SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), a partnership program between the City of South Bend and the Near Northwest Neighborhood, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.

The FEC plans to utilize the grant money to expand outreach and increase access to free financial counseling services, allowing FECs' counselors to connect with more residents and support their financial goals.

“We appreciate the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County for this investment,” said Executive Director of Community Investment, Darryl Scott. “This additional support will help us reach more individuals and families and expand access to services that reduce debt, increase savings, and create opportunities for long-term financial stability.”

The FEC offers no-cost, one-on-one financial coaching and counseling for all South Bend residents. At the FEC, professionally trained financial counselors help individuals and families with managing their finances through paying down debt, increasing savings, establishing and building credit, accessing safe and affordable mainstream banking products, and reviewing and providing resources to protect assets for generations to come. To date, the FEC has helped over 170 clients. The FEC clients have collectively increased their savings by over $42,000 and reduced non-mortgage debt by over $372,000.

To schedule a free appointment with a financial counselor, visit their website. Counseling sessions are available by phone, virtually, or in person at the FEC office located at the MLK Dream Center at 1522 Linden Avenue.