Because of Syracuse success at one year anniversary, Cities for Financial Empowerment awards FEC funding to bring on additional full-time counselor
Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and partners celebrate the one-year anniversary this month of the launch of the Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center (Syracuse FEC). The city service, led by the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD), provides free one-on-one, professional financial counseling to city residents.
Because of the programs success in the City of Syracuse, the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund announced that it will increase funding to Syracuse in the year ahead to enable the City to bring on an additional full-time professional financial counselor. The CFE Fund is a national organization that works with mayoral administrations to improve the financial stability of lower to moderate income households by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local government.
Financial Empowerment Center 12-month overview
The work being done through the Syracuse FEC has already impacted hundreds of families by providing the kind of financial knowledge and guidance that leads to a better quality of life for many Syracuse residents, said Mayor Walsh. The Syracuse community and many partner organizations have embraced the FEC, which is why we have had so much success in our first year. For many residents in Syracuse, having access to this financial resource will help plant the seeds that can lead to financial stability for future generations to come.
Funded by the CFE Fund, Greater Syracuse H.O.P.E., the Allyn Family Foundation, and the CNY Community Foundation, Syracuse FEC focuses on helping individuals set personal financial goals and eliminate barriers that inhibit financial stability. Home HeadQuarters and United Way of Central New York are also key Syracuse FEC partners.
According to data in 2018 from the U.S. Census Bureau, 30.5% of city residents live below the poverty line, making the need for targeted, expert help to manage financial resources essential.
The first year goal to have 180 outcomes was exceeded by 360% with FEC clients achieving 575 measurable results. With the help of Syracuse FEC counselors, 244 (42%) clients reduced delinquent accounts; client credit scores were improved by at least 35 points; and 82 (14%) clients reduced non-mortgage debt by at least 10%.
Kerry Quaglia
Jasminn Ray, Jenna McClave, Kazmira Pitzrick, and Thom Dellwo, Syracuse FEC counselors, have managed to advise residents consistently since the launch with in-person meetings but also remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Between the group of professional counselors, nearly 2,000 sessions were held with clients. The public health crisis has increased the need for financial advice in light of widespread job loss and disproportionately affected communities of color, making the added counselor crucial to residents recovery.
Syracuse FEC client, Brendon M., has received assistance through the Home HeadQuarters location. My counselor, Jenna, is the best around. Shes calm, she explains everything to you that you dont understand, and she has a great game plan. She helps with my ultimate goal of achieving financial freedom for me and my family.
Home HeadQuarters is a proud Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center partner, said Home HeadQuarters Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Quaglia. Every day, we see the tangible outcomes surpass every expectation for the program. To date, more than $600,000 in total debt has been reduced for those City of Syracuse residents who have taken advantage of this amazing and free opportunity. We cant wait to see what year two brings for our community.
On average, clients participated in 2.4 sessions to improve credit, decrease debt, increase savings and begin banking by opening safe and affordable bank accounts (31 (6%) clients opened new banking accounts). Increasing cash reserves, 104 (18%) clients were able to save one week of their pay or at least 2% of their income.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Allyn Family Foundations Director Kate OConnell
Greater Syracuse H.O.P.E., an organization helping to address poverty through systematic change, has seen its clients make upward improvement in their credit scores after utilizing Syracuse FEC services. With a goal to reach a total of 150 clients in identified H.O.P.E. census tracts in the city by the end of 2020, 110 (73%) clients have already received support. A significant increase in credit scores for 21 clients by an average of 35 points has also been recorded, in addition to over 30 clients saving an average of $3,000.
The financial industry is an intimidating place for middle and lower-income individuals and families, said Ocesa Keaton, executive director of Greater Syracuse H.O.P.E. High-interest rates, credit denials, and emergencies often result in de-stabilizing families into poverty. The Syracuse FEC is a way to remove barriers and help people transition through financial challenges.
Meg OConnell, executive director of the Allyn Family Foundation stated The Allyn Foundation applauds the work over the past year of the FEC. OConnell continued, The ability for families and individuals to become financially independent is a critical component to our work, and the Syracuse FEC is accomplishing this goal by helping families eliminate debt, repair credit, and build savings.
One year ago, City of Syracuse formally announce the Financial Empowerment initiative on the steps of City Hall.
A testimonial from a FEC client, Jessica V., stated how she took advantage of the one-on-one counseling to learn how to build her credit score and create a foundation in preparation for homeownership. The counseling I received gave me much more knowledge on spending and savings tactics. I would highly recommend the FEC to anyone who is seeking to improve their finances or just learn more in general about money/debt handling, said Jessica.
The United Way of Central New York is proud to partner in Syracuses Financial Empowerment Center. We are committed to the shared efforts to make it possible for every individual and family to become self-sufficient, securing and maintaining education and income to support their basic needs and build wealth, Nancy Eaton, president, United Way of Central New York, Inc. stated. We join in celebrating the outstanding first year of implementation of the life-changing work being done through the FEC.
The Central New York Community Foundation has been honored to support the Financial Empowerment Center because it has provided much needed support for families as they seek to thrive financially especially in a time of great economic uncertainty, said Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment, Central New York Community Foundation. The center provides innovative ways for our nonprofit network of service providers to work together for the common good.
Remote counseling is available by way of virtual meetings, email or phone calls. To make an appointment, residents can visit http://www.syrgov.net/FEC, call 315-474-1939 ext.5, or email fec@homehq.org.
