Western Slope Opportunity Project for workers and families impacted by coal facility closures, including mines, power plants and supply chain companies
As northwest Colorado moves away from coal operations, WSOP and the Colorado Office of Just Transition are here to help workers and their families with free classes on budgeting, credit, and investing.
Our next 2026 class series will be:
Tuesday, February 3rd
Tuesday, February 17th
Tuesday, March 3rd
Time: Each class will be from 6:30pm to 9pm.
FREE dinner and childcare for all participants
Location: Hayden Center
495 W Jefferson Ave, Hayden, CO 81639.
The first 5 to register will receive a FREE laptop!
Want to become an instructor?
We’re currently seeking individuals with prior experience or knowledge in financial literacy and a sincere commitment to helping others are expected. We thank you for your interest in becoming trained as one of our paid instructors.
Saturday, Jan 10 • 10am-1pm
Haven Community Center,
302 S. Shelton St.
Hayden, CO 81639
All materials provided. Lunch included!
The first 5 to register will receive a FREE laptop!
Support for transitioning coal workers
As northwest Colorado transitions away from coal operations over the next 2–4 years, the Western Slope Opportunity Project (WSOP) will provide one year of critical support to affected workers and families. Backed by a $70,337.60 grant from the Colorado State Office of Just Transition, WSOP—led by United Way of the Yampa Valley and supported by partners like Love Inc., Community Budget Center, Money Management International (MMI), Cross Country Mortgage, Cornerstone Realty, Yampa Valley Bank, and Edward Jones—will offer financial education, counseling, and coaching. Services will include goal setting, budgeting, debt management, and investing; they will be available virtually (led by MMI) and in person (led by UWYV). WSOP will also launch a “Train the Trainer” program to create a network of local financial coaches, ensuring long-term resilience and economic stability in communities like Craig, Hayden, and Meeker.
Thank you to our partners
