Making a Difference
Written by James Feazell, NFDM Director of Education
All across the country many families find themselves in the position of spending more money than they want to, but lacking the necessary tools to cut corners when it comes to saving money. A key component to managing your money is to manage your emotions, especially when it comes to the recent problems we are experiencing in our national economy. Many organizations, volunteers, and money experts are offering financial literacy seminars to combat this problem. One such organization is the National Foundation for Debt Management (NFDM) located in Clearwater, Florida.
As a Money Smart Trainer (FDIC), Certified Credit Counselor through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors, and HUD certified counselor through the NeighborWorks Institute, I have the privilege of facilitating financial literacy workshops to the public and working with a first rate staff. We provide a wealth of information that is age appropriate and assists others in their understanding of personal money management which includes, banking, budgeting, saving, credit, identity theft, paying for college, and so much more.
On a personal note, I do believe that the service I provide to others is not just a job, but indeed a calling. Each seminar is delivered with passion because of my desire to see others maximize their dreams as well as my own personal struggles in the past. The information is given in a non-threatening and non-judgmental way to those that participate in the seminars. During the several hundred presentations that I have had the fortune to facilitate, there have been countless people that have been helped in one way or another. Here are just a few of the places that I have had the pleasure of living out this calling.
Goodwill Correctional Facilities: This is a work release setting where the clients we serve are nearing their release date back into society. It is here that we have the opportunity to share with them the necessary tools, strategies, and resources the will aid in their successful reentry. Topics include banking, budgeting, savings, and credit which are taught in a classroom setting. Upon release, many of these ex-offenders have utilized our services to assist in their transition.
Abe Brown Ministries: This ministry helps offenders, ex-offenders, and their families achieve productive and fulfilling lives. This goal is reached through evangelism (establishing an intimate relationship with Christ), while learning the life skills and the value of gainful employment which empowers them to sustain their families, thus providing a sound financial future. As an ordained minister myself, I have the opportunity to assist this community spiritually and educationally by teaching financial strategies that will improve their standard of living.
Ways to Work: NFDM in conjunction with Family Service Center delivers a monthly credit seminar for low/moderate income applicants wishing to receive consideration for automobile loans. This innovative program provides small, low-interest loans to those who would not otherwise qualify or fall prey to predatory lenders. My involvement in this program also includes serving on the loan review committee.
Plant City Neighborhood Family Center: This community center allows us to teach three classes a month. The participants in these classes must attend in order to receive assistance with rent, power or other bills. Credit, budgeting, saving, banking, and checking accounts modules are taught in a classroom setting. One-on-one counseling sessions are available upon request.
Largo High School: The 21st Century Learning Center and Teaching Arts Academy is an education leadership program. I have had the pleasure of teaching our “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” curriculum to these seniors at the school. Upon completion of the subject matter, I return and play our Cent$ability board game with the students.
Juvenile Detention Center: The students are introduced to “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” curriculum which deals with goal-setting, realistic start up costs, the time value of money, and credit. Our staff facilitates these seminars at the center bi-monthly and the feedback has been positive from the teachers as well as the students.
Local Churches: Money has been a taboo subject in churches for quite a while. Due to the present economic situation and church leaders opening their eyes to this problem, I have been blessed to go into local churches and teach financial literacy. This program has been delivered both from a biblical perspective (written by me and edited by NFDM education coordinator, Niurka Rosario) and the practical application through our Money Smart curriculum.
Pinellas Ex-Offender Coalition (PERC)/Hillsborough Ex-Offender Network (HERN): These committees were set up to involve area agencies that work with the ex-offender communities. Participants include transition homes, case managers, community activists, clergy, financial institutions, non-profits, and so many more individuals. Subcommittees are formed that deal with education, housing, resources, restoration of rights, etc. The information received and the collaborations developed are essential to the success of these entities.
Compassionate Financial Education
Written by Marlene Ware, NFDM Education Coordinator
Beyond a doubt, National Foundation for Debt Management is all about compassionate financial literacy education. We are in a unique situation. Our department is small and diverse.
We are made up of one young man who hails from Puerto Rico and whose mother and brother just realized the “American Dream” and opened a restaurant that specializes in Puerto Rican fare; a young woman born in the Dominican Republic, whose father owns a “mom & pop” market in Tampa – she just recently took the citizenship pledge and earned her bachelor’s degree; an African-American man who played major league football, fell on troubled times, and is now an assistant pastor; and me, a white woman who raised her three daughters on her own after leaving an abusive marriage.
We have all struggled with money for different reasons and have been able to rise above the chaos to successfully manage our finances. With FDIC Money Smart training, Neighborworks training, credit counseling certification, avid reading on personal finance, and our own experiences, we are able to effectively and compassionately teach financial literacy.
I recently had the opportunity to lend a hand to a woman from New Jersey. Debra is a newly divorced 54 year old woman who, unfortunately, never learned to budget, pay bills, and save money (I see that a lot.). Her husband took care of all things financial. I met her at a seminar I was giving at St. Petersburg College’s Women on the Way program, specifically designed by the college for women who are recovering from various life events and who want to become independent and financially successful.
Debra stopped me after the class. I could see the desperation and fear in her eyes and hear it in her voice. She had become so anxious about her mounting debt that she was not able to function the way you and I do. She did not know how to prioritize her bills. She was afraid to answer the phone for fear each call was another creditor. She was so over-whelmed that she could no longer tell the difference between junk mail and legitimate financial correspondence.
