Hands of Hope America serves the residents of Polk, Lake, Osceola and Orange county. We offer a comprehensive Financial Stability Program that includes Financial Classes, Coaching, Credit Restoration, and Income Tax Preparation. Because of the generous funding of the United Way of Central Florida, Hands of Hope America always provides our services free of charge. Incentive-Based Saving Program available ONLY to Polk County Residents.

Our Program is designed to educate, coach, and empower participants on their journey to financial stability and self-sufficiency. The pillars of our Program are free financial classes; financial incentives to encourage systematic saving and personal development; coaching in the areas of personal finance and credit repair; and free tax preparation.

Financial Classes

Free financial education is the cornerstone of our Financial Stability Program. We host live classes throughout the year serving Polk, Lake, Osceola, and Orange County. The classes are a series of four sessions in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that will teach you how to be smarter with your money no matter what your circumstances. We cover how to budget, get out of debt, save and invest, and improve credit reports. If you are unable to attend live classes, the curriculum is also available online. We also have a Young Adult and Spanish curriculum. And, we provide free breakfast, dinner, or lunch at each session!

Upon registering with us and completing the four live sessions or the online classes, participants are eligible for the following financial incentives and free coaching. Incentives are Only for Polk County residents.

Incentives Available to Graduates

$150 Savings Match Incentive: When a graduate increases their savings by $300 they receive an incentive match up to $150.

Job Credentialing Scholarships: (Must complete $300 savings to be eligible.) Up to $300 tuition will be paid directly to the vendor after the client has successfully completed the credentialing program they are pursuing. We have current partnerships with local healthcare trainers and vocational schools.

$2,000 Savings for Assets Matching Grant: (Must complete $300 savings to be eligible.) This program is funded by United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) and has income guidelines for eligibility. Participants save up to $2,000 within three years to buy their first home, attend college or trade school, purchase reliable work transportation, or start a small business, and we will match up to $2,000. Our payment will be issued directly to vendor. Participants must be in the program for a minimum of six months to receive funds.