Financial Empowerment Center of Greater Bridgeport


The Financial Empowerment Center of Greater Bridgeport (FEC) promotes family economic success by empowering individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to get on the path to financial freedom.   The FEC is a collaborative effort of the Bridgeport Family Economic Success Initiative, composed of the following partner agencies: Connecticut Association for Human Services, FSW, Career Resources, Co-Opportunity, and the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, with support from the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County.  Together, we have the resources and experience necessary to truly make a difference in Greater Bridgeport. 

What Do We Offer at the Financial Empowerment Center?  

  • FREE one-on-one coaching in the areas of budgeting, debt reduction, credit, savings, and planning for the future
  • Free screening & application assistance for HUSKY (health insurance), SNAP (food stamps), Care 4 Kids (childcare assistance), and other work supports that can help to boost a family’s budget
  • Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) which help to jump-start a client’s savings by matching 100% of a client’s contributions (up to $1,000)
  • Free financial education classes through the Connecticut Money School
  • Free tax preparation (January – April)
  Who Should Visit the Financial Empowerment Center?  
  • Residents of Bridgeport and the surrounding towns (Fairfield, Stratford, Easton, Trumbull, & Monroe)
  • Annual household income of about 200% of the federal poverty line (about $44,000 for a family)
  • Living “paycheck-to-paycheck” and would like assistance with paying bills on time, improving bad credit, getting out of debt, and/or saving for the future
  • Interested in learning how to make positive financial choices and motivated to get back on the path to financial stability
The Financial Empowerment Center of Greater Bridgeport
located at Career Resources, Inc. 350 Fairfield Ave., 1st Floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604  

To set up an appointment with the FEC, or to find out more about specific services, contact: Diane Barber, Family Assets Life Coach
Financial Empowerment Center of Greater Bridgeport / FSW
(203) 610-6226   dbarber@fswinc.org

For general information about the FEC, contact:
Shannon Houston, Project Coordinator
CT Association for Human Services
(860) 951-2212 x225   shouston@cahs.org

Volunteer Opportunity at the Financial Empowerment Center of Greater Bridgeport
Become a volunteer budget coach!  In just a few hours per month, you can make a difference in a person’s financial future.  No experience necessary – training provided.  Check out our posting on Idealist.org to find out how you can become a volunteer budget coach!  http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/VolunteerOpportunity/201955-258/c