Her problem transcended anything I could fix in my office, or in a seminar. So, I went to her apartment. Debra met me at the door and immediately apologized for the state of her ‘office’. She had stacks of mail – never opened – on every surface. We began opening mail – many credit card offers and checks for ‘her convenience’. That first afternoon we were only able to accomplish opening mail, but she learned the difference between bills and junk! We shredded months worth of credit card offers and then she called 1-888-5-opt-out to ensure the offers would stop.
The next time I met with Debra it was time for her to make phone calls. She had all of her bills opened with the phone numbers highlighted and all of them had been entered on a calendar (according to due date). That had been her homework. Now she began the task of calling the creditors (with my physical support right next to her) to discuss due dates that would work better with her pay schedule and, in two cases, she negotiated a lower interest rate. Debra was beginning to feel the power that comes with proactively participating in her own personal finances.
I heard from Debra last week. She called my office – just to ask a few questions about her credit report (yes, she has pulled her report and successfully disputed a bill that was her husband’s responsibility). She is a different woman from the woman I met six months ago. She does back – slide now and then when she confuses her wants with her needs (as we all do on occasion), but she is paying her bills on time and she is moonlighting on the side so she can begin to put a little money into an emergency account. Debra is a success story.
NFDM & Habitat for Humanity
Written by Eric Muñiz, NFDM Hispanic Education Coordinator
Habitat for humanity is one of the most incredible organizations out there revitalizing communities and improving the lives of families in need of a safe and comfortable place to live. What they do, and how they really change people’s lives by building a family a home is a very humbling experience.
Two of my most special experiences from the referrals from Habitat for Humanity are:
Lanie and Stephen: Lanie came over looking for help to pay back her debt. She was very anxious and did not understand how collection agencies worked. She wanted to re establish her and her husband’s credit. We started our journey when she showed me the incredible balance of accounts she had from collection agencies and medical bills, in February of last year. With her tax return they were able to pay off some of their debt, and they started making smart financial decisions.
All she wanted was a roadmap for her future and a guide to paying off her vast amount of medical bills and the debt she had in collections. We created a structure and a budget to help the couple understand the difference between what they want and what they need to live. I explained the importance of sharing this information with her children. It took them a little over a year to complete this journey of reorganizing their priorities and creating a budget, and they now own a Habitat for Humanity home.
Dimario L Mckenzie: Dimario was also referred to us by Habitat for Humanity. He came looking for help with his medical bills and collection accounts. We created a financial roadmap that would help him understand how to understand the value of W.I.N. (What is important now). After learning about his expenses, we noticed that we needed to approach his debt in a different way, primarily focusing on our main goal of getting a habitat house for this young, single father of three. By starting a new journey, in November of last year, Dimario and I made sure that we were up to date on our primary goal. We made sure everything was properly disputed and created a payment plan option to relieve him of his financial stress.
I had the occasion to see this very special family receive the key to their very own house. What an incredible feeling. This experience has given me the opportunity to teach my own children and wife, who were also present for the event, that when their Daddy stays late at work, it is because he is trying to make a positive difference in someone’s life and that when you go the extra mile for someone, that person will be eternally appreciative of what you have done for them. There is no better feeling than that.
I am very grateful for the ability to help change people’s lives for the better through my work at NFDM, and I look forward to our continued support of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts.
Guardian Ad Litem, GAL
Written by Niurka Rosario, NFDM Hispanic Education Coordinator
Bobby was taken away from his parents in 1999 at the age of one after his parents were charged with drug abuse and child neglect. Since being taken from his home, Bobby has lived with several caretakers and relatives, in nine different homes to be exact. The foster home where he currently resides has been the only home he’s shared with his younger brother, Stevie, now 8 years of age, who was also taken away from his parents at the age of one for the same reasons.
Bobby, a 10 year-old freckled red head, is ecstatic at the news he and his brother, Stevie received this October morning! His GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) just announced that they would both be going home with mom next week—and not just for the weekend as they usually do. This time, they would be staying with mom for good.
This last year has been the happiest Bobby has ever known. He could hardly believe it when Stevie came to live with him. Never before had they shared a room, a meal, or playtime together and the fact that they were now in the same school made Bobby’s life so much better. Bobby dearly loves Stevie and, as a good responsible older brother, always looks after Stevie’s safety.
Bobby knows that part of the reason he and Stevie will be returning to their permanent home is due to his Guardian Ad Litem. She has been a presence in Bobby and Stevie’s lives this past year by visiting them at their foster home, attending medical evaluations and school functions. Bobby likes showing off his GAL to the other kids at the foster home as he’s very happy to see her every month. The fact that she brings him and Stevie snacks also helps. During her visits, they go for walks, talk, visit the park, or do some type of an activity. Bobby is not sure of everything his GAL does, but he knows she helps to look after him and Stevie and cares enough to visit them consistently.
Did you Know?
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Child abuse is reported-on average-every 10 seconds.
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Approximately 1 in 7 males will have been sexually molested before the age of 18.
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Homicide risk is greater in the first year of life than in any other year of childhood before age 17. Perpetrators are typically the mother, father or stepfather.
NFDM team members understand how difficult life experiences can complicate goals for the future. We encourage our community to support this special cause.
For more information on GAL, please visit;
About Guardian Ad Litem, GAL
Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) also known as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a volunteer based program that advocates for children who have been taken away from their permanent homes due to some type of child abuse or neglect - children who've suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to love and care for them. They are people just like you who decided it was time to step forward and help children who have no one else to count on. They are the voice for the voiceless! They resolve to stop letting children be another statistic and, in being determined to improve children’s lives, they discover improvement in their own lives.