Groups join to help those facing tough economic times

Job layoffs. Reduced work hours. Threat of home foreclosure. Bankruptcy. Loss of retirement investments.

Ron Hume, executive director of NCO Youth & Family Services in Naperville, knows all too well the litany of financial problems facing many in these troubled economic times. He and his staff are determined to help.

NCO is coordinating a Tough Times Initiative, a group of community organizations prepared to help - whether it's to put food on the table, work through anger over a job loss, hone a resume to find new employment, or provide financial counseling for those who don't know which way to turn.

"To me, this is just something we owe back to the community," Hume said. "A big part of this is making people aware of the resources that are out there."

Hume said NCO is receiving requests from people who would not ordinarily seek its help. The social service agency is opening up 15 short-term counseling slots a week for families and individuals facing economic stress. Each client may attend up to five free sessions.

"By making them free, we make them very, very accessible," he said.

Two banks have joined the effort by offering free financial education and counseling. Charter One is ready to make available FDIC Money Smart classes regarding laws and regulations about money and applying for loans, identity theft and how to be financially prepared for disasters. A Charge it Right class deals with the use of credit cards.

Stacey Sather, Charter One's senior vice president and director of public affairs, said the bank decided to get involved after one of its Naperville branch managers, who is a NCO board member, saw more customers dealing with less disposable income. The classes would be offered free to people referred by NCO whether they are customers of the bank or not, she said.

National City Bank also is offering individual counseling and possibly seminars on budgeting and credit reporting information.

Community Career Center in Naperville will waive its registration fee to job seekers referred NCO, Hume said.

Other organizations that have joined the Tough Time Initiative include Naperville CARES, Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry, Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center and Easter Seals.

Tough Times Initiative will run through June 2009 and extend beyond that if needed, Hume said. For details, contact Tough Times Initiative case manager Kari Sikich at (630) 717-9408, ext. 3.