Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center Officially Launched
- The Editors
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 12
The Jefferson County Department of Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) formally opened the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
What Financial Empowerment Center services are offered & how it works
Staffed by professionally trained counselors, the FEC offers personalized support in budgeting and money management; finding safe, affordable banking products; building credit and improving credit scores; reducing debt and delinquent accounts; and growing savings and emergency funds – all to help residents build financial stability and achieve long-term goals.
The Jefferson County FEC is a free public service offering open to all adults age 18 and over who live or work in Jefferson County.
Through individualized sessions, clients receive support with budgeting, managing debt, improving credit, building savings, and accessing safe, affordable banking options.
There are no income limits or eligibility criteria - just a commitment to take control of your finances.
Counseling is provided on a confidential one-on-one personal basis.
The FEC does not offer or sell financial products, nor is it a money lender.
Where FEC services are offered
The Jefferson County FEC offers flexible service locations to increase access across the county. In-person appointments are available at the Jefferson Workforce Development Center, Watertown Madison College, Fort Atkinson Madison College, and Rock Lake Activity Center in Lake Mills. Virtual appointments are also available for those who prefer remote support.
How to access FEC services
Appointments are now available. To schedule an appointment, visit the FEC website: www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/fec
To celebrate their opening, the FEC team will also be participating in the Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade on Sunday, September 14 in the city of Jefferson. Community members are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and learn how to get started.
“This is about meeting people where they are—whether that’s in person or online, at no cost,” said Rhiannon Tonies, FEC Program Manager. “Financial stability should be within reach for everyone, and that’s exactly what this program is designed to do.”
FEC supported through local partner agencies and businesses
The Jefferson County FEC service is made possible through a partnership between Jefferson County Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin. Additional support is provided from the following community sponsors:
Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund
Fort Atkinson Community Foundation
Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
Jefferson Community Foundation
St. Vincent de Paul – Lake Mills
Summit Credit Union
Rock Lake Activity Center
Madison College
Lake Mills Area Community Foundation
Bank of Lake Mills
Jefferson County and CAC are also inviting county businesses to partner with the FEC by offering this service directly to their employees. “Employers who care about the financial well-being of their workforce can help connect them to free, professional support,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “It’s a win for both the employee and the organization.”
Luckey further stated, “Helping our residents build financial stability strengthens families, neighborhoods, and our entire community. Thanks to the County Board, CAC, and generous sponsors, we’re proud to bring this trusted, no-cost service to the people of Jefferson County.”
Those interested in partnership opportunities may contact Rhiannon Tonies at rhiannont@cacscw.org or Heather Nunez at hnunez@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
In partnership with Community Action Coalition, Jefferson County Human Services will help lead the implementation of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), ensuring residents have access to the tools and support needed to achieve lasting financial wellness.
Jefferson County is one of several dozen local governments that have launched a local FEC initiative in partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. The national FEC movement is supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation and other generous partners.
How Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFEs) & Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs) began
First piloted in New York City in 2008, FECs across the country have worked with over 189,000 clients, helping them reduce individual debt by over $315 million, and increasing their families’ savings by more than $61 million. A CFE Fund evaluation showed that this program works even for residents with very low incomes and other complex financial challenges.
The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting-edge experience with large-scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 145 cities and counties, and has disbursed over $70 million to local governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, visit www.cfefund.org or learn more about the FEC Public initiative at www.fecpublic.org.
About Jefferson County Department of Human Services and the Community Action Coalition
The Jefferson County FEC service is made possible through a partnership between Jefferson County Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin. Following is additional information about these agencies.
Department of Human Services
The Jefferson County Department of Human Services is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all county residents through high-quality, accessible programs and services. The department works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by addressing a broad range of human needs such as housing, employment, behavioral health, and financial stability. For more information, please visit www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services.
Community Action Coalition
The Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin works to end poverty and help people live better lives. Serving Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties, CAC empowers individuals and families through programs in housing, food security, and financial empowerment. For more information, please visit www.cacscw.org/.