This part of our website is designed to inform the media, the general public, and our clients on how DMCC stays involved in issues and activities that affect our society.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Pompano Beach, FL - Broward Outreach Center
What: Debt Management Credit Counseling teaches in the Homeless Shelter in Broward Outreach
When: Every week for the last 6 years.
Why: This is out way to tell the community that “We Care”.
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Abacoa, FL – FAU student is granted DMCC scholarship on October 20th
What: The 2006-2007 Debt Management Credit Counseling Corporation Honors Scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Mahle.
When: October 20, 2006
Where: Florida Atlantic University Honors College in Abacoa, Florida.
Why: Every year, since 2001, DMCC is honored to present financial support in the form of a scholarship to a student who is much deserving of the funds. DMCC has contributed over $23,000 in scholarship funding. They plan on continuing to show their support, by providing financial assistance to students who go above and beyond the requirements and who show a genuine interest in their education.
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Boca company delivers supplies to a unit in Iraq
Published Tuesday, June 13, 2006
by Nicol Jenkins
Employees at Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (DMCC), a not-for-profit corporation in Boca Raton, have donated much- needed items to the 46 Engineer Battalion, a Louisiana Army Unit. This Battalion is currently stationed in Iraq.
Employees have collected various items including hygiene products, clothing, food and educational materials, according to Jessica Stokes, education and resource coordinator for Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.
Stokes said the drive came about after one of the organization’s clients who is in the 46 Engineer Battalion asked for help.
“He told us his battalion was in need of things. We communicated through e-mail and he made lists of what the group needed. Then we started collecting supplies,” she said.
Stokes said the company has collected over 100 items and made care packages for the troops. The care packages included, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sun block, writing materials, socks, Gatorade and ChapStick, among other much-needed supplies.
“These are the things they will start missing while they are overseas and that they probably took for granted while they were here,” Stokes said.
DMCC also provided free educational brochures.
“These brochures will be disseminated to the battalion to assist our soldiers with any financial matters while they are away from homes and loved ones,” she said. “It teaches them how to handle their finances while they are overseas and tell their parents what to do why they are over there.”
DMCC’s mission is to support a different charity every month, Stokes said.
“Part of our mission is to provide our consumers with educational material to help them budget and also to participate in charitable events,” she said.
Pete Glocker, a DMCC employee, said he collected various personal items for the Battalion.
“They are in need of stuff over there and it’s important because they are over there fighting for our country,” Glocker said. “The educational materials also help their family members know about how to handle their finances.”
Stokes added, “It is the least we can do to show our support. After all, they are fighting for this country.”
Stokes said the troops sent e-mails of appreciation.
“The soldier sent an email stating that every items will be used and they were greatly appreciated. He also mentioned that they were laughing because they couldn’t believe how heavy the package was,” she said.
Nicol Jenkins can be reached at njenkins@bocanews.com or 561-549-0844.
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PUBLISHED – The Observer (Serving Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, Florida)
May 14, 2006
Jessica@dmcconline.org
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PUBLISHED – YourHub.com (Produced by Scripps Publishing) – April 17, 2006
PENNIES CAN ADD UP FOR SOME VBHS STUDENTS
Contributed by: Debbie Batteiger/YourHub.com on 4/15/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jessica Stokes (DMCC’s Education and Research Coordinator) with Atlantic High School students holding up the Financial Literacy books.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator
Jessica@dmcconline.org
Pompano Beach – DMCC donates financial literacy books to Broward County high school students on Wednesday.
What: Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (DMCC), a 501 c(3) Not-for-profit corporation donates 140 Debt, Money & Credit Concepts books, a Financial Literacy Program, to the Marketing, DECA and NFTE programs at Blanche ElyHigh School.
When: Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Where: Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida
Why: DMCC’s Educational Department has teamed up with Ned Harris of Blanche Ely High School to educate high school seniors on the importance of being financially literate before they go to college. DMCC understands that teaching high school students how to put together a budget, understanding how your credit history and score are compiled, the responsible use of credit cards and staying out of debt at an early age will help them with their finances through college and the rest of their life.
- Jason Athas, Manager of Special Programs at DMCC (right) is presenting the FLP to Ned Harris of Blanche Ely High School
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator
Jessica@dmcconline.org
Boca Raton non-profit organization brings gifts to the economically disadvantaged children of the Florence Fuller Child Development Center.
Boca Raton, FL – December 21, 2005 – Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp., a not-for-profit credit counseling agency, provided Christmas gifts for the children of Florence Fuller Child Development Center. DMCC employees participated in donating unwrapped toys and clothing to the economically disadvantaged kids. A party was held for the children with Santa Claus handing out the gifts, juice and cookies.
DMCC employees donated unwrapped toys and clothing to the children of Florence Fuller Child Development Center.
Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator for DMCC, presents an award to a FAU Honors Student.
