How Habitat's FOC helps families thrive

It goes by many names — bread, shells, cheddar, dough, even cabbage — and sometimes it feels like money only says one thing: goodbye. While the slang can be funny, the reality is serious — financial stress reaches far beyond what's in your wallet. In 2023, the multinational financial advisory service PwC conducted an Employee Wellness Survey of more than 3,600 employees about wellness. The findings were striking: 57% said finances are their top source of stress60% said pay isn't keeping up with the cost of living That stress trickled into everyday life: 56% reported poor sleep55% struggled with mental health50% saw an impact on self-esteem44% experienced physical health challenges40% faced strain in relationships If you are one of the many feeling anxious about money — or wanting advice but not knowing where to turn — there's help. Habitat for Humanity of Findlay-Hancock County's LISC Financial Opportunity Center offers free, individualized financial and employment coaching to help people define and achieve success on their own terms. Take Susan's story: A single mother and homeowner, Susan lost her uninsured mobile home in a violent storm in June 2022. Suddenly, she had no home and few belongings. Connected to the FOC through her employer and national Habitat partner, Whirlpool, she began working with a financial coach. During the course of 12 months, Susan: Increased her credit score by 70 pointsPaid off thousands in collectionsAdvanced to a higher-paying jobSaved enough to clear negative equity on a car and buy a reliable vehicle with cash In June 2023, after completing 400 hours of sweat equity, Susan received the keys to her new Habitat home. She kept working with her coach, aiming to pay off her mortgage early and build retirement savings. By July 2025, she not only earned a promotion but also fulfilled a life-long dream — graduating with her bachelor's degree in business. The FOC is a free service available to all and is tailored to each person's specific situation and goals. Coaches provide tools, information, and resources so individuals can make informed financial decisions. They don't do the work for you — they walk alongside you as a trusted guide, and serve as an accountability partner when necessary. Support goes beyond finances, too. The FOC helps with workforce development like creating a resume, interview practice, soft skills development, and even advanced manufacturing training. Everyone is welcome, there is no application and no restrictions or eligibility requirements, and participants can stay involved for as long as they're committed - two weeks, two months, or even years. Our community is home to the only Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the nation with a Financial Opportunity Center, giving families here a powerful resource for building financial stability and a stronger future. If you'd like to explore how the FOC can support your goals, visit www.habitatfindlay.org/FOC or call 419-429-1400, ext. 4. Dustin Fuller is the manager of the Financial Opportunity Center for Habitat for Humanity of Findlay-Hancock County, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.