Financial empowerment Program
The Path to Financial Stability Starts Here
Burke County United Way's financial coaching program has helped community members across Burke County take control of their finances — and we're ready to help you do the same.
Our certified financial counselors work one-on-one with you to assess your full financial picture, build a personalized goal plan, and provide ongoing support to help you stay on track.
Our program helps clients:
Establish safe, affordable banking
Improve your credit score
Reduce and manage debt
Build emergency savings
Gain confidence and clarity in your financial decisions
Our coaches serve as trusted partners: offering personalized guidance, recognizing that lasting change takes time, and supporting you every step of the way.
take the first step. Fill out the Program Interest Form to get started.
Meet our financial coaches
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FINANCIAL COACH & RESOURCE COORDINATOR, NACCC Certified Financial Counselor™
Keith joined the Burke County United Way in January 2023 as a Financial Coach with the agency's Financial Empowerment Center. Keith has 25 years of experience in higher education, having retired from Western Piedmont Community College where he served in Student Services. He also was employed in the insurance services business for eight years. Keith is a Certified Financial Counselor and received a Bachelor’s degree from Pembroke State University.
Keith resides in Morganton, with his wife Sondra. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Arielle and Ariana. Keith and Sondra are active members of New Day Christian Church. During his leisure time, Keith enjoys reading, sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.
keith.conley@bcuw.org
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FINANCIAL COACH & RESOURCE COORDINATOR, NACCC Certified Financial Counselor™
Suzanne is the newest member of Burke County United Way, joining the team in March 2026. A Certified Financial Counselor, Suzanne serves as a Financial Coach and Resource Coordinator with the Financial Empowerment Center. Suzanne retired from Burke County Public Schools, where she worked as a school counselor at Burke Middle College. Certified in Family Centered Treatment, Suzanne has worked extensively with families dealing with trauma and crises, with a focus on strengthening and empowering them to become healthier and more resilient. Whether working with youth, adults, or families, Suzanne has a heart for helping others uncover the best versions of themselves. As a financial coach, she is passionate about helping individuals take control of their finances and ultimately their futures.
A graduate of NC State and Appalachian State University, Suzanne enjoys pulling for the Wolfpack. She resides in Morganton with her husband Mark, and they have 5 adult children, who are constant sources of pride and joy. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys boating, painting, pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.
“ This program has given me the support and confidence needed to become self-sufficient and independent for my children.”
“I enjoy being part of the Financial Empowerment Program because it has improved my financial situation. I have learned how to save my money and understand where it is going with a spending plan.
My Financial Counselor, Keith Conley, has taught me how to fix my credit scores and get out of debt. He also encourages me to build an emergency savings account that my family and I can benefit from in the future - that really means a lot to me.
This program has given me the support and confidence needed to become self-sufficient and independent for my children. I really appreciate the program.”
-Tymesha, Financial Empowerment Program Client