Candidate for
Council Member; City of Novato

Manny Fernandez began giving free seminars in homeless and transitional housing facilities in Marin County. His seminars helped low-income families understand the steps needed to resolve credit problems and obtain affordable housing. The seminars developed into a program, which later merged with the already-established Marin Family Action (MFA).

In 2003, Manny became Executive Director of Marin Family Action in the Marin Justice Center in San Rafael. After four years of utilizing office space in the First United Methodist Church in San Rafael, MFA was asked by the Marin Community Foundation to participate in a one-stop shop of resources at the Marin Justice Center in San Rafael.

Through MFA, Manny has been able to assist families in locating affordable housing, obtaining health insurance for children, repairing credit, gaining control of their financial situations, and learning the basics of home ownership. Marin Family Acton's mission is to assist everyone who comes into the office find affordable housing. Due to the economic slowdown, MFA added services to guide families in severe financial need, which includes filing for bankruptcy and saving homes from foreclosure. To assist his families regain footing in these slippery economic times, Manny invites them to Financial Literacy workshops to better understand what is going on in our Country . . . and all are surprised at how much fun the workshops are, in addition to being informative.

In 1997, Manny began teaching financial literacy at Ritter House in San Rafael. During this time, he learned about Novato's Hamilton Project which included affordable housing. He wanted to take part, however his credit was damaged due to his divorce. After resolving his own credit issues, he developed a "Financial Self Help Program" to assist others' dreams of affordable housing. As a result, people began referring clients; thirteen years later he became the Executive Director of Marin Family Action.

In October 2003, Manny was the first recipient of the Marin Economic Commission Award of Excellence for "Individual Achievement in Workforce Preparedness," which was presented to Manny as an individual because of his "Financial Self Help Program."

Manny's history of community involvement has been featured in news stories since 2007. Following is an overview of just one of his many important contributions to Marin County.

The Youth Financial Literacy in Marin County High School/Novato High Pilot Program was initially conceptualized in March 2005 by Marin Family Action (MFA). Five financial institutions, one high school, public service agency, community foundation, training and technical assistance organization, legal services group, and a consulting firm partnered with MFA to move the pilot concept from vision to reality.

Combined, those agencies represent the Coalition of Financial Institutions for Youth Financial Literacy in Marin County.

In 2007 the pilot program was rolled out. It continues today with funding from HSBC, USBank, Union Bank, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It includes workshops with Marin District Attorney David Ball. The program includes: