Andrew Nicholson (L), CCC Board Member, and award winner Karina Arancibia

Karina’s counselling style is to consistently take a very active role in the success of her clients.  She empowers them. She listens and understands their needs. She teaches them how to make good financial decisions and provides the tools they need to realize their financial goals.

This exceptional service is reflected in Karina’s positive client feedback.  She is always respectful, compassionate, and non-judgmental.

“Karina Arancibia was so friendly and unassuming. She didn’t make me feel like I was being judged in an otherwise stressful situation where I am feeling embarrassed and ashamed of the state I’ve gotten into. Great first meeting and consult!”

Our 2019 award recipient often accommodates clients outside of her regular work hours to ensure they have a good understanding of their options, creating confidence about their next steps.

“An enormous weight has been lifted with a couple of phone calls. Truly a service for the masses. [Karina] was a kind, friendly and effective representative [who] guided me through and it was done. Thank you so much!”

Credit Canada Debt Solutions has several initiatives to give back to the community. In one special program, staff organize a collection to provide assistance to a number of clients over the Christmas holidays. Karina actively tracks her needy clients every year so that she can nominate them for the holiday support program.

After 26 years, Karina remains enthusiastic and continues to look for creative and innovative ways to make improvements in her agency.  Her exceptional client service goes beyond her day-to-day counselling. Karina volunteers her time and expertise for special projects and has conducted numerous money management and budgeting workshops to assist her community.

“[Karina] … was amazing, she knew her stuff, she was calm and comforting … I felt so much better after talking to her … she was reassuring and I’m glad I went there.”

Since Karina has been with CCDS, she has been an integral link to the Spanish speaking community, advocating for their financial needs.

She works hard to see that the Spanish community have access to services within CCDS as well as other public programs. She has travelled to other community agencies to maintain positive partnerships; ensuring referrals are made to agency services for both English and Spanish speaking communities.  And when insolvency options are required, Karina’s connections with Spanish speaking trustees provide her clients with professional help.

Karina remains involved with numerous initiatives to promote CCDS services. She goes above and beyond to help consumers create awareness of their financial options and provides the available tools to help them make informed decisions. She is also a certified professional life coach.

Her exceptional service is featured on local radio and in print. She was the radio host of As Woman on 360FM.ca, a Spanish speaking Toronto based radio station. She is a financial and life blogger and contributed financial blogs that were featured on CCDS’ website.  Karina was an editor of Nosotras.ca Magazine,  interviewed by the National Post and also appeared on Global TV’s, Ask the Expert.

Many congratulations to Karina Arancibia, the CCC Exceptional Service Award winner for 2019. To read about previous award winners, visit the Credit Counselling section on our blog.

The post Karina’s Story: Exceptional Service Award Winner 2019 appeared first on Credit Counselling Canada.

The CVITP is a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency and community organizations, such as CFCS. These community organizations host free tax clinics where they recruit and train volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Over 9667 Tax Returns Completed!

In 2018 CFCS tax clinics completed over 9,667 tax returns and helped participants access tax refunds and credits and other benefits amounting to over $27 million!

This would not be possible if it were not for the group of dedicated volunteers. Last year, these volunteers completed over 8500 tax returns in 40 days. To make this possible, it takes up to 90 volunteers working from February 26 until the end of April. The volunteers complete extensive training which also includes specialized training on access to benefits.

Who Qualifies for the Volunteer Income Tax Program?

The CFCS tax clinics serve a wide range of people. This includes people living on low income, newcomers to Canada, students including International students, Indigenous peoples, and seniors. To get help through the CVITP, a person’s income must be below:

• $35,000 for a single person who has no dependents
• $45,000 for a single parent and 1 child plus $2500 per additional dependent
• $45,000 for a couple plus $2,500 per dependent

The criteria to qualify for tax clinics may vary from province to province. Be sure to contact the tax clinic in your area for further information.

