IMPACT
in Sturgis
Your Generosity in Action
Thanks to your support, United Way of the Black Hills is proud to share real stories — told in the words of our partners — that show how your generosity is making a difference every day.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills
In November, we were asked by the Northern Hills Drug Court Treatment Coordinator, Rick Olauson (in Sturgis), to come to teach our Credit Class, Credit When Credit is Due. It was a large class with 22 students attending.
Usually, large classes, especially when required to attend, are less likely to ask a lot of questions or stay engaged. They can sometimes be hard to keep focused. This class was very different. You could sense that the class was intent on learning, fixing financial situations and wanting to improve their financial futures.
There were a ton of conversations started relating to the topics throughout the course. Gears were internally turning, leading to more questions and extended guidance. Instead of taking a break, many were seeking more insight into the questions they had. The class was thoroughly enjoyable.
I had reached out to Rick to see if he had received any feedback from the students regarding the class. He had stated that there were many that relayed they were very happy for having taken the class. Rick was happy with how the class had gone as well.
The class was a resounding success and will continue to be replicated twice per year to those who have found themselves under the care of the Northern Hills Treatment Coordinator.
It isn’t possible for everyone to be able to share their story, and many stories are complex and shown by the following. The issues began when their adult daughter died. They ended up with custody of their grandchildren. This caused their expenses to increase. At this time, they lived in another state.
They sought help, but unfortunately ended up with a debt settlement company that made many promises to them they did not keep. The settlement company did not settle their accounts but made a mess of their finances, and their credit declined. The couple, still grieving, cancelled the settlement company and let their finances go.
A number of years passed, and a move to the Black Hills, and the wife is up for the promotion she had worked for her whole life. However, to get the promotion she had to take care of three large creditors that are past due on her credit report. This time the husband’s health is declining.
We helped the wife review her credit report. With her permission, we wrote to her employer and explained what had transpired with the settlement company. Her employer responded and gave her 60 days to develop a written repayment program with the three large creditors.
It was a stressful time; the husband was admitted to the hospital and nearly died. His medicine has become increasingly expensive. We worked with the wife and helped her get the written agreements with her three creditors. In the 60 days she got her written agreements, her employer accepted the plan, and she had her promotion.
Thanks to generous donors like you, United Way of the Black Hills is able to make stories like this possible!