About Westwater Financial, Inc.
Westwater Financial’s mission is to provide financial education, coaching, and technical assistance, as well as access to capital for Native Americans residing in Westwater’s service area of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties in California. This mission is based on the firm belief that by addressing the financial and credit needs of a traditionally under-served segment of our Indian community it will provide opportunities to stimulate economic development, promote self-sufficiency and self-determination, and will result in an enhanced quality of life for our community.
This mission is based on the firm belief that by addressing the financial and credit needs of a traditionally underserved community of our Indian community this promotes self-sufficiency and results are an enhanced quality of life for our Indian Community. Financial Literacy and access to capital provides opportunities to stimulate economic development and family stability.
The organization has its own Board of Directors and Executive Director, and received 501(c) 3 status under the IRS also in the fall of 2012 as a separate, and independent organization.
930 Shiloh Rd, Building 40, Suite F
Windsor, CA 95492
707-419-3070 • info@westwaterfinancial.org
Westwater Financial’s mission is to provide financial education, coaching, and technical assistances as well as access to capital for Native Americans residing in Westwater’s service area of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties in California.
This mission is based on the firm belief that by addressing the financial and credit needs of a traditionally underserved community of our Indian community this promotes self-sufficiency and results are an enhanced quality of life for our Indian Community. Financial Literacy and access to capital provides opportunities to stimulate economic development and family stability.
Spirit of our Westwater Financial, Inc
The Spirit of Westwater is to encourage Financial Security in our Native Community. Financial Security and Financial Freedom make for healthy spirits and healthy families. As a Native CDFI, (the only one in Northern California) Westwater’s focus is to provide education and access to capital to Native Americans in our target market area of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake counties. In the past the “currency” was in the form of beads, shell beads and other items of nature or hand work were bartered and traded. Westwater wants to assist in “bridging the gap” from the barter system to the banking system and utilizes the past tribal teachings as analysis for better understanding of budgeting, managing credit and financial sustainability.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination you can write to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20220, call (202) 622-1160 or file a complaint online here.
In accordance with federal law, it is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance in: the sale or rental of housing or residential lots, the financing of housing, the provision of real estate brokerage services, the appraisal of housing, or advertising the sale or rental of housing. Blockbusting is also illegal. Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against may file a complaint of housing discrimination: US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development FHEO Region 5 Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 West Jackson Boulevard Rm 2202, Chicago, IL 60604; ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov; 1-800-765-9372 or 1-312-913-8453
How do we serve?
Education! Westwater teaches how money works, introduces clients to: “How to save, How to create a budget” Savings for “emergencies”. What is “credit”? How does it work? Why do I need credit?
Build trust…trust in Westwater and trust in Themselves.
What is our purpose?
The purpose of Westwater Financial Inc is to “Bridge the Gap” that exists between traditional Native ways of “Trade” and the western culture of money and trade. The “bridge” provides a safe place for co-existence of traditional ways and nontraditional banking. Through budget development, credit development and repair Westwater Financial aids in building financial security in the home.
Westwater serves the population of people who might not have any experience with using “banks” or “credit” or creating a budget to manage their money… and because of the lack of exposure are unsure, untrusting and feel afraid or embarrassed to ask; How does Banking work? How would using banks benefit me and my family?
Empowerment over money which creates peace of mind and security is the goal of Westwater Financial, Inc.
930 Shiloh Rd, Building 40, Suite F
Windsor, CA 95492
Westwater Financial, Inc. is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) 501(c)3 that was started in 2012 and is located in Sonoma County, California. As an independent nonprofit organization, Westwater’s primary mission is to improve the financial situation of Native American tribal members who have been traditionally underserved by conventional banks in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. This is accomplished by providing financial empowerment and access to credit via credit-builder and other consumer loans, as well as small business loans.
Are You Prepared?
Executive Director Ms. Burns was featured as a “Difference Maker” by the Native CDFI Network. Read the interview HERE.