CFCS Also Supports 36 Other Organizations

In addition to running the largest tax clinic in Canada, the CFCS supports 36 other organizations. They provide support with planning, volunteer recruitment and training, computer hardware and preparation. They also provide drop-off tax forms to the hosting agencies.

“When we look at what we can provide the community”, says CFCS Financial Counsellor/Financial Literacy & Empowerment Program Coordinator, Sally Massey Wiebe, “tax filing is an essential part of empowering individuals and an opportunity to open other doors to improve financial well-being through accessing income boosting tax credits and benefit programs for eligible households.” Sally continues “If tax returns are not completed, there may be huge gaps in resources and a big detriment to the individual”.

Trained volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Program will help you navigate the tax system and accurately file your return up to 10 years retroactively. Filing on time keeps you from missing out on benefits such as Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC), or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

“This can be a significant amount of money this tax season.” notes Sally Massey Wiebe.

There are free tax clinics in Canada staffed by trained volunteers to help you this tax season.

Visit us at Credit Counselling Canada to find a not for profit credit counsellor near you.

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Newcomers and Money 101

According to the Ontario Ministry of Finance

2016 Census figures show that a total of 472,170 immigrants arrived in Ontario between 2011 and 2016.  In 2017, 111,925 permanent residents arrived in Ontario on their own. Looking ahead to 2021, Canada could see as many as one million newcomer arrivals.  We believe it’s important for newcomers and their families to have the resources and skills needed to be financially empowered.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.

A recent report presented by Option Consommateurs paints a stark picture. The study noted that newcomers are acquiring credit with very little understanding of what this actually involves. Besides this, the report found that newcomers would best be served if education organizations — who are not trying to sell specific financial products — could reach out to them before they take on credit.

With support from the Ontario Government

Credit Canada has developed a Newcomers and Money 101 workshop that aims to do exactly that.  The program helps newcomers to Ontario better understand how to manage their money and credit in Canada. The workshop is offered at no charge to participants. It includes a PowerPoint presentation (in English) as well as an accompanying booklet available in six different languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Punjabi and Farsi.

Newcomers and Money 101 participants will learn about:

1. The Canadian banking system
2. Money management and budgeting
3. Handling and building credit
4. Fraud prevention

1.  The Canadian Banking System

It’s especially important for newcomers to learn how our banking system works.  Newcomers should know that our financial institutions are well-regulated and that deposits are insured by the government so they will feel secure. First, Newcomers and Money 101 explains how Canada’s banking institutions and credit unions work. It describes why they are safe and secure places to save money.  This may be an unknown concept for some newcomers, depending on their country of origin.  Second, Newcomers and Money 101 looks at the different types of accounts available, and the various services offered by banking institutions, such as overdraft protection, safety deposit boxes, etc.

Workshop participants also learn about the various investment options available.  Reviewing the options shows how newcomers can save money to meet future needs and goals with:

• RESPs – Registered Education Savings Plans
• RRSPs – Registered Retirement Savings Plans
• RDSPs – Registered Disability Savings Plans
• TFSAs – Tax-Free Savings Accounts

2.  Money management and budgeting

By participating in our workshop, newcomers receive an in-depth overview of money management and budgeting.  Attendees are given key tools to assist them with the budgeting process, including how to set practical financial goals.

3.  Handling and building credit

Managing credit well is a crucial skill for every newcomer to have.  It’s the basis for building a financially stable life in Canada. When you consider that many newcomers are offered credit almost before they leave the airport terminal, it is easy to see the potential hazards.

In Newcomers and Money 101, participants learn about different types of credit products. They also learn about the importance of choosing the right one(s) for their needs. The program includes information about credit ratings and credit scores, and the importance of creating and maintaining a positive credit record.  Furthermore, it explains how newcomers can keep their credit in good standing, and how to deal with any credit problems. Participants come away knowing  that credit is a very useful tool when properly managed, but that it also has risks.

