Meet Your Financial Wellness Coordinator
Hello! I am Dora, United Way’s Financial Wellness at Work Coordinator. I am looking forward to working with the team at LifeStream. I understand the importance of financial well-being in your life, and am here to support you on your journey towards financial success. As your dedicated financial coordinator, my mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about your finances.
Whether you're just starting to plan for your future, seeking guidance on budgeting and debt management, or anything in between, I am here to help. With a personalized approach, I can tailor your plan to meet your unique financial goals and aspirations.
Your financial well-being is a priority and I am excited to embark on this journey with you. I will be onsite on Tuesdays, so we can work together to build a strong financial foundation that empowers you to achieve your dreams.
I am also here to connect you with local resources. Whether you are looking for support for your children or elderly parents, or looking to buy your first home, I am here to point you in the right direction.
If you have any immediate questions or would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting contact me directly at 774-762-8315 or dlima@unitedwayofgnb.org.
What is Financial Wellness at Work?
The Financial Wellness at Work Program embeds trained United Way coordinators in the workplace to meet individually with employees to provide confidential coaching, year-long workshops, and access to resources to enable employees to make informed money decisions and set financial goals.
What can Financial Wellness at Work Provide?
- Workshops at your Workplace
Topics include How to Manage Your Money, Designing a Budget, Spending and Saving, Protecting Your Credit Rating, Debt Management, and more. - One-on-One Weekly Coaching
Confidential meetings with a trusted advisor who can help you solve a problem, access resources, or reach your personal goals. - Small Dollar Loan Program
If needed, together with Tfed Credit Union, set up a low-cost, small-dollar loan managed through payroll deductions.
FWW Blog
Click here Read our monthly blog filled with financial tips.
Office Hours at LifeStream
Dora will be on-site on a rotating schedule on Tuesdays from 8:30 - 11:30 am. You can also reach out to Dora via email or phone at any time.
North Street Dates
- Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
Mill Road Dates
- Every 4th Tuesday of the month
Father DeValles Blvd Dates
- Every 1st Tuesday of the month
Beacon Street Dates
- Every 2nd Tuesday of the month
For months with 5 weeks, Dora will be at North Street on the 5th Tuesday of the month.
Click below to ask Dora a question or set up a one-on-one coaching session.
FWW Workshops
FWW Frequently Asked Questions
Financial Wellness at Work is a free employee benefit that provides confidential one on one support to help employees manage money challenges, build skills, and work toward financial stability. Support is practical, non judgmental, and tailored to each person’s situation.
The program is available to all employees in participating companies, regardless of income level or financial experience. Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to improve your credit, or planning for future goals, the program is designed to meet you where you are.
Employees commonly receive support with:
- Budgeting and cash flow planning
- Credit reports and credit building
- Debt and collections issues
- Student loans, car loans, and other payments
- Emergency financial problem solving
- Savings goals and financial planning basics
- Accessing community and workplace resources
- Small dollar loan navigation, when applicable
Financial Wellness at Work provides education, coaching, and guidance, not investment advice or sales. There are no products being sold and no pressure to work with outside financial institutions.
Yes. One on one meetings are confidential. Employers receive only anonymous, high level data about program usage and common topics, never personal details or individual information.
There is no cost to employees. The program is fully funded as a workplace benefit.
Employees can sign up for one-on-one meetings during scheduled office hours or through a shared booking link. Meetings may be in person or virtual, depending on the workplace setup.
Most one-on-one sessions last 30 to 60 minutes. Follow up meetings are encouraged and often helpful as goals evolve.
Not at all. Many employees come in feeling unsure or overwhelmed. The coordinator will help you identify priorities and create next steps together.
Yes. Financial stress is often connected to other challenges. The program also helps with resource access and navigation for issues such as housing, utilities, food, benefits, and other community supports.
You can use the program as often as needed. Some employees meet once, while others benefit from ongoing check ins over time.
Simply sign up for a session or attend a workshop when offered. No paperwork or preparation is required.
Meetings can take place in office at your workplace, virtually, or at the United Way office. The United Way office is always an option and is available to any employee who prefers a neutral location.
United Way Office Location and Directions
United Way is located in the DeMello International Center at 128 Union Street, New Bedford, MA, Suite 403. When you arrive, security in the lobby can give you access to the 4th floor via the elevator. Just let them know you are meeting someone on the United Way 4th floor. Parking is available in the lot and is free to use as long as you park in a space with yellow lines.
Participation is voluntary and confidential. Financial Wellness at Work is an on the clock employee benefit. As long as work expectations are being met, you do not need to share details. If a manager needs to know your whereabouts during work hours, it is the employee’s responsibility to communicate that appropriately.
Bring anything you feel is relevant, such as bills, letters, login information, or questions. If you do not have documents, that is okay. We can still get started.
You will leave with clear next steps and, if helpful, a follow up plan. Many employees schedule additional meetings to stay on track or work through new challenges.
Yes. The program can help you understand paperwork, prepare questions, and organize next steps. It does not replace legal or financial professionals but can support you alongside them.
The program is welcoming and patient. Translation support or simplified explanations can be provided when possible. The goal is to make information understandable and accessible.
No. While the program can help during financial stress, it is also designed for planning, prevention, and building long term financial confidence.
In some cases, yes. If having a partner or family member present would be helpful, this can be discussed ahead of time.
Workshops focus on general topics like budgeting, credit, or saving, and more while one on one meetings are personalized and specific to your situation. Many employees benefit from both.
The program is led by a Financial Wellness Coordinator through United Way of Greater New Bedford, with strong partnerships with employers and community organizations to support employees holistically.