Consumer Credit Counseling Service Of Southern Oregon Inc

Programs: The agency provides free in-person financial counseling. Counseling is confidential and is provided by a credit counselor certified by the national foundation for credit counseling. In 2014, we conducted 508 counseling appointments in medford and klamath falls, oregon. During the appointment a personalized budget is developed and a comprehensive list of creditors is created. Based on the persons specific financial situation, possible options are discussed. Clients complete a financial exit evaluation and in 2014 94% of the clients counseled said they would rate our services as excellent or very good.

the agency provides debt management plans for those clients that qualify for, and are interested in, repaying their creditors through our agency. In 2014 about 11% of the clients counseled chose this option as the best option for their situation. Payments to creditors are calculated by the counselor according to criteria established by the creditors. Clients make payments to the agency every month and those payments are forwarded to their creditors. Setup and monthly fees are charged, but can be waived if they would be a barrier to receiving the service.

the agency provides community education and presentations on budgeting, credit, goal setting, housing, and money management. In 2014, the agencys educational director and other staff members made a total of 94 community presentations to 1,677 people. Most of the presentations were made at the invitation of the agencys community partners (for example, head start, addiction recovery service) for their clients. Presentations are generally made at the partners location so that clients can feel comfortable attending, and the education can fit the clients overall goals. Most of the funding comes from grants from local and regional foundations and corporations.