4.  Preventing Fraud

Fraud is one of the fastest growing problems in Canada.  In fact, fraud costs Canada millions of dollars every year.  Sadly, fraudsters often target newcomers due to their inexperience with the Canadian financial landscape. The good news is that education is the best prevention against fraud – and Newcomers and Money 101 is making a big difference.

Positive Feedback

The feedback from Newcomers and Money 101 attendees and instructors is terrific.  Many participants lose no time in acting right away, going to their bank to open a new account that better suits their short and long-term needs.

They say knowledge is power. Armed with the valuable information shared through the Newcomers and Money 101, newcomers are able to make better informed decisions. The goal is to reach as many newcomers with the program as possible this year. Accredited Credit Counselling Canada members can play a pivotal role in helping to do just that.

Newcomers and Money 101 is run by trained leaders and hosted by community groups and organizations who work with newcomers. If your agency or organization would like to host a workshop within your community, let Credit Canada know. All program materials will be provided, including participant booklets. For more information, please contact Elena Jara, Credit Canada Director of Education at ejara@creditcanada.com or Sandra Sherk at ssherk@creditcanada.com.

Visit Credit Counselling Canada to find a Not For Profit Credit Counselling Agency near you!

Submitted by: Sandra Sherk, Credit Canada Debt Solutions

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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Stephen King

The staff at Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada (CCSAC) have seen, and believe in the magic of books. Since 2011, they have been using reading and books to teach kids about money. They don’t flash, light up, buzz or beep, but they do send a message.

It is never too early to start talking with kids about finances. Education is the very first step to effective money management. The way a kid handles money will affect their future. CCSAC wants kids to get a good education, to start saving for the future and to build financial security.

To teach kids about money, CCSAC has created ‘The Grade 4 Read’ program.

The program is carried out annually during National Financial Literacy Month. CCSAC staff visit classrooms across all four Atlantic provinces to educate grade 4 students.

The classroom lesson starts with an open discussion about money and savings, which always promises to be an entertaining activity. Next, they read a book together out loud. They follow up with a worksheet which includes students drawing they want to save for and brainstorming how they will obtain the required money and where they will keep it.

Photo Credit: Centennial School, Saint John, NB.

“We select a new book every year,” explains Tamara Kelly, Director of Education at CCSAC. “The book must have a concept about spending or saving money. We make sure it is specific to the age of the students.”

Related Blog Post: Best Books for Teaching Kids About Money: Our Top Picks

The first year (2011) CCSAC visited 28 classrooms and gave away 700 piggy banks. In 2016 this increased to 65 classrooms and over 14000 piggy banks.

The Grade 4 Read would not be possible without the assistance of many people. It is a group effort. CCSAC staff at all levels, ranging from credit counsellors to receptionists, have set up and carried out classroom visits. Even board members help. Most importantly, school staff have make time in their busy curriculum schedules to accommodate the request.

“Teachers have been very supportive. They keep the books we bring and use them throughout the year. One teacher has all the money books set up in her reading corner.”

“The kids understand a lot more than we realize. They are clever and lots of fun to be with. It is always nice when we get calls from parents to say thank you. This way we know the kids have heard the message and taken it home. In the long term we hope the kids retain and keep that savings message,” says Kelly.

Wondering what books CCSAC uses to teach kids about money? Here is the list!

My Rows and Piles of Coins, Tololwas M. Mollel
Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock, Sheila Bair
The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money, Stan & Jan Berenstain
One Hen, Katie Smith Milway
Beatrice’s Goat, Page McBrier
It’s Not What You’ve Got, Dr Wayne W. Dyer
Those Shoes, Maribeth Boelts

Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization and accredited member of Credit Counselling Canada. They provide confidential and professional budget, credit and debt repayment counselling programs to families and individuals.

*Please note that none of the links contained in this article are affiliate links.

Photo Source: @Centennial_Sch

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According to the Ontario Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, approximately 17,000 of Ontario’s 3.1 million children are in care of Children’s Aid Societies or approximately 1 out of 182 children. Every year in Ontario, 800 to 1,000 youth age-out of care.

