Annual Report
2025
OUR SERVICES
Financial Education Classes
Our classes provide an understanding of common financial topics, equipping attendees to build a strong foundation and boost their confidence. Once per quarter, via Zoom, we offer a core set of classes that focus on budgeting, understanding the many aspects of credit, and home buying.
unique class attendees
attendance rate
Credit Report Reviews
During this short, one-time appointment, participants receive a ‘soft pull’ copy of their credit report and FICO credit score. They also receive a detailed review of their credit report, complete with personalized recommendations for improving their credit and resources to help jumpstart the journey.
people received a credit report review
average credit score increase amongst credit report review clients
After participating…
88% said they strongly agreed that they felt welcomed in their credit review (100% agreed).
95% said they strongly agreed that the credit reviewer helped them to better understand their credit situation (100% agreed).
Financial Coaching
Our best-in-class coaching program provides in-depth, longer-term support for individuals pursuing specific financial goals. Initial sessions focus on assessing the client’s current financial landscape, setting achievable goals, and creating a custom action plan. Many clients begin by creating a personal budget, then advance to credit building or purchasing an asset.
unique individuals received coaching
average credit score increase amongst coaching clients
assets purchased – 8 homes & 10 vehicles
collectively added to savings by clients
“After coaching sessions, I was very confident that I could fix my credit in time to do what I needed to do, and I did! My coach gave me the tools that I needed to get to where I am now.”
– Sherika, coaching client
Our Impact
At Prosperity Connection, we believe financial empowerment is built on three pillars: confidence, knowledge, and skills. These qualities don’t appear overnight; they grow through guidance, practice, and persistence. Every coaching session, class, and resource we provide is designed to help our clients build the confidence to take action, the knowledge to make informed decisions, and the skills to create lasting change.
The journeys of Jetta, Jaci & Sarah, and Paul & Kelsey reflect these pillars in action. Their stories show that no matter where you start, with the right tools, support, and determination, it’s possible to reshape your financial future!
Confidence
Jetta Vaughn
As Jetta’s confidence grew, she turned uncertainty into action and began building the future she wanted.
When Jetta first connected with Prosperity Connection, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about whether her financial situation could improve. Limited resources and discomfort with technology made navigating systems and accessing support feel difficult, leaving her unsure of her next steps.
Through coaching, Jetta began building confidence in herself and her ability to move forward. With encouragement and support, tasks that once felt overwhelming became manageable, and she started taking steady action toward her goals.
From the beginning, Jetta was determined to free herself from a predatory car loan that had become a significant financial burden. As her confidence grew, she enrolled in assistance programs to create greater stability, connected with community resources, and stayed committed to improving her credit.
Over six months of coaching, Jetta increased her credit score by more than 25 points and established consistent on-time payments. Her growing confidence also gave her the ability to explore new opportunities, including a financing option that could eliminate her car loan and strengthen her financial future.
Along the way, Jetta discovered an unexpected financial asset from a previous job, creating another source of opportunity. Today, she has more than a plan for progress; she has confidence in her ability to achieve it.
After Participating in a Credit Report Review…
said they feel confident in their ability to read their credit report (69% strongly agreed)
said it improved their confidence in building their credit (86% strongly agreed)
Knowledge
Sarah & Jaci Gallen
Financial knowledge gave Jaci and Sarah the tools to turn their goals into milestones, opening the door to homeownership within a year.
As Jaci and Sarah prepared for marriage, they wanted to build a strong financial foundation together but needed the knowledge and guidance to turn their goals into a clear plan. Through coaching, they learned how to create a shared spending plan, prioritize savings, strengthen credit, and navigate the path to major financial decisions together.
With a better understanding of budgeting and credit, they committed to saving 20% of their income while Sarah took intentional steps to improve their financial profile. As their knowledge grew, so did their opportunities. Within months, they purchased a vehicle and continued moving toward homeownership.
When it came time to buy a home, the knowledge they gained opened doors they didn’t know were available. By exploring lending options and understanding available resources, Jaci and Sarah purchased a home with no down payment and received $5,500 toward closing costs.
What began as learning how to manage money together became a pathway to achieving their goals and building the future they envisioned.
of class attendees reported enhanced learning and an increase in knowledge after completing a class (65% strongly agreed)
of credit review participants said they had the knowledge and tools needed to build their credit score (69% strongly agreed)
Skills
Paul & Kelsey Hart
The financial skills Paul and Kelsey built together gave them the tools to navigate uncertainty with confidence and stability.
