“Our goal at OEO/CSS is to help families develop the skills needed to make better choices for building a more secure future,” stated OEO/CSS director, Claudie Burchfield. “In the process, we collaborate with many local agencies, churches, and community leaders. We have eight different Christian denominations contributing in various ways, and we’re blessed to have pastors from five different Christian faiths serving on our advisory board.”

In an area of North Carolina with limited employment opportunities and income levels and high school graduation rates below state averages, many families struggle through hard times. Money and credit problems can destroy families and weaken communities. Promoting responsible financial choices is a key step in maintaining a healthy community. To address these concerns, Catholic Social Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity in Murphy, NC, created the Far West Families First (FWFF) program.

FWFF matches struggling families with ecumenical faith teams who provide support and encouragement to help families reach goals they set for themselves. Such goals might relate to debt reduction, credit building, health issues, housing concerns, education, employability, etc. In a supportive relationship, the team helps the family understand and learn the skills needed for successful problem solving and helps the family locate outside resources when needed. OEO/CSS also provides families with counseling opportunities to help them work through challenges that impede family development and stability.

Another program, the Assets Building Long-term Equity (ABLE) Financial Literacy Program, addresses financial “illiteracy” within the community. In addition to credit counseling, the ABLE program provides workshops, lectures, and special presentations on pertinent financial literacy topics. Topics range from maximizing food stamp dollars to basic budgeting to attaining affordable housing. OEO/CSS also serves as a host site for Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Asheville.

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