Financial education volunteers ready for service

Top Row Volunteers From Left to Right – Barbara Greco, Wayne Barber, Barry Gaffney, David Robison, Kate Rudacille; Bottom Row – Moya Gaffney, Mary Jane Eichorn, Joni Kibler, Pat Johnson, Linda Allen

Ten volunteers recently participated in the Master Financial Education Volunteer training offered through Virginia Cooperative Extension in Front Royal.  Linda Allen of Front Royal, Wayne Barber of Front Royal, Mary Jane Eichorn of Marshall, Barry and Moya Gaffney of Front Royal, Barbara Greco of Front Royal, Pat Johnson of Lake Frederick, Joni Kibler of Woodstock, Kate Rudacille of Front Royal, and David Robison of Nokesville are now volunteering their time to teach financial management classes, provide individual and family financial mentoring, and serve in other volunteer roles with the Northern Shenandoah Valley Financial Education Program.

Volunteers received 30-hours of training to enhance their own financial management knowledge and develop their abilities to present information to individuals and groups. Training topics included budgeting, credit, banking, insurance, and debt management, as well as communications skills, group facilitation, community resources, and more. In return for the training, volunteers commit to serve in the program for at least 50 hours during the year following training.

Extension Agent, Karen Poff, says of the training, ”Our volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of the people they work with, strengthening personal finances through individual and group sessions.” The program welcomes volunteers from all walks of life, whether or not they have previous experience or education. Bi-lingual volunteers are especially needed. Our Summer 2017 training will be held beginning May 31st on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in Luray. To receive a volunteer application and training details, contact Karen Poff at 540-635-4549 or kpoff@vt.edu, or contact her by calling your local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate, please contact Karen Poff at 540-635-4549 or through your local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension to discuss accommodations at least five business days prior to the event. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.