Supporting individuals and families across Prince Edward Island in building greater financial stability, reducing financial stress, and accessing the resources and benefits available to them.
Funded by Prosper Canada, the Financial Empowerment Program provides free and confidential financial support to PEI residents who may be experiencing financial challenges or who would benefit from assistance in navigating Canada’s financial and social benefit systems.
Through individualized support, participants can work with program staff and volunteers to better understand their financial circumstances, identify barriers, and develop practical strategies to improve their financial well-being.
The program takes a person-centred approach, recognizing that each individual’s financial situation, goals, and needs are unique.
Develop practical strategies to strengthen financial well-being.
Identify and access available federal and provincial benefits and credits.
Address financial barriers through practical, individualized support.
Develop the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.
The program provides free and confidential services designed to help PEI residents navigate financial challenges, access available supports, and build greater financial stability.
Free and Confidential Tax Filing
The program provides free and confidential income tax filing assistance through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).
Completing annual tax returns can help individuals access important federal and provincial
benefits and credits. Tax filing assistance is available to eligible individuals who may require
support in completing and submitting their tax returns.
One-to-One Financial Coaching and Budgeting Support
Participants can access free and confidential one-to-one financial coaching tailored to their individual circumstances and goals.
Support may include:
- Developing a realistic household budget
- Understanding income and expenses
- Managing and prioritizing debt
- Developing money-management skills
- Identifying opportunities to reduce expenses
- Establishing financial goals
- Developing strategies to improve financial stability
- Building confidence and skills in managing personal finances
Financial coaching focuses on practical, achievable strategies that participants can use to strengthen their financial well-being and make informed financial decisions.
Benefits, Credits and Identification Support
Navigating government benefits, credits, and identification requirements can be challenging. The program provides free and confidential assistance to help individuals identify and access benefits and supports for which they may be eligible.
Support may include:
- Identifying applicable federal and provincial benefits and credits
- Assistance with applications for benefits and programs
- Support navigating government processes and requirements
- Assistance with obtaining valid identification documents
- Referrals to appropriate community and government services when additional support is required
Financial Literacy Workshops
The program offers financial literacy workshops to community organizations, groups, and members of the public across Prince Edward Island.
Workshops are designed to provide practical, accessible financial information and help participants develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions.
Workshop topics may include:
- Understanding Canadian finances and the financial system
- Budgeting and money management
- Credit and debt management
- Understanding taxes and tax filing
- Federal and provincial benefits and credits
- Banking and financial services
- Saving and setting financial goals
- Registered savings and investment accounts, including RRSPs, TFSAs, and FHSAs
- Fraud prevention and financial safety
- Other financial topics based on the needs of the organization or community
Workshops can be tailored to the needs of specific community organizations, groups, and audiences.
Our Approach
The Financial Empowerment Program recognizes that financial challenges can be influenced by a variety of circumstances and that accessing appropriate support is an important step toward greater financial stability.
Program staff and volunteers work collaboratively with individuals to identify their needs, build on their existing strengths, and develop practical strategies that reflect their circumstances and goals. Through both individualized services and community-based financial education, the program aims to make financial information and support more accessible to PEI residents.
The program aims to help PEI residents:
- Increase financial stability
- Maximize access to available benefits and credits
- Reduce financial stress and financial barriers
- Improve budgeting and money-management skills
- Build confidence in making informed financial decisions
- Increase financial knowledge and literacy
- Connect with appropriate community and government resources
All individual services are provided free of charge and confidentially.
Referrals can be made using the John Howard Society of PEI’s referral form here
Our team can help connect you with the right program or service.
