Financial Empowerment programs
Welcome to the Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving (FEPS) program at CFAW, a counselling centre located in Toronto, Canada. We provide financial education, advocacy, and problem-solving services to low-income individuals who require financial assistance. Our program is free, confidential, and one-on-one, and includes information and referrals to income support programs and financial services providers.
Our FEPS program is a comprehensive program that provides a wide range of services to assist individuals in managing their finances. One of our key services is the completion of income tax returns. We understand that filing income tax returns can be a daunting task for some individuals, and our team is here to help you through the process. We will ensure that you receive all the benefits and credits that you are entitled to, including the Canada Child Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit.
In addition, we provide personal budgeting services to enhance knowledge of how to effectively manage the money they have. In a budgeting appointment, we work with the client to list their incomes and expenses, find areas to improve, and finally save money to put away for future needs. We also offer workshops with the goal of increasing participants’ financial knowledge covering the importance of filing taxes, budgeting, banking, and credit. In the last two years, we’ve delivered more than 20 financial literacy workshops across the GTA.
At CFAW, we believe in providing access to savings and asset-building opportunities. Our team can provide guidance on how to save money, as well as information on government programs that offer matching funds for individuals who save. We also provide protection from financial fraud and abuse by educating individuals on how to identify and avoid financial scams and abuse.
We also provide assistance in applying for government benefits, including Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Our team is well-versed in these programs and will ensure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to. We will also provide support if you have questions or issues related to letters received from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Our team is dedicated to helping individuals manage their debt and credit issues. We provide guidance on how to manage debt and credit, as well as how to access credit reports and resolve credit disputes. We also provide education on the importance of banking services and encourage clients to open their own bank accounts to set up direct deposit of their benefit payments to avoid the use of cheque-cashing and pay-day loan companies.
In conclusion, our FEPS program is committed to helping individuals manage their finances and achieve financial stability. Our services are free, confidential, and one-on-one, and we are here to help you navigate through the financial challenges that you may be facing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward financial empowerment.