IMPACT
in Rapid City
Your Generosity in Action
An 82-year-old veteran’s life took a remarkable turn thanks to the support he received from Consumer Credit Counseling of the Black Hills. After losing his wife, he found himself in a tough financial situation—caught in recurring monthly subscriptions he no longer needed and trying to maintain a lifestyle that had become unsustainable. This proud and generous gentleman, who had spent his life giving back to his church, community, and United Way agencies, was now facing growing debt.
By the time he reached out to Consumer Credit Counseling, referred by his banker, his financial stress was overwhelming. The team began by canceling unnecessary subscriptions and revising his budget, helping him regain control of his monthly expenses. Yet, while his new budget helped stabilize his finances, his debt was still looming.
That’s when the turning point came. The team discovered that, as a military veteran with health challenges, he might qualify for benefits under the PACT Act—designed to support veterans exposed to toxins during their service. This crucial guidance led him to apply for the benefits he had never known he could receive.
A couple of months later, the veteran reported that everything had changed. He received a determination letter, along with a check. More importantly, the letter confirmed that he would receive monthly payments for the rest of his life—compensation for medical conditions tied to his military service that had gone unacknowledged for decades.
With this unexpected financial support, he not only paid off all his debts within the year but also managed to build his savings and donate to causes he cares about. Today, he lives in comfort, free from the weight of financial worry that once burdened him. He credits the guidance he received for leading him to a secure and peaceful retirement.
Thanks to generous donors like you, United Way of the Black Hills is able to make stories like this possible!