Program Overview
The Financial Literacy Initiative is an educational program established by the Opportunity & Equity Foundation to equip individuals with disabilities, their families, and the broader community with practical financial knowledge and money management skills that promote lifelong financial independence, responsible decision-making, and economic self-sufficiency. The Foundation created this initiative to address the financial knowledge gap that often limits opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through age-appropriate education and hands-on learning experiences, participants will develop the knowledge and confidence necessary to earn, manage, save, budget, and responsibly use money throughout every stage of life.
Goals
To help individuals develop lifelong money management skills, increase financial confidence, make informed financial decisions, reduce financial barriers, and achieve greater independence and economic stability.
Eligibility
Open to all. Free whenever possible. Financial assistance or fee waivers available if nominal fees are ever necessary.
Who This Serves
Individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, physical, sensory, learning, and other disabilities, as well as their families, caregivers, educators, and interested community members. Content is adapted for youth, teens, and adults.
Benefits
Lifelong money management skills, financial confidence, practical tools for everyday financial decisions, and greater economic independence. Instruction combines classroom education, interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and practical exercises.
Services Provided
Youth Financial Literacy: identifying currency, counting money, saving, needs vs. wants, goal setting. Teen Financial Literacy: banking basics, budgeting, paychecks, credit introduction, fraud prevention. Adult Financial Literacy: personal budgeting, bill payment, credit building, saving, insurance, taxes, homeownership, entrepreneurship, financial planning, and identity theft prevention.
Schedule
Offered one to two times each year, or as funding, partnerships, and community needs permit. Approximately 30–100 participants per workshop.
Location
Community centers, libraries, schools, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and other accessible community locations throughout Arkansas.
Cost
Free whenever possible. Fee waivers available if needed.
Application Deadline
Rolling admission
Contact
Contact us at info@opportunityequityfoundation.org for more information.
The Financial Literacy Initiative
Age-appropriate financial education for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the broader community — covering money management, budgeting, banking, credit, and economic self-sufficiency at every stage of life.
Questions? Contact us