FAU student snags DMCC scholarship
Tuition, room and board and books add up quickly. For Melody Strattan, an awarded scholarship can help defer the cost. The Debt Management Credit Counseling Corporation, a not-for-profit credit-counseling agency based in Boca Raton, awarded the Florida Atlantic University junior with the Debt Management Credit Counseling Corporation Honors Scholarship. The organization has been involved in assisting students at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College since 2001. The corporation has distributed more than $23,000 in scholarship funding. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to Strattan during her 2005- 2006 academic year. “It’s going towards my tuition here, and books are usually about $600 a semester,” Strattan said. “It definitely helps me because I’d like not going into debt going to school. Also when I go to graduate school, I won’t have a lot to pay off. The scholarship definitely helps me.”
Jessica Stokes, DMCC Education and Research Coordinator said Strattan is a prime example of a scholarship winner. “She’s in the Honors College, so right off the bat we know these kids take pride in their studies, show a degree of intellectuality, and are a cut above the rest. She’s also very creative, personable, very dedicated to education and shows a desire in getting an education,” Stokes said. Strattan thinks her 3.96 GPA and club involvement helped her win the scholarship. “I was surprised and proud of it. I have a pretty good GPA and am involved in several clubs on campus such as the McCarthy Campus Christian, the Black Student Union and the Galaxy Gators Astronomy club.” Stokes said the organization’s goal is to provide students with educational opportunities. “Melody stated it was an honor for her to receive this scholarship. What she does not know is that the honor is truly ours. We are proud to be a part of this community and to support students with an excellent education,” Stokes said. Strattan said the money would assist in her goal of becoming a veterinarian. “I’m a pre-med major and am planning to go to vet school and becoming a veterinarian. I love science and animals and I thought that would be a good thing to do,” Strattan said.
PUBLISHED – The Boca Raton News – October 10, 2005
- Jason Athas, Manager of Special Programs for DMCC, answers questions from students at Deerfield Beach High School.
Boca debt management firm provides educational program
Educational and Charitable Services supplies free counseling for teenagers
Published Monday, October 10, 2005 1:00 am
by By Corey Siggins
A Boca Raton debt management firm is becoming well known for its educational programs that endorse the act of properly maintaining one’s personal finances. This is particularly true, the firm says, for young people – often the target of credit solicitation, and without the tool to assess the benefits and risks.
For the past five years, Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (DMCCC) has been using its Educational and Charitable Services Department to provide counseling for both young and old residents.
Through the free programs offered by DMCCC, company representatives visit local high schools, colleges and community centers in order to address various economic issues that may be of major importance to those in attendance.
According to Jason Athas, manager of special programs, DMCCC strives to present these topics in a fun and innovative way that results in better overall financial literacy.
“All the information we have is taught in a way that’s very simple and easy to understand for the public,” Athas said. “Ultimately, the point of these programs is to help people, regardless of their age, become more aware of their finances and safeguard against severe debt.”
The main targets of DMCCC’s programs are high school students, who Athas said are in particular need of financial education because many of them have obtained credit cards or set up bank accounts for the first time. During a typical school presentation, the DMCCC representative will usually lead the classroom in an examination of such topics as credit reports, credit scores, budgeting, credit cards and identity theft. At the end of the presentation, each student is given a certificate of completion.
“Some of these kids may not have understood in the past that you have to consider interest when paying off a credit card or they weren’t sure how to finance large purchases,” Athas said. “Basically, we try to correct some of their misconceptions and provide further insight.”
So far this year, DMCCC representatives have traveled to 50 schools in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Port St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Athas estimates that, by the end of the year, the company will have visited over 10,000 students.The most extensive course that DMCCC offers to the public is its Debt, Money and Credit Concepts program, which is comprised of 12 parts and covers a number of financial matters.
“It discusses every money-related issue you could think of, from getting a house loan to buying a car,” said Jessica Stokes, education and research coordinator for DMCCC. The course is available to take online or through workbooks in which answer sheets can be mailed to the company. Those who finish the course will receive written notification that can be sent to the credit company he or she is working with.
“A credit company who sees that a particular client has undergone the kind of programs we offer will most likely look very favorably upon that person,” Athas said. “With that in mind, we’re pleased to give a much-needed hand to benefit anyone who could use it.”
Contact Corey Siggins at 561-549-0845 or at csiggins@bocanews.com.
Copyright 2005 – Boca Raton News
__________________________________________________________________________ PUBLISHED – The Boca Raton News – June 12, 2005
Contact: Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator
Jessica@dmcconline.org
Boca nonprofit organization brings financial literacy to local high school students.
Justine Fradillada, an Olympic Heights High School student, receives a certificate from Jessica Stokes, education and research coordinator from Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp., for successful completion of the Financial Literacy program.
