Family Futures Downeast (FFD) has launched a new partnership with University Credit Union (UCU) to deliver financial literacy education to FFD students and alumni, as well as StartUp Downeast participants throughout Washington County. UCU is sponsoring the financial literacy series with a contribution of $1,025. This collaboration brings together two organizations committed to building brighter futures for families through education, empowerment, and practical support.
The Financial Literacy Workshop Series is designed specifically for the unique needs of student parents, many of whom are first-generation college students balancing the demands of education, work, and parenting while navigating financial stress. Through this series, FFD and UCU are equipping families with essential financial skills and the confidence to take charge of their economic futures.
“Our partnership with University Credit Union has such a powerful impact on the families we serve,” said Donielle Fields, Family Coach at Family Futures Downeast. “It’s not just about teaching financial skills—it’s about creating hands-on learning experiences that connect to real-life situations. Families are able to see how the things they learn can be applied right away in their daily lives, and that builds confidence. For many of the parents in our program, that one-on-one support and encouragement helps them believe in themselves and their ability to make positive changes. When that happens, it doesn’t just change their finances—it changes their whole family’s future.”
Financial literacy represents a critical step toward independence for families in FFD, a two-generation program designed to improve economic outcomes for low-income families by enabling children and their parent(s) to access high-quality education. Learning to manage credit, budget effectively, and make informed financial decisions helps parents feel more in control and less anxious about their futures. These skills create ripple effects across generations, helping children grow up in homes where financial confidence and stability are possible.
The Financial Literacy Workshop Series includes essential topics from credit scores to debt management to hands-on budgeting activities. Workshops are designed to be accessible and practical, with interactive sessions that help parents immediately apply what they learn to their daily lives. Upcoming workshops include:
- November 10, 2025: Next Big Purchase, 11 am – 12 pm
- January 14, 2026: Budget Wise, 11 am – 12 pm
- February 12, 2026: Lessening Your Debt, 11 am – 12 pm
- March 2026: Shopping Wars, Cohort 10 & Transition Students
- April 2026: Open One-on-One time for students to schedule with Ree Anna Bridges on Campus at the UCU office
- June 2026: Financial Cup, Financial Literacy water game
If you are an FFD participant or alumni and would like to sign up for one or more workshops, please reach out to Donielle Fields at dfields@sunrisecounty.org or call 207-214-5064. Registration information will be sent prior to each event. Participants who attend at least four of the nine UCU contact activities will receive a gift provided by UCU.
Above: UCU Community Engagement Manager, Ree Anna Bridges, presents FFD Family Coach, Donielle Fields, and FFD Director, Marsha Sloan a sponsorship check for the new financial literacy series.