Springboard Responds to Tragedies Involving Families Distraught Over Finances

January 30, 2009, 3:14 pm

Community Service Organization Offers Resources to Families in Crisis

It is estimated that California's unemployment rate will reach its highest level since 1994. Figures released by the state Employment Development Department show the state's unemployment rate rose to 9.3 percent last month, a jump from 8.4 percent in November 2008. With more than 1.7 million Californians looking for work last month, news reports of families in crisis continue to mount.

Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management wants individuals and families to know there is hope even in the most difficult situations. "It is not financially irresponsible to find yourself faced with a financial setback," says Melinda Opperman, Vice President of Community Outreach. "We want consumers to know that Springboard is here to help with counseling advice when the unexpected such as the loss of a job or home strikes."

Springboard offers personal financial education and assistance with credit counseling, housing counseling, debt and money management through educational programs and confidential counseling. Relationship experts indicate that for many couples, money is a source of conflict when unexpected emergencies arise and can impact the family stability. Springboard recommends the following resources for families facing financial or emotional crisis:

Springboard
For help with a crisis budget or any credit, debt or housing problem, contact Springboard by calling 1-877- WISE PLAN (1-877-947-3752) or visit online at www.credit.org.

County and State 2-1-1 Community Help and Disaster Assistance Call Center
2-1-1 is a three digit phone number linking all residents to health and human services in their community and state. The Center maintains a database consisting of more than 800 agencies assisting individuals and families with emergency shelter, food, legal, medical, employment and social service needs. Free telephone access to this service is available by dialing 2-1-1.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential crisis intervention to individuals experiencing homicidal thoughts or other urgent mental crisis concerns. To reach the Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255. The last four digits of the phone number spells out TALK, their phone number is 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). Information is available in Spanish by calling 1-888-628-9454. If you or someone you know is in urgent mental crisis, call the lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information, contact: Sheri Stuart, Senior Communications Specialist

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management

Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit personal financial education and counseling organization founded in 1974. Springboard is a HUD approved housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a national organization of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The agency offers personal financial education and assistance with credit counseling, housing counseling, debt and money management through educational programs and confidential counseling. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor certification and service delivery policies. The agency provides pre-bankruptcy counseling and debtor education as mandated by the bankruptcy reform law. The agency has locations in California, Arizona and Nevada and offers face-to-face and nationwide phone counseling services. For more information on Springboard, call 1-877 WISE PLAN (1-877-947-3752) ext. 7750 or visit their web site at www.credit.org.

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