United Way of the Southern Tier will strengthen its focus on promoting economic self-sufficiency, with a new collaboration with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central New York (CCCS) announced today.

CCCS is a non-profit agency that provides financial counseling and other assistance to individuals and families across central New York State. CCCS counselors are certified to help with budgeting, debt and credit problems, and help clients with debt repayment. Financial counseling is free to all, regardless of income level.

Although these services have been available to residents of Chemung and Steuben counties in the past, United Way is joining forces with CCCS to more prominently share information about these services and provide financial information that can benefit all residents, not just CCCS clients.

"The national economic downturn, coupled with local layoffs, has had a negative impact on the financial health of families in the Southern Tier," said United Way President Ron Hatch. "We want these families to be aware of the financial services available to help them manage their debt and better budget. We also want them to be better educated about predatory practices some companies use to take advantage of families in financial crisis, so they can avoid these companies and keep their hard-earned money."

United Way and CCCS also will collaborate to encourage families to seek help before their financial situation reaches the crisis point.

"If something in your budget is not making sense or making you feel uneasy, that is the time to call and talk to a counselor," said Gary Thurber, CCCS Assistant Director for Community Relations. "The earlier consumers make an appointment with one of our certified counselors, the easier it will be to implement changes to a budget. The sooner positive changes are put into place, the sooner consumers can improve their quality of life."

United Way will share information about Consumer Credit Counseling Service via its web site, Facebook and Twitter pages, and in newsletters. CCCS information also will be shared with all customers in United Way’s CA$H volunteer tax assistance program.

CCCS currently counsels clients over the phone and at limited appointments in Chemung County. United Way is finalizing plans to offer CCCS regular office space in Steuben County, as well.

This new collaboration continues and strengthens United Way’s focus on promoting financial security to improve lives. Economic self-sufficiency is one of five "impact" areas in which United Way invests donor dollars; United Way currently invests in 15 programs across Steuben and Chemung counties that help families meet their basic needs, develop a family budget and more.

United Way also runs the CA$H program, which provides free tax preparation and assistance to working families. Last year CA$H volunteers completed nearly 3,700 returns, bringing back more than $6 million in refunds.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service can be reached at (800) 479-6026.

Information about any of the United Way-funded programs mentioned above, including contact information for Consumer Credit Counseling Service, is also available from 2-1-1 Helpline, which can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or (800) 346-2211.