Five & Dime is a comprehensive financial literacy course coupled with a real-world shopping simulation. Participants are welcomed with a hot meal and receive $20 in Mercy Bucks per family member. Mercy Bucks can be used to purchase items such as clothing, household appliances, toiletries, health and beauty products, and school supplies, all tagged with real-world prices. There are no registration requirements or time limits, allowing families to shop for necessary items with dignity.
To earn additional Mercy Bucks, participants can volunteer as Community Ambassadors, earning $15 per hour. Mercy Bucks do not expire and can be saved, encouraging prudent financial habits. We also educate returning participants on the benefits of charitable giving.
The communal meal facilitates relationship building and community needs assessment, fostering meaningful connections and long-term transformation. On average, we serve 135 individuals, approximately 60 families, through Five & Dime, helping them shop with dignity and connecting many to employment and housing opportunities.





