What if real wealth isn't just about money—but about healing, community, and access?

In this powerful episode of Money TALK$™: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with TaTyana Abreu, Financial Stability Manager at United Way of York County, for a deeply human conversation about what financial wellness actually looks like for families navigating real-life challenges.

TaTyana takes us behind the scenes of community-based financial empowerment—breaking down life-changing programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and Rise United, and how they help families keep more of what they earn, build savings, and regain stability. She also shares her personal journey in the nonprofit space, the emotional weight of service-driven work, and the constant balancing act between purpose, burnout, and boundaries.

Together, Dr. Constance and TaTyana unpack:

• Why financial literacy without emotional support falls short

• How childcare and transportation quietly block access to resources

• What it means to pour into the community without losing yourself

• And why investing in children's passions is an investment in generational healing

This episode is a reminder that financial health is deeply connected to mental, emotional, and community wellness—and that advocacy, empathy, and support systems are just as valuable as a budget or savings account.

✨ If you care about community impact, holistic wealth, and breaking cycles—not just building assets—this conversation is for you.

Visit the Money TALK$ website for the Financial Wellness Planner discussed in this episode here. https://bit.ly/FinancialEmpowermentToolKit

• Wealth is about healing, not just dollars.

• Community service fuels both personal and collective growth.

• Empathy and active listening are non-negotiables in impactful work.

• Programs like VITA help families retain more of their income.

• Financial literacy is a cornerstone of long-term stability.

• Childcare and transportation remain major access barriers.

• Recognition often reflects consistent, behind-the-scenes impact.

• Work-life balance is an ongoing practice, not a finish line.

• Setting boundaries requires intentionality and courage.

• Investing in children's interests supports confidence, joy, and future success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wealth Beyond Numbers
01:00 TaTyana Abreu: Community Advocate
04:36 The Importance of Community Service
08:45 Programs for Financial Wellness
11:49 Understanding VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
15:21 The Impact of VITA on the Community
16:28 Rise United: Building Financial Literacy
19:25 Eliminating Barriers to Access
21:43 Recognition and Impact in the Community
24:51 Navigating Work-Life Balance
28:59 Financial Lessons Learned
32:40 Upcoming Community Initiatives
35:49 Leadership and Support in the Workplace

TaTyana "Tat" Abreu is the Financial Stability Manager at United Way of York County, where she leads and continues to expand the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She is passionate about helping individuals and families build long-term financial stability and access the resources they need to thrive. A graduate of Penn State York with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Tat has built a strong foundation in the nonprofit sector, bringing her commitment to community support to her role at United Way.

She recently earned her Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and was honored at the 2025 Changemaker Awards. When she isn't working, Tat enjoys spending time with her two young children, Reina and Adonis, who keep her active and inspired.

Visit United Way The York County Website For Services Here https://www.unitedway-york.org

Keywords

wealth, community service, financial wellness, VITA, Rise United, financial literacy, work-life balance, nonprofit, advocacy, empowerment