“WE’RE HOLDING OUR OWN NOW. OUR HEADS ARE FINALLY ABOVE WATER.”

Drowning In Debt

First notice. Second notice. Then the third. The fourth. And the final. Over time, sales circulars and credit card offers were being replaced by threatening letters for overdue payments. Answering the phone was no longer an automatic reaction. Now there was a pause, then a deep breath – and the small hope that it wasn’t another bill collector demanding money. But most times, it was.

No matter. The phone would soon be shut off anyway. Then there are the leaky pipes. And we have another new prescription that’s either not covered or is too expensive. The bottom line was, we had no bottom line.

Balanced Checkbook. Balanced Life.

Then we met Judy from Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services. It had been so long since we discussed finances with someone who wasn’t condescending or rude. She listened. She understood. But most important, she cared.

Before long, credit cards were paid off. Bills were reduced. And the almighty checkbook was balanced – with even a little extra money in the bank.

We don’t have a lot. But we’ve never needed a lot. And we will always give when others have less.

We are Jackie and Jerry, and we change the story.

With the generous help of Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services, Jackie and Jerry were able to change the story.

Education

To give children the greatest chance to thrive, we invest in early childhood programs that help each child start school ready to learn.  We also support programs that provide quality child care and after-school activities, get families involved in their children’s education, and help children become leaders.

Health

We are making sure people have access to physical and mental health care, and that babies are born healthy. We work with health care providers to keep costs low and make sure services are available for those with little or no health insurance.