Cape organizations team up to calm residents with financial troubles

The United Way of Southeast Missouri has combined forces with the Community Counseling Center to make sure local residents know there are resources available to help them deals with their panic about the floundering economy.

Recently, both organizations assembled to discuss the issue, said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

"A group of us got together to talk about if there was a way we could mitigate tension from this economic crisis," Jernigan said.

A meeting will be held at noon Tuesday at the Community Counseling Center to brainstorm ways to make local resources more accessible to those struggling with financial issues and concerns.

The idea is to find ways to help members of the community relax, even in cases where they may not be willing to seek help because of the stigma associated with financial woes, Jernigan said.

"It's a very private matter in a lot of cases — your money troubles are very private," Jernigan said.

The message that needs to be conveyed is not to wait to seek advice, she said.

"If you see trouble coming, get help now," Jernigan said.

4-Sight Counseling, 1427 Thomas Drive, Suite 204, offers qualified HUD counseling to those concerned about their home.

"They're taking about 10 calls a day from people afraid of losing their home — they've already worked to keep many people in their homes," Jernigan said.

Another resource many people overlook in times of crisis is that of their own church community, Jernigan said.

Many churches offer the services of their own financial planner for financial counseling and advice on making and sticking to a budget, she said.

Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is an example of a Christian organization able to provide service to those stressing about their finances, Jernigan said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635