by Cynthia R.
What would you do if you had to rebuild your life from the ground up?
Life can take unexpected turns. Starting over isn’t easy, but with the right support, it’s possible to regain stability and build a brighter future.
MenzFit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men get jobs and become self-sufficient by preparing them for long-term employment and financial independence. Populus Financial Group, Inc., dba ACE Cash Express (Populus) proudly supports this mission by hosting financial literacy workshops and providing resources to help participants create stronger financial futures.
This Financial Literacy Month, we’re highlighting how Populus’s partnership with MenzFit equips individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to achieve financial independence.
What Is MenzFit?
Founded in 2001, MenzFit has transformed the lives of underserved men as they achieve long-term employment and financial stability. Many clients come from veteran organizations, homeless shelters, or correctional facilities and are working to rebuild their lives.
MenzFit prepares these men for successful re-entry into the workforce through:
- Financial literacy education
- Career coaching and job readiness training
- Interview-appropriate clothing and professional attire
- Skills development and ongoing career support
Since its founding, MenzFit has supported more than 6,500 men in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia as they transition into secure employment. After overcoming significant obstacles on their path to stability, many participants have gone on to become self-sufficient professionals and positive role models within their communities.
How Populus Promotes Financial Literacy
Populus has supported MenzFit since 2008, contributing more than $95,000 through the ACE Community Fund.
In 2025, Populus expanded that support by hosting its first financial literacy workshop with MenzFit in recognition of Financial Literacy Month. Populus designed the curriculum to provide practical financial knowledge that participants could immediately apply in their everyday lives.
“Populus’s financial literacy workshop was well-received by all attendees,” said MenzFit Founder Rhonda Willingham. “Participants said they learned how to put their financial future on a positive track and were impressed with the wealth of information offered.”
These four-hour workshops are tailored specifically to MenzFit clients. Regional Vice President Bee R., Senior Software Engineer Eloy G., and Public Affairs Manager Lauren W., all employees of Populus, helped lead this year’s workshop in Philadelphia.
The sessions cover essential financial topics such as:
- Budgeting and money management
- Banking basics
- Understanding credit and how to build it
- Balancing a checking account
- Taxes and financial planning
“The curriculum we use for MenzFit clients is structured,” said Eloy. “But if they ask a question that isn’t part of the curriculum, we answer with real-life scenarios, so they can walk out of the room with the understanding they need.”
Participants receive workbooks, educational materials, and one-on-one knowledge checks along the way. Despite varying levels of financial experience, attendees work together to support one another as they learn.
“There’s no judgment,” Eloy added. “Everyone’s trying to learn and better themselves, which is the goal.”
In addition to financial education, Populus also supports clients as they prepare for job opportunities. Through a generous donation, each workshop participant receives a business suit for interviews along with professional essentials (like dress socks, ties, pens, and other accessories) to help present themselves confidently in the workplace.
Expanding Financial Literacy Opportunities
At Populus, we believe access to financial education can open doors to opportunity. While the financial literacy workshops currently take place once a year in Philadelphia, overwhelmingly positive participant feedback has inspired plans to expand the program to other communities in the future.
For Bee, the impact of these classes is best reflected in the success stories that follow. A participant from last year’s workshop recently returned with exciting news: he’s now a homeowner!
“Following our spring 2025 class, he used the rest of the year to lock it in and was able to purchase his home in January,” Bee shared. “He took what we taught him last year and got that home.”
Stories like these highlight the importance of closing financial knowledge gaps that many underserved communities face.
“Once people have the knowledge they need, it changes what’s possible for them,” said Bee. “Not everyone gets that chance, so it means a lot to be part of an organization like Populus that’s helping close those gaps.”
The workshops have also drawn recognition from local leaders. During this year’s session, State Senator Sharif Street visited to thank the team for bringing financial education directly to the community.
“Too often, these communities are overlooked,” said Bee. “Showing up – taking the time to be present – made a meaningful difference to the people we served.”
And the impact of these classes goes beyond participants. It also deeply affects those leading the sessions.
By partnering with organizations like MenzFit, Populus empowers underserved communities and supports individuals as they move toward financial stability and long-term success.
