— Free One-on-One Financial Counseling

Real financial help, one conversation at a time.

One-on-one counseling to grow your savings, tackle debt, build credit, and plan for what’s ahead — free, private, and judgment-free, no matter your income.

Program In partnership with

Who can use this service?

— About the Center

What is the Waco Financial Empowerment Center?

The Waco FEC offers professional, one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service — here to help Waco-area residents address financial needs and plan for the future, no strings attached.

During your first appointment, a counselor will get to know you: your income, habits, and goals. From there, you’ll build a clear, step-by-step plan together, tailored to your situation. Come back for as many follow-up sessions as you’d like — your counselor is there to help you reach your goals.

— How we help

Counseling built around your goals

Every session is tailored to you — most people work across more than one of these areas over time.

Increasing Savings

Counselors can help you create a realistic spending plan, identify opportunities to reduce expenses, set savings goals, and develop strategies for building emergency and long-term savings. When appropriate, counselors can also connect you with community resources and benefits that may help reduce household expenses.

Managing Debt

Counselors can help you understand your debts, explore strategies for repayment, create a plan for managing monthly payments, and understand options such as consolidation or working directly with creditors. We can also connect you with employment, job training, and other community resources that may help you increase your income.

Improving credit

Counselors can provide a free soft pull of your credit report, walk through it with you, and help you understand the factors affecting your credit. Together, you can develop a personalized plan for establishing positive credit habits, addressing debt, and working toward a stronger credit profile.

Accessing safe financial services

Through partnerships with local and national financial institutions, counselors can help you learn about safe, affordable banking and credit options. This may include connecting you with Bank On-certified accounts and other products designed to rebuild financial footing, such as second-chance accounts, secured credit cards, and credit-building loans.

Legacy planning

Counselors can help you identify opportunities to secure your family’s financial future. This may include referrals to qualified providers offering free or low-cost assistance with wills, estate planning, property deeds, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and other legal matters. FEC counselors provide referrals but do not provide legal advice or legal services.

— Your first visit

What to expect at an appointment

A straightforward conversation focused on your needs, goals, and opportunities for growth.

Tell us where you're starting

Your counselor gets to know your income, habits, and goals.

Build a plan together

You’ll leave with a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your particular needs.

Come back anytime

Attend as many follow-up sessions as you like. Most appointments run about an hour.

What to bring (optional)

Nothing is required for your first session — but if you have access to these, they help your counselor get the full picture faster.

— Who You'll meet with

Meet your counselors

Our counselors are trained and certified through the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund curriculum.

Lee Scheffe

FEC Program Manager

Lee Scheffe was born in Austin, Texas, and has called Waco home for the past six years. After graduating from Baylor University in May 2024, he joined Grassroots as the East Waco Community Organizer, where he worked alongside community members to strengthen neighborhood improvement efforts across East Waco.

After two years of community organizing and developing a passion for inclusive economic growth, Lee transitioned into the role of Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) Program Manager in summer 2026. In this role, he leads Grassroots’ efforts to provide free, one-on-one financial counseling and help Waco residents strengthen their financial well-being.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys exploring Waco’s parks and trails, running, writing, playing the piano, and listening to live music.

Patricia Loyola

FEC Counselor

Patricia Loyola was born in Port Lavaca, Texas, and moved to Waco, Texas, as a young child, where Waco became home. She was raised in North Waco in a close-knit family with strong Hispanic heritage and proud cultural roots originating from Guanajuato, Mexico. Her family and upbringing have played an important role in shaping who she is today, instilling in her a deep appreciation for family, culture, community, and the importance of helping others.

Patricia attended Waco High School and McLennan Community College, where she initially pursued Criminal Justice before transferring to Tarleton State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Patricia spent more than 10 years serving the City of Waco, where she developed a passion for helping residents improve their homes and neighborhoods. Guided by family values of hard work, service, and community, she remains committed to making a positive impact.

— Location & Hours

Visit us in East Waco

The Waco FEC is centrally located in East Waco at the Heart of Texas Goodwill Community Connect. Just enter through the doors underneath the “Community Connect” sign, let the receptionist know you are here to speak with an FEC Counselor, and an FEC Counselor will be with you as soon as they are able!

East Waco Goodwill Community Connect

1000 East Waco Drive, Waco, TX 76704
Look for the entrance marked "Community Connect."

Note: the closest bus stop is the Dallas St. & Waco Dr. stop on the #7 East Waco route.

Monday – Friday
8am – 5pm

In-person counseling. Walk-ins are welcome, though wait times may be longer than a scheduled appointment.

(254) 235-7596

Call the office with questions, or to check on walk-in wait times before you head over.

— Location & Hours —

Schedule your free session

Schedule online, give us a call, or simply walk in. Whatever works best for you, we’re here to help and look forward to welcoming you.

— Looking for More info?

Frequently asked questions

Is financial counseling at the FEC free?

Yes — always free, no matter your age or income.

How long are the appointments?

Most sessions last about an hour, though it can vary depending on your goals.

Where are appointments held?

At the East Waco Goodwill Community Connect, 1000 East Waco Drive, Waco, TX 76704. Look for the “Community Connect” entrance sign.

How many times can I see a counselor?

As many times as you like — follow-up sessions are always welcome.

What do I need to bring to my first session?

Nothing is required. Documents like pay stubs, statements, and bills are helpful if you have them, but your counselor can help even without them.

What training do the counselors have?

All FEC counselors are trained and certified through the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund curriculum.

What's the difference between FEC Counseling and Housing Counseling?

Grassroots offers two separate counseling programs: HUD-certified Housing Counseling and Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) Counseling.

FEC Counseling focuses on your broader financial health — savings, credit, debt, and safe banking.

Housing Counseling is HUD-certified and specifically for people preparing to buy a home. If homeownership is a future goal but you’re still working on the fundamentals, FEC Counseling is a good place to start; you’re welcome to use one or both programs.

Still deciding which program fits?

If homeownership is a future goal but you are still working on your credit, savings, debt, or overall financial stability, FEC Counseling may be a good place to start. Once you are closer to being ready to purchase a home, Housing Counseling can provide more specialized homebuying support.

*The programs have separate counselors and scheduling processes, and you are welcome to participate in one or both depending on your goals.

Committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities.

Committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities.

We consider a healthy neighborhood to be one that is safe, clean, and diverse; one in which it makes economic sense for people to invest and one where neighbors manage change successfully.

Real financial help, one conversation at a time.

Program In partnership with

Who can use this service?

What is the Waco Financial Empowerment Center?