Matern Staffing is partnering with Kristen Reed from Rappahannock United Way to spotlight the Prosper Mentoring Program. Now in its second year, this program is transforming lives and delivering impressive results. Kristen shares program details and success stories that showcase its powerful impact on the community.
Interview with Kristen
Question 1: Can you describe the Prosper Mentoring program, and what goals it aims to achieve for participants?
Answer: Prosper Mentoring is a year-long program for local working women. It empowers women to take control of their finances, achieve personal goals, and build a brighter future. The program is divided into two phases, ensuring a blend of foundational learning and ongoing support:
Phase 1: Financial Foundations (First 6 Months)
During the first half of the program, participants engage in monthly financial workshops paired with 1-on-1 coaching sessions. These sessions provide practical insights and skills to help women manage their finances effectively. Topics include:
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- Budgeting and Tracking Expenses: Learn how to plan and monitor spending to make the most of your income
- Building Savings Habits: Develop strategies to save consistently and build a financial cushion
- Understanding and Improving Credit: Gain insights into credit reports, scores, and how to enhance them
- Debt Management Strategies: Create actionable plans to reduce and manage debt
- Setting Financial Goals: Define personal financial objectives and craft a roadmap to achieve them
By the end of this phase, participants gain a solid foundation and the confidence to make informed financial decisions.
Phase 2: Personalized Support (Second 6 Months)
The second half of the program focuses on providing individualized coaching tailored to each participant’s unique needs and goals. Participants work with a certified financial coach to set three personal goals—whether financial, career-related, or personal development—ensuring continued progress. This phase focuses on accountability, encouragement, and overcoming obstacles. Our 1-on-1 coaching ensures participants stay on track, address challenges as they arise, and continue making meaningful progress toward their personal, professional, and financial aspirations.
Question 2: What inspired the creation of the Prosper Mentoring program?
Answer: We launched Prosper Mentoring to support the thousands of hardworking women who face pay disparities and struggle to prioritize their financial well-being.
As a proud participant in the United Way ALICE Project, we collaborate with United Ways across Virginia to research and analyze data that highlights the challenges individuals and families encounter in our community. The most recent ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report revealed that women in our region face inequities that often hinder them from reaching their full potential.
Compared to their white male counterparts in Virginia, the earnings of women are significantly lower:
- Latino and Hispanic women working full-time earn, on average, 53 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
- Women of color working full-time earn, on average, 59 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
- White women working full-time earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
Moreover, approximately 40% of households in our region live at or below the ALICE Threshold, with single female-headed households with children disproportionately affected. Recognizing these challenges, we established Prosper Mentoring in 2023 to make a positive change.
Question 3: Can you describe the type of mentorship that participants receive and how it addresses their unique needs?
Answer: Prosper Mentoring generates proven results with our two-pronged approach:
1-on-1 Coaching: This personalized support is designed to meet the unique goals of each participant. Participants work closely with our in-house certified financial coach to develop a roadmap for reaching their objectives. Monthly coaching sessions allow for tracking progress, discussing strategies, and providing inspiration and encouragement.
- Group Workshops: We structured the workshops like classrooms and feature engaging activities that promote conversation and collaboration. Participants benefit from the support of a new network of women who uplift and encourage each other throughout the program.
Question 4: How do you select mentors for the program, and what qualities make them effective?
Answer: Rappahannock United Way selects mentors from its trained financial coaches who hold the Certified Financial Social Work (CFSW) designation. This certification equips them with the expertise and skills needed to effectively guide Prosper Mentoring participants toward financial security.
Question 5: What challenges do you encounter in running this program, and how have you overcome them?
Answer: Prosper Mentoring is an exciting and impactful new initiative at Rappahannock United Way, with our first group of women proudly graduating in Spring 2024. One of the challenges we’ve encountered is spreading the word quickly enough to reach the many women in our community who are eager to improve their finances and transform their lives. However, this challenge has motivated us to continually refine our outreach efforts and find innovative ways to connect with potential participants.