BUSINESS NEWS
Boca nonprofit organization brings financial
literacy to local high school students
Published Sunday, June 12, 2005
From Staff Reports
Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp., a Boca Raton not-for-profit organization, has introduced their Financial Literacy Program to high schools as a way for students to gain valuable skills that will help them make smart financial decisions.
With the Financial Literacy Program, students learn how to create a budget, use a credit card wisely, balance their checkbook, and develop a solid savings fund. The program also includes chapters on preventing identity theft, understanding credit reports, and the effects of unpaid debt. Some high school students in Boca Raton have already taken advantage of this free opportunity to improve their financial knowledge.
“Many high school students never get any information about financial issues until they are out in the real world and have to make those hard choices that could lead them into financial chaos,” said Jessica Stokes, education and research coordinator for Debt Management Credit Counseling. “The Financial Literacy Program provides the information students need to be better prepared for the decisions that lie ahead.”
Copyright 2005 – Boca Raton News
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PUBLISHED – The Martin County Hometown News – January 14, 2005
Contact: Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator
Jessica@dmcconline.org
Marrying into Bad Credit
By Ana Ribero
For Hometown News
The following question was asked at a recent DMCC free seminar in a Treasure Coast high school: I have great credit and recently married a man with awful credit. I’m afraid that his bad credit will drag down my good credit and we will not be able to purchase a home or take out big loans. I am also afraid that my credit will be ruined by his past credit decisions. What can I do?
Your credit report only reflects your credit history. So, do not worry about your husband’s past credit indiscretions because they will not show up on your credit report. The only items that will appear on your credit report are those that the two of you take on together, such as joint credit cards, auto loans and mortgages. Having said that, let me also say that you are right when worrying about his bad credit affecting your possibilities of getting a mortgage or other large loans together. Consider keeping your credit cards separate and taking out loans in your name alone whenever possible. This becomes more difficult to do, however, when you apply for a mortgage or other large loan where it may help to report both of your incomes.
In order to get favorable rates on joint loans, your husband needs to start repairing his credit history right away. Have him order his credit report from the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Compare the credit reports and clear up any erroneous information. Next, he should pay off any charged-off accounts and bring all past-due accounts current. He should then focus on regularly making on-time payments to his creditors. Payment history accounts for 35% of a credit score, so after a year of maintaining a good payment history, he could see a boost in his credit score. During this time, he should try to abstain from incurring more debt. About 30% of your credit score is based on how much debt you have. Owing some money is fine, but being overextended with debt will look unfavorable to lenders. With that in mind, do not rush to close all of your husband’s old credit accounts at once, as it can lower his credit score.
Slowly and steadily, your husband’s credit history and score will improve. Hopefully, when you are ready to purchase a home, your excellent credit and his improved credit will get you credit terms you are satisfied with.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Iliana Perez
(Associate Coordinator of Educational and Charitable Services)
Iliana@dmcconline.org
Boca Raton corporation awards scholarship to FAU honor student
Boca Raton, FL – October 29, 2004 – Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp., a not-for-profit debt consolidation corporation, presented the award of Debt Management Credit Counseling Corporation Honors Scholar to an anthropology student at Florida Atlantic University. Since 2001 DMCC has awarded the scholarship to a student of the honors college as part of their commitment to community involvement and quality education.
“We are glad to be able to help these students,” said Jason Athas, DMCC Manager of Special Programs. “Anything we can do to help someone attain higher education is well worth it.”
Lisa Sharpe, a sophomore from Wellington, received a scholarship that will help her fund her education during the 2004-2005 academic year. Sharpe plans to specialize in archaeology and wants to work in Cambodia or Egypt. The award ceremony took place at the FAU Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter.
Jason Athas, Manager of Special Programs for DMCC, presents an award to a FAU Honors Student.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Iliana Perez
(Associate Coordinator of Educational and Charitable Services)
iliana@dmcconline.org
Local company provides free financial education
Boca Raton, FL – October 29, 2004 – Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp., a Boca Raton debt consolidation organization travels to high schools and community centers throughout South Florida to teach people financial skills for everyday life. The not-for-profit organization teaches free seminars on budgeting, wise credit card use, checking accounts and identity theft. This year alone, DMCC educators have taught over 3,500 students in Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties.
“We want to help people prevent debt by giving them the financial knowledge necessary to make smart decision,” said Jessica Stokes, DMCC’s education and research coordinator.
The free seminars have gained great popularity, and DMCC educators have been asked repeatedly to speak at student events, including the Future Business Leaders of America Conference. DMCC also takes part of community outreach programs, providing valuable financial education for two locations of the Broward Outreach Center, a comprehensive homeless assistance center for South Florida.
For more information about DMCC’s free educational services, please contact Jason Athas at Jason@dmcconline.org
Jason Athas, Manager of Special Programs for DMCC, educates students at a seminar at Palm Beach Gardens High School.
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