Financial empowerment Program

Help on the Path to Financial Stability

Burke County United Way has launched a new financial coaching initiative to empower community members on their path to greater financial stability and security.

Our certified financial counselors provide:

  • One-on-one assessment of your current financial situation, including income, expenses, debts, credit, and savings

  • Development of a personalized financial goal plan outlining concrete steps you can take to improve your finances

  • Ongoing support and accountability through scheduled follow-up meetings to check progress

We aim to help you:

  • Establish safe, affordable banking

  • Improve credit scores

  • Reduce debt

  • Build emergency savings

  • Feel more confident and in control of your finances

Our coaches become trusted partners who offer guidance without judgement. We recognize lasting change takes time and effort. By working together, we can put you on the road to greater financial peace of mind.

Fill out the Program Interest Form to take the first step.

Meet our financial coaches

 

  • Adriana Morris joined BCUW in Jan. 2023 to become a financial coach for the new Financial Empowerment Program. She has a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University. Adriana has completed the training to become a Certified Financial Counselor from the National Association of Credit Counselors.

    Adriana has worked in several local agencies: Hospice of Burke County, Burke United Christian Ministries, Burke County Public School System and is currently employed at Broughton Hospital.

    Adriana was born in Manizales Colombia and is fluent in Spanish. She has worked very closely with the Hispanic community in Burke County. Adriana is married to Jevon who is a Burke county resident and they have 4 sons: Jevon, Santiago, Nikolas and Carlos. She has been a resident of Morganton for over 29 years. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, quilting but especially traveling.

  • Keith joined the Burke County United Way in January 2023 as a Financial Coach with the agency's Financial Empowerment Center. Keith has 25 years of experience in higher education, having retired from Western Piedmont Community College where he served in Student Services. He also was employed in the insurance services business for eight years. Keith is a Certified Financial Counselor and received a Bachelor’s degree from Pembroke State University.

    Keith resides in Morganton, with his wife Sondra. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Arielle and Ariana. Keith and Sondra are active members of New Day Christian Church. During his leisure time, Keith enjoys reading, sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.

 

“ This program has given me the support and confidence needed to become self-sufficient and independent for my children.”

“I enjoy being part of the Financial Empowerment Program because it has improved my financial situation. I have learned how to save my money and understand where it is going with a spending plan.

My Financial Counselor, Keith Conley, has taught me how to fix my credit scores and get out of debt. He also encourages me to build an emergency savings account that my family and I can benefit from in the future - that really means a lot to me.

This program has given me the support and confidence needed to become self-sufficient and independent for my children. I really appreciate the program.”

-Tymesha, Financial Empowerment Program Client