A happy mixed-race family of three sitting together indoors. The mother, with curly hair, is smiling warmly at her partner. The father, with short dark hair, is smiling at the mother. Their young daughter, with curly hair, sits on her mother's lap, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The family appears to be enjoying a joyful moment.

Our Story


Financial stability is about more than money.

It creates opportunity, strengthens families and builds healthier communities.

Save First is a comprehensive financial wellness organization serving individuals, employers, churches, schools and community organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We started in 2010 as an economic empowerment program initially assisting Providence Health & Services in managing their “Helping Hand Fund”-- a pool of money supported by Providence employees to help their fellow caregivers meet unexpected financial hardships. Save First expanded its program in 2011 to offer complete financial wellness services. Today, we provide financial wellness services to the community, employers, community partners, churches and schools throughout Southwest Washington, the Portland metro area and beyond.

Save First combines education, coaching, emergency assistance, curriculum development and strategic partnerships to help people create lasting financial resiliency.

Mission

Save First Financial Wellness empowers people to achieve financial stability, meet their basic needs and build a stronger future through education, coaching and compassionate support.

Vision

We envision a society where financial resiliency is achievable and accessible to all who are willing to work toward it.

Values

Trust

We build authentic, judgment-free relationships that create a foundation for growth.

Hope

We believe financial change is possible and help people see a path forward.

Empowerment

We equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take control of their financial future.

Holistic Support

We recognize that financial wellness is connected to the whole person and their unique circumstances.

Meet Our Team

A portrait of a smiling middle-aged woman with short, curly brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue patterned blouse and jewelry, against a light blue background.
A portrait of a smiling middle-aged woman with short, curly brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue patterned blouse and jewelry, against a light blue background.

Molly O'Donnell

Executive Director


360-245-7456
molly@savefirstfinancial.org

A woman with curly dark hair and a friendly smile, wearing a black shirt with white decorative patterns, standing against a light green background.
A woman with curly dark hair and a friendly smile, wearing a black shirt with white decorative patterns, standing against a light green background.

Cynthia Molina

Program Director

360-327-8093
cynthia@savefirstfinancial.org

Habla Español

Portrait of a woman with curly red hair wearing glasses and red lipstick, dressed in a dark blazer, against a light blue background.
Portrait of a woman with curly red hair wearing glasses and red lipstick, dressed in a dark blazer, against a light blue background.

Amy Camarena

Coaching Coordinator

360-468-7091
amy@savefirstfinancial.org

A woman with long dark brown hair and light skin smiling against a light green background.
A woman with long dark brown hair and light skin smiling against a light green background.

Jessica Wyndham

Operations Coordinator

360-200-8165
jessica@savefirstfinancial.org

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a red sleeveless top, smiling against a light blue background.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a red sleeveless top, smiling against a light blue background.

Rose Tomassi

Youth Financial Educator

rose@savefirstfinancial.org

A bald man with gray beard wearing glasses and a black collared shirt, smiling against a light green background.
A bald man with gray beard wearing glasses and a black collared shirt, smiling against a light green background.

Tai Star

Financial Educator

tai@savefirstfinancial.org

In Partnership with Lighthouse Financial Foundation

Lighthouse Foundation began in 2017 with a mission to serve low to moderate-income families and individuals in the SW Washington area with financial services that address all aspects of a person's economic life.

In 2019, Lighthouse and Save First began partnering to provide financial empowerment services to the community. In 2023, Lighthouse opened their doors to Save First and serve as our Board of Directors. With Lighthouse as a partner, Save First is able to reach further into the community with financial services, education and coaching to our most vulnerable neighbors.

Green background with light green curved lines and the text 'Lighthouse Financial Foundation' in white.