GLCAP Financial Opportunity Center helps members achieve financial success

Fremont, Ohio — Great Lakes Community Action Partnership’s (GLCAP) Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) is helping members achieve financial success by working with them one-on-one and considering their individual needs.

In 2022, the FOC served 78 members in Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties. Members, on average, reduced their debt by $2,373, maintained an average savings of $1,317, and increased their net worth by $6,933 with the help of FOC coaches.

“We look at each individual member’s financial circumstances and help them make a plan that suits their needs,” said FOC Specialist Corey Manns. “This approach could include paying off outstanding debt, finding stable employment, creating a household budget, or using any other strategy to help members become more financially secure.”

One person who came to the FOC was able to find employment, balance her budget, and meet her monthly expenses with the help of FOC Coach Mallory Pena in Fremont. Another woman needing help with debt reduction, paying monthly bills, and securing steadier employment worked with FOC Coach Joel Burg to create a budget, stabilize her employment, and increase her credit score by 83 points.

“She was so happy that she was able to discipline herself enough to make sure all her bills were paid for the month,” Pena said. “Not only was she able to break even for the month, but she had also found employment to have a more consistent income. She was so proud of herself and thanked me for all my coaching and support.”

The FOC program continues to seek members interested in joining and offers incentives for completing financial goals, as well as assistance with finding resources to meet their needs.

For more information on GLCAP’s Financial Opportunity Center, visit their website at www.glcap.org/foc or call 1-800-775-9767.