United Way NCA’s First Financial Empowerment Center Celebrates a Decade of Building Financial Security

Center at Prince George’s Community College has served more than 17,300 people since 2016

WASHINGTON (Nov 9, 2026) — Ten years ago, United Way of the National Capital Area opened its first Financial Empowerment Center on the campus of Prince George’s Community College. The goal was to provide services that help individuals and families advance toward economic opportunity at no cost. Since 2016, the center has served more than 17,300 people.

“Financial Empowerment Centers are a key part of how United Way NCA builds financial security for families across our region,” said Dr. Nicole Cooper, Chief External Affairs and Transformation Officer at United Way NCA. “For our ALICE households — those who are working but still struggle to make ends meet — one surprise bill, a government shutdown, or a medical emergency can throw a family off track. Every family that gets back on its feet means one household with a little more financial security. Our center at Prince George’s Community College was the first, and it paved the way for four more. Together, they help people get back on solid ground, stay there and build a stronger future.”

Over the years, the center has helped people keep more of what they earn. Some stopped paying fees at check-cashing stores and opened bank accounts for their paychecks. Others learned how to manage money and pay down debt. Free tax help ensured people claimed every tax credit they earned.

Dr. Falecia D. Williams, president of Prince George’s Community College, said the center’s long run speaks for itself.

“Prince George’s Community College is more than the center’s home. It has been United Way NCA’s trusted partner in this work from day one,” added Williams. “The fact that we’ve lasted a decade means we are meeting a need and people are finding value in what they’re experiencing through the Financial Empowerment Center. What heartens me is that it changes people’s lives. People are able to tell stories about the stability it created in their family.”

“This particular program has changed my life,” said Carla Backus, a client of the Prince George’s FEC. “I went from zero knowledge, zero confidence about finances, and I know stuff now.”

Today, United Way NCA runs Financial Empowerment Centers across the region, including: South County Government Center in Alexandria, Va.; Virginia Cooperative Extension in Prince William, Va.; WorkSource Montgomery in Silver Spring, Md.; and Greater Washington Urban League in Washington, D.C.

Each FEC offers guidance or resources on money management, credit, housing, job coaching, small business and building savings. For example, the FEC at Prince George’s Community College offers free services, including:

• Financial coaching: Clear, practical guidance for any money goal (online only).
• Weekly workshops: Classes on a wide range of money topics.
• Small business coaching: Advice from coaches for people building a business (online only).
• Tax preparation: Free help with current, prior-year and amended returns (in person, by appointment).
• Free courses: FEC-300 continuing education classes on money topics.
• Credit-builder loans: A loan match program with Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union to help people build credit.

“I hope over the next 10 years, we can expand to help more of the community,” said Williams.

To watch the 10-year anniversary video, visit https://youtu.be/r8Y7SnmMJq0. To learn more or to book a free visit, go to https://unitedwaynca.org/financial-empowerment-center/.

About United Way of the National Capital Area

For nearly 100 years, United Way of the National Capital Area has worked to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Guided by our mission, we are committed to creating measurable impact in the areas of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security for every person in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County in Virginia; Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland; and the District of Columbia. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit UnitedWayNCA.org.

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