“Not surprisingly, some Ontario youth in care report feeling a deep sense of abandonment when they formally age-out of the system and anxiety about the impending lack of support after leaving care,” Jane Kovarikova, Exploring Youth Outcomes After Aging-Out of Care Report.

For 50 years, Thunder Bay Counselling has worked to help people enhance their quality of life by overcoming barriers and maximizing potential. As a not-for-profit organization, this has been achieved through numerous programs, spanning from mental health and addiction to financial counselling. Being deeply rooted in their community, the agency identified a gap in services for youth aging-out of care and set their wheels in motion.

Thunder Bay Counselling staff members: (L-R) Karen Shalley, Financial Counsellor, Laurel King, Financial Counsellor, Kris Carlson, Youth-in-Transition Worker, Kristen Duhaime, Financial Counsellor, Holly Rocco, Youth-in-Transition Worker

April 1st, 2014 was a big day for Thunder Bay Counselling, as they welcomed their new Youth-in-Transition worker. With assistance from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS), the Youth-in-Transition Worker Program was developed.

This is a free program to help youth transition into a new life with the right confidence, skills and community connections.

Support workers assist youth ages 16-24 one-on-one to:

• Access health and mental health services
• Secure stable housing
• Obtain education and training information
• Connect to employment services
• Identify and access life skills support
• Locate legal services

A major part of the program includes financial literacy education. With an already established financial counselling program, the agency was well equipped to help youth build this essential life skill.

“We had our Financial Counsellor work closely with the Youth-in-Transition worker to adapt and re-build our financial literacy curriculum. They took into consideration varying needs such as developmental challenges. They made it interactive and engaging, incorporating videos, role-plays and movement,” explains Sheri Fata, Manager of Education and Support Services.

“The financial literacy skills the youth develop, allow them to qualify for and access monetary support from the Ministry.”

The monetary support referred to is the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent (OCBE) provided at age 18 to youth-aging-out of care. To obtain these funds, youth need to demonstrate acquired skills outlined in the MCYS OCBE Savings Program Requirements Checklist. These skills include the capacity to determine and budget for living expenses, the ability to protect themselves against fraud, consumer awareness, understanding of ability to access banking and investments services, the ability to identify and access income sources, skills to write a resume, apply for a job, and more.

Thunder Bay Counselling has developed a formal agreement with Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay to help youth meet the required standards to obtain the allowance. The Child Protection worker makes the referral to the agency and when the agency has enough participants (5-8) they run the program.

“The program uses a combined format. We run 2 group sessions around the dinner hour and provide food. Then the youth meet with a worker one-on-one and do a budget for the money they will receive through the Ministry. They will be matched with employment services, complete a resume and set up a bank account,” says Fata.

“The amount of time this takes will vary. Some participants are very keen, while others require more assistance. We are there to support them regardless of the challenges.”

The challenges faced by youth-in-care are often more extensive and severe than we imagine. Just this past year Ontario has identified six places in the province which are described as “hubs of human trafficking”. One of these “hubs” includes Thunder Bay. Often the issues with human trafficking start with young people lured into the sex trade. Youth-in-care and the Indigenous population are especially vulnerable.

Ontario Ramps Up Efforts to Stem Human Trafficking

“It is an urgent government priority to support projects designed by Indigenous communities for Indigenous human trafficking survivors, many of whom are women and girls.” states Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister of the Status of Women.

To date, Thunder Bay Counselling has seen 42 youth graduate from the Youth-in-Transition Worker Financial Literacy Program.

Although some may think this number is small, to Sheri Fata, every ounce of energy put into this program is worth it.

“When you consider the challenges, obstacles and dangers these youth face, 42 graduates is a huge accomplishment.  These graduates are taking the first steps toward financial independence and acquiring skills that will empower them in the long term. Our youth tell us this makes a difference, and that’s really what motivates us to keep this training running.”

