Community Economic Development (CED)

Staff

Irena Solomon | Tax Advocate

B.A. Sociology, University of California
Enrolled in Certified Financial Planner Certificate Program, University of Portland

"My journey at NAYA Family Center began with my own financial journey – from chaos and fear to stability and confidence. Part of what I learned was how “finances” involve so much more than math and money: values, emotions, personal and generational history, experiences and dreams all play a part. It wasn’t until I explored these aspects that I was able to truly see my financial life as an ally, not an enemy.

My education began in Sociology and recently culminated in professional certification coursework in financial planning. I was the site coordinator for NAYA ’s free Tax Preparation Site during the 2009 tax season. I am grateful for the chance to speak with others about their finances and to open the way to more knowledge, education and awareness about the many ways our lives are impacted by finances every day."

Ben Helgren Ben Helgren | Financial Skills Coach

B.A. Spanish with a minor in Sociology, Pacific University
First Nations Oweesta Corporation—Financial Education Trainer August 2008
NeighborWorks America—Credit Counseling for Maximum Results July 2006, Home Buyer Education Methods August 2006, Home Buyer Education Certificate September 2006, Financial Fitness: Teaching Financial Management Skills December 2007, Developing and Implementing a Financial Education Program in Native Communities August 2008, Foreclosure Basics March 2009

"I feel extremely fortunate to work at the NAYA Family Center as the Financial Skills coach. I am able to help individuals to make spending plans, do credit repair, and plan their financial future. From personal experience I understand how bad financial decisions will negatively affect a financial future. I understand the stress money places on families and believe that taking control of your finances will reduce your stress.

I have worked at a sub-prime credit card company doing customer service and sales. This gave me direct exposure to various techniques used by credit card companies to increase their income without regard to clients well being. Immediately before coming to NAYA I worked at a HUD certified home buying counseling agency as a receptionist, class facilitator, and program coordinator."

CJ Williams | Life Skills & Micro Enterprise Coach
Yurok Tribe of the Redwoods and Klamath River Tribal Member

Bachelor of Science and Human Development, Warner Pacific College
Owned and Operated Williams Landscape, 3 years
Owned and Operated Bartow Finishing, 13 years

"I am in a position where I have the opportunity to assist people in our community with starting their own business. I enjoy this because it allows people to take care of their own family and at the same time be a part of the community. I enjoy sharing in people’s journey and seeing their excitement at what they can accomplish. To have the privilege of doing this with in the context of our Native American community is awesome."