When Paul and Kelsey first connected with Prosperity Connection, they felt stressed and uncertain about their finances. Despite having strong incomes, looking at their accounts felt overwhelming, and money conversations often created tension rather than solutions.
Through coaching, they developed the financial skills needed to take control of their money together. They learned how to build a budget centered on mindful spending and saving, track progress, adjust their system to fit their needs, and have more productive conversations about finances.
As they strengthened these skills, they began making steady progress on debt repayment, purchased a vehicle, and built healthier financial habits as a couple. Over time, managing money became less overwhelming and more intentional.
When Paul unexpectedly lost his job in 2025, the skills they had developed became a source of stability. They were able to quickly adjust their budget, adapt their spending, and rely on the savings they had built together.
Today, Paul is re-employed, they communicate openly about finances, and they remain on track to be debt-free in 2026. Their story shows how building financial skills can create resilience, flexibility, and long-term stability.
of class attendees report being able to apply what they learned in class (64% strongly agreed)
“This was a really great experience! The information was presented with clarity and without any judgement. I have been avoiding looking at this for some time now and it is so much easier to manage now that I have a better understanding of how the system works and what steps I can take to improve my financial wellness.”
– Phoebe, credit report review participant
Financial Data
Total Income: $900,871
2025 Funders
Individual Donors & Volunteers
Volunteers
We’re so grateful for the time and talent our incredible volunteers contribute throughout the year! In 2025 alone, volunteers provided 46 hours of service. Thank you, volunteers!
1-2 Hours
3+ Hours
Donors
We know there is NO shortage of nonprofits doing incredible work in St. Louis, so we are especially honored that these amazing humans chose to support Prosperity Connection with a monetary donation this year!
Our Board and Committee members
Finally, we couldn’t do our critically important work without our wonderful board and committee members. Thank you for your guidance, support, trust, and enthusiasm throughout the year!
Edward Davis – Chairperson
Vice President of Transformation – The Marshall Group
Nikki Woelfel – Vice Chair
Vice President of Community Development – Carrollton Bank
Joyce Kampwerth – Treasurer
Senior Vice President – Parkside Financial Bank & Trust
Carly Carmosino – Director
Executive Director – Mechanical Contractors Association Eastern MO
Felicia Pulliam – Director
Founder – Create Community, LLC
Michael Sorth – Director
Vice President of Business Capacity Services – Let’s Build Hope, LLC
About Us
Mission
We strive to promote economic success for everyone in the St. Louis region by providing financial education and access to reliable financial products and services.
Vision
We dream of an equitable community where everyone can conveniently access the resources and knowledge needed to confidently pursue their financial goals.
Values
Integrity
We are reliable, true to our mission, and committed to transparency and accountability.
Respect
We relate to individuals with dignity across all social and economic identities.
Community
We strive to build connections and a culture of openness and belonging among our staff, neighbors, and partners.
Equity
We cultivate relationships that overcome systemic barriers of oppression and bias.
Empathy
We are dedicated to walking with everyone on their unique journey in life.
2025 Staff
Rome Diaz-Rivero
Digital Marketing Intern
Remy Edwards
Financial Educator
Pablo Giraldo
Financial Coach
Veronica Guerrero
Senior Financial Coach
Carol Harris
Chief of Staff
Heather Jaconis
Chief Operating Officer
Sasha Moore
Senior Financial Coach
Ashlee Morgan
Senior Financial Coach
Robert Nelson V
Director of Coaching
Julianna Nikodym
Advancement Coordinator
Heather Schindewolf
Senior Financial Educator
Kathy Siddens
Chief Executive Officer
Sara Sigman
Director of St. Louis Builds Credit
Nikki Whetsell
Chief Advancement Officer
“The presentation was amazing. The staff gave great examples, and the material was very easy to digest. I learned so much. I finally feel like I have a good grasp of SMART goals and I’m now excited to get started on initiating my goals.”
-Demetria, class attendee
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Genise Lay (She/Her)
Jeff Lash (He/Him)
Regina Fowler (She/Her)
Aaron Tucker Jr. (He/Him)
Nikol Theberge (She/Her)
Anniece Robinson 
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Myers (She/Her)
Joyce Kampwerth (She/Her)
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