Another challenge is changing the perception that Prosper Mentoring is only for women who are struggling or in poverty. This program, created by women, is designed for any woman looking to make a positive change in her life. Our participants come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and life stages, and they find common ground in the material we share and the lessons we learn together.
Question 6: What kind of success stories or outcomes have you seen from participants who completed the program?
Answer: The impact of our Prosper Mentoring program is undeniable. Here are just a few of the powerful success stories from our participants:
Shante Brown, a traveling nursing director and administrator of senior home care services, had always been too busy to focus on her finances. Although she earns six figures, she never learned critical financial skills to effectively manage her money. Through Prosper Mentoring, she achieved financial stability by significantly increasing her credit score, paying bills on time, and building her savings.
- Lorraine, another graduate, joined the program with her daughter, Jakiya, to rebuild their savings after experiencing financial hardship. Through group workshops, they found encouragement, a sense of community, and the confidence to make informed financial decisions. Both left the program motivated and better equipped to secure their financial futures.
- From our December graduating class, Andrea took steps toward securing a new job by leveraging the interview skills she gained through the program. Her story is a testament to how Prosper Mentoring empowers participants not only to improve their finances but also to enhance their overall career readiness.
Question 7: What would you say to someone considering joining the program who may be uncertain about their commitment?
Answer: If you’re considering joining Prosper Mentoring but feel uncertain about the commitment, we encourage you to take the leap with an open heart and mind. This free program is designed to help you not only improve your finances but also address areas of your life that may no longer be serving you.
Our approach is holistic, offering support through evening group workshops where a meal is provided to make participation more convenient. Additionally, personalized 1-on-1 coaching sessions can be tailored to your schedule, whether virtually or in-person. We strive to make it as accessible as possible.
Every graduate of Prosper Mentoring has found the program well worth the effort, and many have shared how it transformed their lives. If you’re ready to take a step toward financial empowerment and personal growth, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Give it a try and see how powerful change can be!
Question 8: How does a person apply for the program?
Answer: Anyone interested in applying for Prosper Mentoring can complete our fast and easy interest form. Once we receive your submission, a Prosper Mentor/Trainer will contact you to collect more information and talk with you about the next steps.
Question 9: What are the logistical details about the program – cost, in-person time commitment, follow-up commitment, etc?
Answer: Prosper Mentoring is a free, 12-month program funded by Rappahannock United Way’s Women United. Participants will attend six monthly group workshops at Rappahannock United Way’s office, and engage in 12 monthly 1-on-1 coaching sessions (virtually, or in-person at our office), providing a comprehensive and supportive experience designed to foster lasting financial and personal growth.
Question 10: Anything else you’d like to include about the program or RUW?
Answer: We are actively onboarding participants for our 2025 cohort and scheduling their 1-on-1 coaching sessions. Our application deadline is January 31st, so act fast to improve your finances in the New Year! Complete our Prosper Mentoring interest form to start the registration process.
Key Takeaways
- Takeaway #1 – The program is designed to empower local working women by improving their financial literacy and helping them achieve personal goals. Through a structured two-phase approach—financial workshops and personalized coaching.
- Takeaway #2 – Prosper Mentoring is open to women of diverse backgrounds and life stages, emphasizing that it’s not just for those in financial hardship but for any woman seeking positive change. Its personalized approach has led to tangible successes, such as increased credit scores, rebuilding savings, and career advancement.
- Takeaway #3 – Offered at no cost and funded by RUW’s Women United, the program ensures accessibility with flexible coaching options and evening workshops with meals provided. It’s structured to accommodate participants’ schedules, demonstrating a commitment to removing barriers and fostering transformative change.
- Takeaway #4 – The program is actively onboarding participants for its 2025 cohort, with the application deadline set for January 31st.
Now It’s Your Turn
Secure your spot to a journey toward financial empowerment in the New Year. Interested individuals are encouraged to act quickly and complete the easy online interest form.