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THE OREGON MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Financial security is more than simply having money to live on. It's also being able to understand and pay bills on time, manage credit, organize financial papers, file taxes, and other financial tasks. Approximately 2% of adults need help managing personal finances due to mental or physical impairments. As one might imagine, the percentage increases with age. Without support these people are vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. They are often isolated and living in fear of losing their independence.
The Oregon Money Management Program offers support to people with limited incomes who need help with money management tasks. Services are provided by trained and supervised volunteers who work one-on-one with individuals through three core services: Money Coach, Bill Payer, and Representative Payee.
Money Coach
Developed by and offered through Easter Seals Oregon, Money Coach volunteers provides one-on-one financial mentoring. This program helps people with low-to-moderate incomes learn how to improve their current financial status and plan for future needs. Money Coach is a short-term educational service that covers the basics: budgeting, spending, and goal setting. To view a video about this program, please click HERE.
Bill Payer Service
Developed by AARP and offered through local program sponsors, Bill Payer volunteers provide one-on-one assistance to individuals who remain in control of their finances but need ongoing help to keep on track. This service is offered to individuals with limited income and assets.
Representative Payee Service
Developed by AARP and offered through local program sponsors, Representative Payee volunteers provide one-on-one assistance to individuals who do not have the capacity to manage their federal benefits such as Social Security, SSA Disability, Veteran’s, and Railroad Retirement. Volunteers manage these federal benefits on behalf of the individual ensuring that basic needs are met and funds are protected. Service is offered to individuals with limited income and assets.
Program Safeguards
Program volunteers are screened to ensure suitability to work with vulnerable individuals.
Volunteers receive specialized training with ongoing education and supervision.
Personal and financial information is kept in strict confidence.
Checks and balances are in place to protect program participants from loss and volunteers and program sponsors from liability.
AARP will reimburse Bill Payer and Representative Payee participants if they suffer financial loss due to misuse or mistakes made by program volunteers or sponsors.
Partnerships for Success
Easter Seals Oregon, AARP, local community service organizations, and volunteers make the Money Management Program possible. Working with community partners and volunteers, Easter Seals Oregon is committed to expanding money management services throughout Oregon. New partnerships are currently being developed to bring services into more Oregon communities.
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County
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Service Offered
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Service Locations, Program Partners & Contacts
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Clackamas
1987
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Bill Payer
Rep. Payee
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Oregon City: Clackamas County Volunteer Connection
Shari Bandes (503) 655-8574 sbandes@co.clackamas.or.us
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Jackson
2005
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Bill Payer
Rep.Payee
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Medford: Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Southern Oregon
Greg Jones (541) 779-2273 gjones@cccsso.org
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Lane
2000
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Bill Payer
Rep. Payee
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Eugene: Lane County Senior & Disabled Services
Julie Austin (541) 682-4177 Juliemmp@comcast.net
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Wasco
2007
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Bill Payer
Rep. Payee
Money Coach
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The Dalles: Mid-Columbia Area Agency on Aging
Connie Karp (541) 298-4101 ext. 204 connie.karp@mccog.com
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Multnomah
2009
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Money Coach
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Portland Metro Area: Easter Seals Oregon
Carol Cookson (800) 556-6020 ccookson@or.easterseals.com |
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Benton
2011
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Bill Payer
Rep. Payee
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Corvallis: OCWCOG Senior & Disability Services
Milt Donelson (541) 812-2597 mmp@ocwcog.org |
For more information about services, volunteering, or establishing a new program in your area, please contact Carol Cookson, Program Director, Easter Seals Oregon, at
(800)-556-6020 or mmp@or.easterseals.com.
To locate Money Management programs outside Oregon, please visit the AARP Money Management Program website at http://www.aarpmmp.org/ . The Money Management Program is part of the AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity.
“The AARP Money Management Program is part of the AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity.”
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