Jefferson County Financial Center Launches to Provide Free, Personalized Financial Counsel
September 9, 2025
Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center Launches to Provide Free, Personalized Financial Counseling
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WI –The Jefferson County Department of Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) are proud to announce the grand opening of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)—a free public service offering one-on-one financial counseling to help residents build financial stability and achieve long-term goals.
The FEC is open to all adults who live or work in Jefferson County. There are no income limits or eligibility criteria—just a commitment to take control of your finances.
Through individualized sessions, clients receive support with budgeting, managing debt, improving credit, building savings, and accessing safe, affordable banking options. All services are completely free and confidential.
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.
“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.”
Appointments are now available and can be scheduled at: www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/fec
This service is made possible through a partnership between Jefferson County Human Services and Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, with generous support from community sponsors, including:
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Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund
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Fort Atkinson Community Foundation
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Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
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Jefferson Community Foundation
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St. Vincent de Paul – Lake Mills
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Summit Credit Union
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Rock Lake Activity Center
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Madison College
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Lake Mills Area Community Foundation
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Bank of Lake Mills
To celebrate the opening, the FEC team will also be participating in the Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade on Sunday, September 14.
“Helping our residents build financial stability strengthens families, neighborhoods, and our entire community,” said Michael Luckey, County Administrator, Jefferson County. “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.”
Jefferson County is one of several dozen local governments that has 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.
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact Rhiannon Tonies at rhiannont@cacscw.org or Heather Nunez at hnunez@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey cuts the ribbon to officially open the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center on September 9, 2025, at the Workforce Development Center in Jefferson. Also pictured (from left): Heather Nunez, FEC Local Government Manager with Jefferson County; Samantha Wendt, CAC Board President; and Meghan Mietchen, CAC Executive Director.
CAC Executive Director Meghan Mietchen shares remarks during the ribbon cutting for the new Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center, held September 9, 2025, at the Workforce Development Center.
State legislators and community leaders joined the FEC team at the Workforce Development Center in Jefferson on September 9, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the Jefferson County Financial Empowerment Center. From left to right: Rep. William Penterman; Rep. Joan Fitzgerald; Sen. Melissa Ratcliff; Michael Luckey; Meghan Mietchen; Heather Nunez; C.J. Garcia, FEC Counselor; Stephanie Chamberlain, FEC Counselor; Rhiannon Tonies, FEC Manager; and Shawna Marquardt, Regional Dean at Madison Area Technical College.
About Jefferson County Department of Human Services
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—including housing, employment, behavioral health, and financial stability. 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. For more information, please visit www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/human_services.
About Community Action Coalition (CAC)
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.
About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)
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, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Bluesky at @cfefund.bsky.social.; learn more about the FEC Public initiative at www.fecpublic.org.