To learn more about the work Credit Counselling Canada members do in their respective communities please visit the Member Highlights section on our blog.

Thunder Bay Counselling is an independently operated, not-for-profit charitable organization and an accredited member of Credit Counselling Canada. Counselling, education and support services are provided by professional counsellors to help people make positive changes in their personal, family or work lives. To learn more about the programs offered through Thunder Bay Counselling please visit www.tbaycounselling.com

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Linda Morel was 27 years old, had just been offered the position of Executive Director at the Sudbury Community Service Centre and this was her reaction. ‘’I didn’t think I had a chance. My interview only lasted 20 minutes.’’ Today, she can proudly say she has been with the organization for 31 years, all because of her desire to help people.

Linda is the type of person you only have to meet once, or apparently only have to interview for 20 minutes. Her enthusiasm is contagious, her style is envigorating and her spiky hair exemplifies her spunk.

Francine Hebert (left), and Linda Morel. Photo credit: Heidi Ulrichsen- sudbury.com

Linda originally started her career with the Sudbury Community Service Centre as a Service Coordinator. Her role involved helping people with a developmental disability to transition from living in a nursing home to a more fitting community setting. She saw it as an opportunity to impact lives in a permanent way.

As she moved into the role of Executive Director, Linda used her energy and passion to further develop two distinct programs, one serving people with developmental disabilities and another for people experiencing problems with their finances. Linda first managed 6 employees when she became Executive Director- today there are 43.

Clearly, one of Linda’s strong attributes is her ability to manage staff. ‘’The average tenure is 20 years. I think am good at hiring and choosing staff members. I consider recruiting quality staff members one of my greatest accomplishments. As a result, people in Sudbury are receiving great service from experienced staff.’’

As she sits in her office facing the reception area, Linda watches people break down in tears of joy as they hug their credit counsellor. They have succeeded on their debt management program or have found a solution to their financial problems and can sleep again at night. ‘’Our counsellors’ skillsets are so strong. I think I likely have one of the longest standing credit counsellors in the industry in Francine Hebert. It is so rewarding to watch their work ethic. Sometimes it is hard to get them to go home!’’

‘’ Work hard and be nice.’’- Linda Morel

What has proven to be most effective in ensuring a stable organization, is a balance of importance placed on managing staff, service to clients and administrative duties. ‘’You must have an equal balance, otherwise one will suffer,’’ she recommends.

As Linda goes about her daily business, she makes it look so easy. In reality, she has lead the organization through many ups and downs including the decline of debt management programs as for-profit credit repair companies became increasingly competitive. ‘’We have refocussed our credit counselling services to work with people who are living in poverty. We have been able to re-deploy resources and receive additional funding through Prosper Canada and the Ontario Government to carry out programs.’’

Linda is referring to the Ontario Financial Empowerment Program, which assists people with tax filing, one-on-one counselling and problem solving, financial literacy workshops, assistance opening bank accounts and setting savings goals plus much more. The program spans beyond Sudbury, covering the full north eastern shore of Ontario’s Lake Huron. ‘’Our credit counselling program has adapted to help low income people manage to live successfully and take advantage of all benefits and programs available to them,’’ explains Linda.

When asked what continues to motivate her 31 years later, Linda is quick to reply, ‘’Passion – for the programs that we provide and the positive impact we have on the lives of the people we serve, equally through both programs.’’

‘’I found a job I love and have never worked a day in my life.’’

The Sudbury Community Service Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit charitable organization and accredited member of Credit Counselling Canada. The Centre provides services to two target groups – people with developmental disability and people experiencing problems with their finances. In both services, the Centre strives to effect positive change within the lives of the people it serves. In pursuit of this mission, the Centre recognizes as the primary value the worth, dignity and individuality of every human being.

To locate more Ontario credit counselling agencies visit our Ontario member listing.

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But taxes don’t have to be so scary. Through their Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), Community Financial Counselling Services (CFCS) transitions people from fearful to fearless.

