Gadsden County, Fla., Kicks Off Consumer Savings Program

Gadsden County, Fla., Kicks Off Consumer Savings Program

August 16, 2002
Tallahassee Democrat
by Juana Jordan

Renee Travis, 42, wants two things out of life -- a home of her own with a yard big enough for her four grandchildren to play in and some savings on the side.

Vera Kelly, 43, echoes that sentiment.

Together, both Gadsden County women have declared this to be the year that they will achieve some level of wealth or savings, which historically has been out of grasp for minorities in this area west of Tallahassee. Gadsden County is recognized as one of Florida's poorest counties, with at least a quarter of its residents living below the poverty line.

But a new community-savings and wealth-building program promises to change that. Gadsden Saves, sponsored by the Washington D.C- based Consumer Federation of American and Legal Services of North Florida, will kick off Saturday in Quincy's town square.

The program will help residents in the area learn how to save and achieve home ownership as well as lowering debt and saving for college tuition and retirement.

"We just want to show people they can do it," said Lavelle Dorriety, area branch office manager of Consumer Credit Counseling Service -- one of about 15 partners to the program.

Other participants include Fringe Benefits, Capital City Bank, Gadsden County Extension Service, Envision Credit Union, Florida A&M University, Florida State University and Consumer Fraud Watch.

About a year ago, the CFA awarded Gadsden between $ 10,000 and $ 20,000 -- to be used over a two-year period -- to develop such a program. It's modeled after the America Saves program and one currently underway in Cleveland, Ohio, which has more than 100 participants.

They get access to one-on-one coaching, free financial planing workshops and savings clubs.

Some banks also agree to waive fees, offering consumers no-fee savings accounts.

To date, about 40 Gadsden County residents have signed up to participate in the program.

Gadsden Saves supporters feel that if they can get people to start saving, then the community will change. Its program is simple and doesn't require much. Gadsden Savers are encouraged to put away at least $ 10 a month.

So far, that seems to have worked for Kelly. The mother of five says she saved about $ 400.

"I had been praying for this," said Kelly of the program. "Now I have the chance to learn and listen and prepare. My kids will see what momma is doing and it will help them want to do more."

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