Mental health and money are closely connected, often influencing each other in significant ways. Financial stress—such as debt, job insecurity, or lack of savings—can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health conditions can impact a person’s ability to earn, manage, or make decisions about money, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. Addressing both issues together is often key to long-term well-being. Seeing the need to help address these two issues for our communities, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette partnered with Take Charge Credit Consulting, Native American Youth and Family Center and Credit Evolution Education Directors to host a Money Moves Mixer – a one-day workshop/seminar for people to gather in a place where they feel safe to talk about money, mental health and ways to shake it off through the power of dance.  

The Money Move$ Mixer is a vibrant, community-driven event is grounded in the belief that big missions require collaboration, and this mixer goes beyond financial literacy to address healing financial trauma within the Black+ community. Attendees leave the Money Move$ Mixer feeling empowered to take inspired steps toward building personal wealth, celebrate their progress and resilience, heal from generational financial wounds, and connect with trusted resources that support their long-term financial journey. 

Founded by Tierra Bonds of Take Charge Coaching & Consulting, the event reimagines traditional financial education by blending inspiration, healing, celebration, and connection. It offers a judgment-free space for open conversations about money and mental wellness, led by those with real-life experience. 

Participants gather to talk and ask questions about managing finances and mental health

Programs like this are funded through the Community Reinvestment Project by the Washington State Dept. of Commerce.gton. The organizers recognize that financial trauma is deeply rooted in generational poverty, systemic racism, incarceration, and instability—factors that leave lasting impacts on both our finances and our well-being. True financial wellness requires more than education; it demands healing. That’s why music, meditation and movement were intentionally woven into the event. These healing practices help attendees process pain, reset mentally and emotionally, and begin to unlearn limiting beliefs about their worth and financial potential. 

Meditation offers calm and clarity in the face of fear and self-doubt, while music provides emotional release, connection, and moments of joy. Movement brings the healing process into the body, releasing tension and reigniting inner strength. Together, these tools support a deeper transformation—helping participants reclaim power over their financial narratives. At the Money Move$ Mixer, healing is not just encouraged—it’s celebrated, practiced, and shared in community, one breath, one note, one step at a time. 

You might be asking yourself, “why dance?” Movement like dancing can be a powerful way to release stress from the body. When you dance, your body produces endorphins—natural chemicals that elevate mood and reduce pain and tension. The rhythmic motion, music, and physical expression help to shift focus away from anxious thoughts, grounding you in the present moment. Dancing also loosens tight muscles and releases built-up physical tension, allowing the body to reset. Whether it’s structured or free-form, dancing offers a joyful, expressive outlet that connects the mind and body, making it an effective tool for emotional and mental release.  

People getting up and dancing together