Senior Resiliency Fund
The Senior Resiliency Fund (SRF) is a four-part program for lower-income older adults to gain access to valuable information, cash for savings, and to grow relationships in the community.
Over a six-month period, participants engage in bi-weekly meetings with speakers on various topics including, but not limited to, productivity and goal-setting; physical, emotional, and sexual wellness; elder financial abuse and scam avoidance; and conversations with family and friends about end-of-life planning.
They also participate in one-on-one financial coaching with our Certified Financial Social Worker to set individual savings goals, manage their budget on a fixed-income, credit repair, or any other financial goal they have set for themselves.
Through a collaboration with the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA), they also complete a Benefits Check-up to ensure they are enrolled and informed about national and local programs that could help them save needed funds.
Finally, at the end of the six-month period, participants who have successfully completed the above requirements for the program receive a 2 to 1 match on their savings goal (up to $400 for $200 saved) to use for the goal they set at the beginning for whatever they choose, such as emergency savings, paying down a debt, or a major car repair.
In order to qualify, participants must:
- Be 55 or older
- Annual income at or below $30,120 for a household of 1 or $40,880 for household of 2
- Either have a savings account or the ability to open one
- Reside in St. Louis City or St. Louis County
Through her work with her financial social worker, Robin gained new insight into her spending patterns and developed greater confidence in managing her money. During coaching, her coach noticed that Robin was spending nearly $100 a day on Uber rides to reach a credit union far from her home. Together, they explored more accessible and affordable banking options that better fit her needs and lifestyle.
As a result, Robin is now saving approximately $200 each month and feels more equipped to make informed financial decisions. Coaching also provided a safe, supportive space where Robin could address past experiences with financial exploitation and begin rebuilding her sense of control. Today, she describes the experience as transformational, crediting coaching with helping her move toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.
Carol’s connection with her financial social worker coach grew out of the trust built through consistent, in-person coaching. Because she felt seen, respected, and safe, Carol was able to share a deeply personal experience of financial exploitation that might otherwise have gone undiscovered.
With hands-on support from her coach, Carol took steps to address the situation and successfully recovered the full amount of the funds she had lost. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “I could not have done this without your help.” Her story highlights the power of relationship-based coaching and how meaningful, compassionate support can help older adults advocate for themselves and protect their financial well-being.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact Samantha Ferguson Knight, Director of Senior Programming, at sknight@lifewisestl.org or (314) 627-1242.
