To celebrate Money Matters Month in April, we talked to Jasmine Brewer, the executive director of MakingChange, Inc. This nonprofit organization offers free financial services, housing counseling, financial education, and tax preparation to qualified individuals. Clients may be required to provide proof of income or other financial information to qualify. The organization

also provides workshops and educational resources to employers, healthcare facilities, schools, and community and social service organizations. Jasmine looks at her work as a way to help their clients invest in a better future. “Our role is to educate and empower clients to be able to take the tools we give them to build up their financial capacity.”

Brewer has worked in Community and Economic Development for more than 15 years. She

brings her experience and dedication to education, financial literacy, and fair housing into her

role at MakingChange, Inc. “I got involved with this work because I believe it's important to help

people. It’s important to reach back and teach from either mistakes you learned from or just

knowledge you gained. If I can continue exhibiting that, I feel I will make a huge difference.”

With skyrocketing housing costs, many people in Howard County need help with their rent or

mortgage. In 2023, Jasmine’s team helped to provide $900,000 in rental assistance to low-

income families through MakingChange, Inc. The organization’s rental education training covers

everything from affordability and maintenance to tenant and landlord responsibilities. “If you’re

a first-time renter, you need to know what you’re getting into. You need to know that your

landlord has certain legal responsibilities.” If a renter is experiencing problems with their

landlord, MakingChange housing counselors may refer them to legal aid and follow up with

them to ensure they are getting what they need.

Money is a sensitive subject for many people which means that Jasmine and her staff need to

make their clients feel comfortable sharing their financial information. “Working with diverse

populations, we have to garner trust with our clients. We will have one-on-one conversations

with our clients where we offer them a level of accountability.” Following up and asking

questions helps ensure the client feels safe and comfortable. But honesty needs to go both

ways. “We can’t help our clients with a budget if they aren’t honest with us. We tell them we do

not judge what they spend their money on. We build a beautiful level of respect with our clients;

it’s like talking to a therapist.”

MakingChange, Inc. is always looking for volunteers to help with financial counseling, budgeting,

tax preparation, and events. Most volunteers don’t need a finance background to help, but they

may need to undergo official IRS training. Check out their website to learn more about

upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities.

MakingChange kicked off Money Matters Month on April 6th with its 3rd annual Passport to

Financial Literacy event offering workshops for everyone, from youth to adults. Participants

learned about creating a budget, credit scores, managing their finances, and fair housing.

Headshot Photography by: Imiivo Photo Studios
Makeup by: Ashley Callaway Beauty