Who We Are
Community Financial Counselling Services (CFCS) is a community based non-profit, charitable organization with more than 45 years of experience helping to meet the complex and often unique needs of individuals and families in Manitoba who are experiencing financial challenges.
Where We Are
CFCS is located in Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional homeland of Indigenous peoples. We respect the treaties as intended by Indigenous peoples - acknowledging the harms and mistakes of the past and the responsibility to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
What We Do
Our Vision
All Manitobans will have the capacity to make informed financial decisions, to successfully navigate financial challenges and have access to affordable and appropriate services for their financial and personal well-being.
Our Mission
CFCS will provide free, accessible, respectful, responsive, and effective services to meet the unique and complex needs of individuals, couples, families, and communities in order to achieve financial well-being. We build capacity through collaborative partnerships with other organizations, and by advocating for accessible, affordable, and appropriate financial services for all Manitobans.
Our Values
Financial Well-being — Advocacy — Financial Empowerment
— Collaboration — Capacity Building —
Reconciliation — Inclusion — Accessibility
Our Services
Financial Counselling
This program began in 1976 and provides free financial counselling and education for both individuals and families. The counselling program includes in depth financial assessments and a complete review of the options available. We will provide information and education about finances and managing your money.
Financial Literacy
CFCS offers information sessions and workshops in basic debt/credit management issues, options for dealing with debt, and resources to community groups, agencies and organizations as well as other companies whose employees/clients might benefit. These sessions may include information on budgeting and money management, as well as other topics related to financial well-being. There is no charge for this service for non-profit and community groups.
Gambling Program
The Gambling Program has been funded by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries since 2004 and works in partnership with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). The Gambling Program supports individuals and their families struggling with financial concerns as a result of gambling behaviours. Financial counsellors with specialized addiction training provide financial counselling and assessment which includes a review of options for repayment of debt. The program receives and makes referrals to addiction support programs including self-help groups, and works closely with those programs to provide integrated services.
Futures Forward
Community Financial Counselling Services has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Youth Employment Services to create a free program called Futures Forward. The program aims to help youth in care and after care (ages 15-29) to create supports in the community for financial counselling, personal counselling, emotional support, and employment training. The program also provides referrals for addiction supports, assistance with obtaining identification, and tuition waiver application assistance.
Income Tax Preparation
Since 2009, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) free income tax preparation through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is offered to all Manitobans with simple tax situations and incomes within the suggested program guidelines. This service is provided by CRA trained volunteers and is available for most of the year through CFCS with a variety of different service mechanisms to help clients get their taxes done. Through the process of tax filing, we are also often able to assist clients in applying for and receiving benefits that they are eligible for. When in operation, our walk-in tax clinic at the Norquay Building is the largest single location tax clinic in Canada.
… and so much more
If you are needing to get your taxes done, then you are in the right place, but if you are also interested in our other programs and want to learn more, head to our main website by clicking the link below or you can fill out the contact form to find out more about the service you are interested in.
