Area organizations propose ways to alleviate public's financial concerns

The Community Counseling Center hosted a meeting Tuesday afternoon for local organizations to discuss ways of calming the public's fears about the economy.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, said the idea was to make residents aware of services available to address their financial concerns and alleviate anxieties.

"My conception was that we would publicize a website for people in our local community to go to if they have concerns about foreclosures or finances," Jernigan said.

Setting up such a website would provide an anonymous way for people to address some of their concerns and gather information about available resources available.

Often, people are unwilling to seek help until it's too late because of the stigma attached to airing their financial troubles, said John Hudak, director of the Community Counseling Center.

"Money is like what sexuality used to be in the Victorian era," Hudak said.

The website would list services available in the community that offer financial counseling and help with avoiding foreclosures, Jernigan said.

"We can constantly be adding to it and improving on it," she said.

In addition, the group plans to organize a series of educational presentations, tentatively set for Nov. 12, for professionals and case managers that regularly deal with these types of issues so they can better serve clients by being aware of the full range of services available.

The group also discussed using local media to inform the public of what economic help is offered in their area.

Representatives from First Call for Help and 4-Sight Counseling attended the meeting.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635

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