The CVITP is a partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency and community organizations, such as CFCS. The community organizations host free tax clinics where they recruit and train volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

In 2016 CFCS completed over 9,100 tax returns and helped participants access refunds and credits amounting to over $21 million!

“The majority of people who come to the tax clinic receive a significant boost to their income,” says CFCS Executive Director, John Silver. “It’s especially helpful for families with several children. Often, by doing their taxes they can gain $2000 in refunds and additional benefits. We can go back up to 10 years so it can be a significant amount. People walk out happy.’’

The CFCS tax clinics serve a wide range of people including people living on low income, newcomers to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and seniors. To get help through the CVITP, a person’s income must be:

• Below $30,000 for a single person who has no dependents
• Below $40,000 for a couple plus $2,500 per dependent

In addition to running the largest tax clinic in Canada, CFCS supports 30 other organizations with planning, volunteer recruitment and training, computer hardware, and preparation of drop-off tax forms for hosting their own tax clinics.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of volunteers. CFCS has volunteers who have been with the organization for over 30 years. Some even use their own vacation time to volunteer. Currently, CFCS has a core of 20-30 veteran volunteers who, in addition to doing taxes, also help by acting as mentors to new volunteers.

‘’They love what they do and it is rewarding for them to help others,” says Silver. “We had one volunteer who had been coming to the income tax clinic for over 40 years. She decided that last year would be her final year. She turned 100!’’

The vision of CFCS is that all Manitobans will have the capacity to make informed decisions and successfully navigate the various financial systems that have an impact on their daily lives. As Silver indicates, “CFCS believes that income taxes and access to eligible benefits form an important part of our financial situations. Beyond the CVITP program, personal income taxes are included in all our financial counselling sessions and financial literacy activities.

‘’This program is important because access to benefits has become important for poverty reduction. If the person is low income, they need to be receiving the refunds.’’

For information about where to find a tax clinic, please visit the CRA website.

CFCS is an accredited Credit Counselling Canada member. As a not-for-profit credit counselling agency based in Winnipeg, they provide a variety of affordable and accessible financial counselling and financial literacy services and programs for individuals across the province of Manitoba.

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Ontario is renewing funding for programs to help people living on low incomes to manage their finances, announced Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services, and Daiene Vernile, MPP for Kitchener Centre.  The funding will support five new Ontario Financial Empowerment Champions through Prosper Canada, to develop local solutions to improve financial literacy in their communities.

Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services, and Daiene Vernile, MPP for Kitchener Centre, announce funding at The Working Centre.
Photo Credit: Prosper Canada

Congratulations to our members – Sudbury Community Service Centre partnering with Credit Counselling Service of Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay Counselling Centre, who have been selected as Ontario Financial Empowerment Champions. They will receive funding to find local solutions in financial literacy and help those with low-income levels with tax filing, personal financial coaching and money management.

Credit Counselling Sudbury, a division of Sudbury Community Service Centre Inc. is a non-profit, registered charitable organization. They have been providing practical assistance and guidance to people with debt and money management problems in the Greater Sudbury area since 1972.

Credit Counselling Service of Sault Ste. Marie & District is a non-profit, registered charitable organization, and a member agency of the United Way. They have been providing practical assistance and guidance to people with debt and money management problems in Sault Ste. Marie & District since 1969.

Thunder Bay Counselling is the leading provider of personal and workplace support services. They are an independently operated, not-for-profit organization. Counselling, education and support services are provided by professional counsellors to help people make positive changes in their personal, family or work lives. This year, Thunder Bay Counselling will celebrate their 50th anniversary!

Ontario Supporting Free Tax Clinics and Financial Coaching

Ontario is helping people who are living on low incomes access resources to improve their financial security.

Read More: news.ontario.ca/mcss/en/2017/03/ontario-supporting-free-tax-clinics-and-financial-coaching.html

To discover more credit counselling agencies across Ontario, visit our Ontario member listing.

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