By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, featured a special presentation by LaToria Thomas, President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA), and Florence Jackson, Interim Director of Financial Stability Programs. The two leaders shared an overview of the Shreveport Financial Empowerment Center (SFEC) and its growing impact on financial stability throughout the region.
The presentation was part of United Way’s ongoing efforts to spotlight Financial Literacy Month, a nationwide observance each April. As part of the celebration, UWNWLA has launched a series of initiatives, including proclamations by city and parish governments and an open house at the SFEC, located at 820 Jordan Street, Suite 507, in Shreveport.
The SFEC offers free, one-on-one financial coaching to help individuals reduce debt, improve credit, build savings, and enhance financial resilience. The services are specifically tailored to assist ALICE households—families that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed—who often face difficulty meeting basic needs despite having jobs.
“Financial stability is the key to greater economic mobility, and achieving this means not only meeting immediate needs but also creating pathways to greater independence, resilience, and quality of life,” said Jackson.
Thomas and Jackson emphasized how the SFEC, along with complementary programs such as BankOn partnerships, is providing essential tools to help families transition from financial insecurity to independence. These services aim to reduce the need for crisis assistance by promoting informed financial decision-making and long-term planning.
The SFEC is staffed by professionally trained and certified Financial Counselors who work directly with individuals to manage finances, lower debt, improve credit scores, build emergency savings, and access secure banking options.
United Way of Northwest Louisiana continues to focus on its mission to improve the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the community. Through partnerships and targeted programs like the SFEC, UWNWLA is working to empower families, strengthen households, and build a more resilient Northwest Louisiana.