Financial Success Program

Fresh Coast Alliance’s Financial Success Program—delivered as the six-week Healthy Lifestyles class—gives returning citizens and people in early recovery the everyday skills that keep jobs and stabilize budgets. Weekly, free sessions (Wednesdays, 11am–1pm) build workplace readiness through boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy, while pairing this with basic health routines (meal planning, reading labels, light exercise, stress management) that support consistent employment. Classes use discussion, role-plays, neighborhood walks, guest speakers, and peer support, and are led by longtime staff with lived experience.

The program sits inside FCA’s wraparound model—five sober-living homes, 18 hours of weekly programming, community meals, recovery coaching, and employer connections—so participants can practice skills and immediately apply them. Typical outcomes include opening bank accounts, moving to independent housing, completing interviews, securing jobs, and improving job retention. FCA is adding simple pre/post checks to track gains in interpersonal skills and healthy habits.

Why this supports United Way’s mission/priorities
By strengthening the habits and interpersonal skills that help ALICE households keep work and advance, the program increases financial stability and economic mobility while improving health and well-being. It removes reentry barriers, connects participants to resources and fair-chance employers, and helps more Muskegon County families meet basic needs—directly supporting United Way’s mission to build thriving communities.