to create a self-sustaining future with the support of their coach and peers. Childcare and dinner are provided during group meeting nights. Journey is available to all current clients who have not participated in the Journey program before. Join a Journey cohort in the Winter, Spring, or Fall. Graduates of the program are invited to ongoing support groups offered throughout the year to stay connected to and encourage one another while they pursue their long term goals.

In 2024, 89 families successfully completed a coaching program. Participants individualized goal areas included: financial preparedness and behavior changes around finances, gaining or improving existing employment, improving emotional health and wellbeing, engaging in adult education opportunities, improving life skills, building healthy family and social relationships, increasing their support system through community involvement, gaining parenting support and skills, securing reliable transportation, accessing health care and improving their physical health, and improving housing quality and cost.

Transitions
Seventy four percent of clients completing the Transitions program showed an overall increase in stability evidenced by the Arizona Self Sufficiency Matrix pre post measure, 82% of clients completing the Harvard Flourishing Measure showed an increase in feelings of meaning and purpose in their lives and 64% showed an increase in mental and physical health, 98% of clients met one of more of their identified goals and 71% met two or more of their identified goals. One hundred percent of clients would recommend the program to a friend or family member.

Client Feedback

“These sessions have helped me realize what abilities I have, what I’ve been doing wrong, or what I simply wasn’t doing. These lessons have been tools for my daily life, and I’ve learned that by making small changes and creating new habits, I can make a big difference in my future life.” (translated from Spanish)

“The one-on-one sessionsthat I have attended has given me a new perspective on where I am in my life and how I need to improve. It has had a tremendous effect on my mindset and helped me to get up and jump back on the horse and star riding again. In other words it’s been instrumental in pushing me to obtain more out of life. I would recommend the program to anyone who needs a fresh outlook on their personal life and anybody who just needs to discipline themselves concerning their income to see where or where it’s not going.“

Journey
Eighty five percent of clients completing the Journey program showed an overall increase in stability evidenced by the Arizona Self Sufficiency Matrix pre post measure, 87% of clients completing the Harvard Flourishing Measure showed an increase in feelings of meaning and purpose in their lives and 64% showed an increase financial and material stability, 98% of clients met one of more of their identified goals and 79% met two or more of their identified goals, and 98% met financial preparedness goals and financial behavior change goals. Sixty three percent of graduates completed the program with an emergency fund in place and 68% were able to discharge some debt. One hundred percent of clients would recommend the program to a friend or family member.

Client Feedback
“The entire program has been a blessing. Both the financial knowledge, the food assistance, the [childcare workers], the staff in general, and the individual sessions have been an important part of taking a step forward in our personal growth and the growth of our home.” (translated from Spanish)

“The coaching services provided have helped me to reflect and identify barriers, unhealthy behavioral patterns, and mindsets that prevent/inhibit growth in the areas of personal, professional, and financial life.”