Interfaith Hospitality Network- Money Management
By John & Barbara Fillion


      We believe we have been called to help individuals and couples learn how to better manage their money following biblical principles. Our interest in this area started with an engaged couple's class we taught over fifteen years ago at HPCUMC; it has increased over the years. Since that time, we have taught a Money Management class and conducted one-on-one counseling sessions with HPCUMC members. John is trained as a Crown Ministries Budget Counselor, and both of us prepare taxes for H&R Block during tax season. The tax training provides not only basic skills for managing money on an after-tax basis; it also provides valuable insight on how the general public views their finances.
      Earlier this year, Diane Weaver and Ronda Deel brought to our attention that Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) had just lost their budget counselor, and they were looking for a replacement. We jumped at the chance!
      (IHN serves temporarily homeless families with children; its primary goal is to help clients find stable housing. While the families are with IHN, they sleep and eat at local churches and synagogues; HPCUMC is a host congregation. Clients participate in mandatory parenting and life skills classes; transportation for job interviews and other appointments is available. The Lower Price Hill-based IHN Day Center serves as home base; case managers assist families with securing housing.)
      After accepting Diane's and Ronda's challenge, we developed materials to use for budget classes with IHN families. On Wednesday mornings, one of us presents the materials, answers questions and offers advice; alternating presenters gives participants different perspectives every other week. Clients' long-term success is contingent upon sufficient income and a basic ability to manage family finances. Our weekly classes aid in money management.
      Greater Cincinnati 's IHN, along with its many volunteers, has successfully reintegrated families back into the community. Over the past several years, 60% have found stable housing; less than 10% have returned to emergency shelters.
      Your support of IHN is welcomed in a variety of areas:
Spread HPCUMC's spirit of hospitality when our church hosts IHN families (generally, once every eight weeks). Prepare and serve evening meals or coordinate evening activities with children. This is a great family volunteer opportunity! For more information, contact Jane LaPointe at 513-271-0978 or janie8749@aol.com .
Provide child care at the IHN Day Center in Lower Price Hill or conduct craft classes for children while parents attend mandatory classes. (Contact Ann Guszkowski at (513) 471-1100 or ihn@one.net).
      Plan and develop a mentoring program for IHN families from the ground up. IHN hopes to launch this initiative in 2006, but needs creative and committed individuals to make it work. Interested? Contact Ann Guszkowski (see number listed above).
Donate “non-material items” on IHN's Wish List; visit http://www.ihncincinnati.org . for additional details.