Consumer Credit Counseling's new name: Financial Pathways of the

Consumer Credit Counseling?s new name: Financial Pathways of the Piedmont ? Winston

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Forsyth County Inc., the nonprofit agency that began providing low-cost or no-cost financial counseling and debt management in 1972, on Thursday changed its name to Financial Pathways of the Piedmont.

The agency announced its new name Thursday to a packed room at its 40th anniversary luncheon at the Old Town Club.

?We have transformed the agency through the addition of services. It?s a new day,? Mike Waid, chairman of the agency?s board, said in unveiling the name and a new logo for the agency that consists of a dollar sign within a heart.

The new name better reflects the agency?s capabilities and projects a ?feeling of hope,? Waid said, adding that it should also distinguish the agency from companies that offer fee-based credit counseling services, some of which are not reputable. The agency also redesigned its website.

The agency in recent years has expanded beyond credit counseling to include home ownership programs, money management for seniors, education and financial planning, according to Peter Laroche, president and CEO. It now offers services through the Center for Home Ownership, the Homebuyer Education Center, the Center for Financial Education and Senior Financial Care.

?We feel that the name of our organization should reflect the expanded role we play in helping our clients achieve financial stability and independence,? Laroche said in a statement. The new name is effective immediately.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines read a proclamation at the luncheon, designating Sept. 13 as ?CCCS Day? in honor of the agency?s 40th anniversary.

Nigel Alston, a former executive at Winston-Salem State University and a community leader, gave the keynote address and revealed that he had taken advantage of the agency?s services soon after he graduated from Livingstone College and not long after the agency had formed. He had purchased a new car, rented his first apartment and blew his first paycheck on a watch he didn?t need, he said. He quickly found himself in trouble and went to Consumer Credit Counseling Service for help.

?Everyone needs somewhere to go to get help,? Alston said, noting that there are thousands of people with stories like his ? people, he said, who are ?facing the mountain of too much.? The audience responded with a standing ovation.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit educational organization to provide education and financial guidance to all members of the community. The agency partners with families, schools, religious organizations, businesses, government agencies and other nonprofits serving residents of Forsyth and surrounding counties. It has offices in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Statesville and Mocksville. It is partially funded by the United Way agencies of Forsyth and Davie counties.

Article source: http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/sep/13/1/consumer-credit-counselings-new-name-financial-pat-ar-2605848/

Source: http://creditranker.com/consumer-credit/consumer-credit-counselings-new-name-financial-pathways-of-the-piedmont-winston/

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