This spring and summer, the Oregon IDA Initiative invested in strengthening our network’s skills through two trainings: a return of our Financial Coaching for Prosperity series, and a new training on racial equity in financial access work. Here’s a look at both.
The 3rd cohort completes the Financial Coaching for Prosperity training!
In 2026, the IDA Initiative completed its third Financial Coaching for Prosperity cohort, providing front-line staff with practical tools and new skills to support households in building financial stability and wealth as they navigate complex financial systems. Participants learned coaching techniques that emphasize client self-determination, including asking open-ended questions, creating safe and nonjudgmental spaces, and helping participants identify their own values, priorities, and visions of success.
“[This training] was rooted in a universal truth that every human being is enough, not broken and does not need to be fixed. Instead focus on real-world education in a nonjudgemental environment, to meet participants where they are and simply help to position them get clear on where they desire to go and join them in the process of doing just that. Creating personalized visions of success, one saver at a time.” – IDA Provider
Over the last 3 years, NP has supported 78 staff across 40 organizations to complete this 26-hour training. We’d like to give a huge shout-out to Devin Stubblefield and Kamilla Johnson, whose energy, expertise, and collaborative teaching style created an inspiring learning environment for our network. The opportunity to practice skills in small groups and connect with peers from agencies across Oregon strengthened relationships among providers and fostered a shared commitment to supporting participants through strengths-based approaches. This training reinforces a core principle of our work, that individuals and families do not need to be “fixed,” but rather benefit from education, support, and coaching that meets them where they are and helps them achieve their own goals.
We want to thank the Kaiser Permanente Northwest investment in this capacity-building initiative, which demonstrates shared commitment to strengthening financial well-being statewide. This work leverages the Oregon IDA Initiative’s broad reach, as we support Oregonians navigating financial decisions, responding to emergencies, and pursuing long-term asset-building goals.
“The financial coaching experience has truly been inspiring and empowering for me. I’ve gained so much valuable knowledge, encouragement, and insight throughout the process. The coaches created such a welcoming and supportive environment, and their guidance has helped me feel more confident about my financial goals and future. This experience didn’t just teach me about finances, it sparked motivation, hope, and a deeper belief in what’s possible for myself and my future.” – IDA Provider
Racial Equity in Practice: Power, Identity, and Financial Access
As an Initiative, we remain committed to advancing racial and economic justice through the IDA. Our financial systems and institutions in every arena have and continue to exclude and underserve communities of color. This Spring, NP worked with Nel Taylor of Now This Consulting to strengthen the network’s understanding of racial equity and application of more equitable practices. Through this training, IDA staff explored how race, power, and identity shape access to financial resources, and how these dynamics show up in everyday decisions, policies, and interactions with participants.
Rather than focusing on terminology or “right answers,” this training emphasized self-awareness and real-world application. Participants reflected on their own positionality, examine how discretion and gatekeeping can impact equity, and explore how personal and cultural narratives about money, scarcity, and deservingness influence their work.
This training was also an opportunity to slow down, build shared understanding, and strengthen the lens needed to engage in equitable financial access work with greater clarity and care. When we create policies and remove barriers faced by people who have been oppressed the most by the current economic system, our communities will function better for everyone.
“This was one of the best equity trainings I have attended. I think Nel’s personal experiences brought a lot of credibility and depth to the training.” – IDA Provider
NP highly recommends you bring this training to your workplace! Nel Taylor is a nonprofit development, equity, HR, and fundraising strategy consultant with over 15 years of nonprofit experience, bringing a strong justice lens to indigenizing fundraising, systems, and strategies in the nonprofit sector. If you’d like to connect with Nel, please reach out to nel@nowthisconsulting.com.
“Nel was fantastic. Nel is passionate, knowledgeable, and grounded in the realities of the work. Nel presents information in an accessible, engaging, and personal way that reflects her genuine commitment to the subject matter. Nel challenges participants to think more deeply, reflect on their experiences, and consider new possibilities for both personal and organizational growth. Nel’s approach is thoughtful, practical, and inspiring. Well done, Nel!” – Andrew Hall Families Forward