Excerpt from:
- Empowering Women - Self Empowerment, Personal & Spiritual ... [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- Leadership Skills for Nurse Managers: Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Empowering Women - Self Empowerment, Personal & Spiritual ... [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Life Coaching for Personal and Professional Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Empowerment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Counselling and Hypnotherapy in ... - Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Group . com - Empowering You [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Programs - Empowerment Institute [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2016]
- Series On Personal Empowerment at Psychology, Philosophy ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- The Secrets of Personal Empowerment [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Solutions.com | All about Personal ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Solutions.com | All about Personal ... [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- The Meaning of Empowerment - Powerful Information [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2016]
- Mental Health Counseling, Personal Empowerment | Kansas ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Self Empowerment Appears Fundamental For Personal Development [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2016]
- Minds Of Power: What Is Personal Empowerment? [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2016]
- Authentic Empowerment - Personal and Professional Life ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Personal Empowerment Coach Certification - The S.W.A.T ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Bodies of Empowerment Personal Training [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2016]
- Charlotte Kasl [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Empowerment and Strengths-Based Perspective: Social Work [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Empowerment Theory - Springer [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Top 100 Womens Empowerment Blogs | Psychology of Eating [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- radKIDS.org - The national leader in children's safety [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Personal Empowerment Program : World Youth [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- 'This is a phase of empowerment' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 'Pink' actress joins campaign for women empowerment - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- GHCM's new MD on the importance of mentorship, youth empowerment - Bizcommunity.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 8 Steps to Personal Empowerment - Entrepreneur [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Making Sure Our Longer Lives Are Healthy Ones - Next Avenue [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Teachers ruling a stark reminder - Coast Reporter - Coast Reporter [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- UMass Amherst Celebrates Black Heritage Month - UMass News and Media Relations [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Help yourself, Feb. 8 | Town Crier | trib.com - Casper Star-Tribune Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Discover meaning at the Festival of Faiths, April 19 24 - Insider Louisville [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Another Voice: Land trust will empower Fruit Belt residents - Buffalo News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Town Crier: Help Yourself - Casper Star-Tribune Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Boston's Office of Financial Empowerment Wants to Spread the Wealth - Next City [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WE Are Women's Philanthropy - Jewish Exponent [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Genki Spark shines light on female empowerment through taiko - Daily Free Press (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Empowering the Data Subject Manila Bulletin Business - Manila Bulletin [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- The Problem With A 'Shoppable' Presidency - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The Ripple - Olney Daily Mail [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Fire service receives funding to deliver 'personal development ... - Wiltshire Times [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Northwest Credit Union Foundation partners with BALANCE to provide personal finance training to MESA participants - CUinsight.com (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Bells University, New Horizons sign MoU On ICT empowerment for students - NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Mastering Trump's mastermind: Sebastian Gorka and the struggle between Islam and the West - EUROPP - European Politics and Policy (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Springs School News, February 16 - Springs - 27east - 27east.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- 5 Steps To Validate Your Business Idea Before Getting Started - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Milk Makeup Is Celebrating Its Anniversary With A New Campaign - NYLON [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2017 Chicago Women's Conference & Expo Coming to South Suburban College on March 17th - eNews Park Forest [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Melinda Gates Credits Contraception With Her Personal and Professional Success - Slate Magazine (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- REBELLIOUS COACHING - Personal Empowerment Coaching [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Personal Empowerment | SkillsYouNeed [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 4 Low-Cost Benefits That Majorly Boost Employee Healthiness - Tech.Co [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Shamanic Healer Anahata Ananda Shares Benefits of Breathwork for Healing Trauma and Planting Roots of Strength ... - Benzinga [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Ajit Pai's digital empowerment agenda is good news for rural America - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The truth about Ivanka's Trumped-up, me-first feminism - Macleans.ca [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Transformation of South Africa needs high sense of consciousness for social justice for success - Thought Leader [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Pink Gloves Boxing: Women's class focuses on empowerment ... - The Missoulian [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Teaching Our Kids Real from Fake - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Shaking The Fear Of Breastfeeding In Public | The Huffington Post - Huffington Post UK [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: On Presidents Day, we celebrate the good ones - East Oregonian (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Impact 100 members tour remodeled STEP Training Center - TCPalm [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Bloomfield Company Uses Disney Princesses To Promote Female Empowerment - Patch.com [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducts DSN Prog online - Daily Excelsior [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Viewpoints: The case for expanding Empowerment Scholarship Accounts - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Apple Music just released an album made on an iPhone ... - Computerworld [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pushing past barriers: Program aims to foster empowering female relationships - Grand Forks Herald [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- MILCK comes to Portland this week to emPOWer - Oregon Music News [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Sippican to Implement 'radKIDS' Defense Program - Wanderer [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Personal trainer focuses on client empowerment - Clearfield Progress [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Black History Month: Recovering Our Personal Narrative - Muslim Link [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Judge Holds NYPD's Feet to Fire on Press Credentials - Courthouse ... - Courthouse News Service [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Realizing Economic Empowerment For All Americans - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Black Women Aren't Having Enough Orgasms And Their Careers Are To Blame Says Author - MadameNoire [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- This women's sport you've never heard of is taking Israel by storm - Jewish Telegraphic Agency [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Port Hope girls learn empowerment - Northumberland Today [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Federal Judge Says NYC's Regulation Of The Press Will Go On Trial - Village Voice [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Consult a psychic - for empowerment - Philly.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Digital Inclusion Summit: Training, Partnerships Are Key - Rivard Report [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]