Volunteer Spotlight: Robin Sevigney

Meet Robin!

Job Title:   Group Facilitator

Hometown:  Brooklyn, CT

Years Volunteering for Origin:  3

Favorite Hobby: Master Gardener

Fun Fact: I prefer a ponytail, jeans, a t-shirt and flip flops.

1)                  Please explain your role as a volunteer at this agency.

I am honored to Co-Facilitate the Women’s Empowerment Group with Hailey Lapa.

2)                  What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Family Violence Intervention Program or about volunteering in general?

 I enjoy the process of watching the group participants take the knowledge we provide them and transform their lives. Moving from victim to empowered woman.

3)                  What has surprised you the most during your time as a volunteer?

 It surprises me that the women who put on the toughest front are the ones who transform the most!

4)                  What is an experience that has really shaped who you are?

The experience of building a relationship with God, daily gratitude and humbling grace

5)                  What is one thing that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of living with integrity and steadfastness to character despite the challenges that come my way.

Meet the Staff: Armando Fraile

Meet the Staff: Armando Fraile

Title:  Family Violence Intervention Program Director

Hometown:  Valle de la Pascua, Venezuela

Years Working for Origin:  10 months

Favorite Hobby: Tennis and being outdoors.

1)                  What drew you to Origin SC originally? And how has the organization changed since?

What drew me to Origin SC originally was the opportunity to be an intern when I was finishing my MSW. I also did some research and learned that Origin SC celebrated their 125th-year anniversary more recently. This was impressive to me and made me want to be part of the team.

2)                  What has surprised you the most about working at Origin SC?

I am surprised with how everyone is willing to help each other even though we are in different departments. There is a real team mentality here.

3)                  What is an experience that has really shaped who you are?

Being in the Army has really shaped who I am. It taught me morals and values that I live by everyday of my life.

4)                  How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

Origin SC has helped me in so many ways. The agency has been there for me for every step of the way. The organization has helped me develop professionally from an intern to a full time staff member. Coming out of college, I did not know what population I wanted to work with. I am now so thankful that Origin has given me an opportunity because working with victims of domestic violence has been so rewarding to me. Not only have I been able to help victims, but I have also learned from them. These experiences have made me a better social worker.

5)                  What is one thing that you are most proud of?

I am extremely proud to work for an organization that helps victims of domestic violence heal and learn from their personal experiences. I am also proud to work in an environment that is team oriented. This is where I feel the most comfortable and I am excited for the future here at Origin SC.

April 2019 Newsletter

April 2019 Monthly Newsletter Check out what's new and exciting at Origin SC this month!

Success has been reached... By doing things the ORIGIN WAY... Every month the amazing staff at Origin SC is helping individuals and families become first time homebuyers. We're proud to be a part of the momentous accomplishment in our clients' lives.

This could be YOU! Contact Origin SC today to start making your dreams of  homeownership a reality.  For Financial Coaching and workshops, please visit our website www.originsc.org or contact Laura Jeffers at 843-735-7866 or email ljeffers@originsc.org

Attend a FREE Origin SC Workshop

North Charleston (Main Location) 4925 Lacross Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 Credit Improvement: May 7, 2019 Intro to Homeownership: May 4 & 16, 2019 Making Ends Meet: May 9, 2019  First Time Homebuyer: June 15, 2019 Dorchester Prosperity Center 222 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485 Intro to Homeownership: May 23, 2019

For additional dates and locations, please visit our website :www.originsc.org/classes

April is Financial Literacy Month!

Did you know that of all countries in the world, America ranks 8th in financial-related stress? Perhaps it can be due to lack of education. In a recent study, two-thirds of American adults could not pass a basic financial literacy test. Do you think you could pass? Let's see... 1. True or False: A 15-year mortgage typically requires higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage but the total interest over the life of the loan will be less. 2. Suppose over the next 10 years the prices of things you buy double. If your income also doubles, will you be able to buy less than you can buy today, the same as you can buy today, or more than you can buy today? 3. Suppose you need to borrow $100. Which is the lower amount to pay back: $105 or $100 plus 3 percent? 4. Suppose you put money in the bank for two years and the bank agrees to add 15% per year to your account. Will the bank add more money to your account the second year than it did the first year, or will it add the same amount of money both years? 5. If interest rates rise, what will typically happen to bond prices? Rise, fall, stay the same, or is there no relationship? How many questions did you answer correctly? If you missed some, perhaps you would benefit from some financial coaching. This is a service that Origin SC offers. Take the first step to financial stability and get suggestions from our licensed and trained advisors on how to manage your credit and finances. We provide education in developing and balancing your budget, and managing your money to make the most of every paycheck. You will work to develop a simple budget that accommodates your unique financial situation and lifestyle. Get started today and schedule and appointment with one of our experienced, and professional advisors. Call Origin SC at 843-735-7802 today! Answers: 1. True 2. The Same 3. $100 plus 3 percent 4. More 5. Fall

5 Tips and Tricks to Get Spring Cleaning DONE.

It's that time of the year again! The dreaded spring cleaning! This season, let's make it something positive. Think of it as a weight lifted off your shoulders when you're done. You'll feel lighter, accomplished, and will love spending time in your organized and clean home. Not sure where to even start? Check out these helpful spring cleaning tips: Make a schedule - Scope out your home and determine which areas need the most work. Then make a game plan to tackle each of those areas. You'll be able to check rooms and tasks off your to-do list along the way and you will feel more and more accomplished as you go. . Work from Top to Bottom - It's important to start your cleaning from the ceiling and work your way down. This will keep debris moving downward, ultimately preventing you from having to backtrack your work. . Don't Forget About Your Air - More often than not, replacing air filters often gets forgotten about during spring cleaning. Doing so will keep you healthier all throughout spring. Plus, we know how bad allergies can be down here in Lowcountry! Replacing air filters will help with that. . The Infamous Junk Drawer - As you're cleaning, don't just throw miscellaneous items into the junk drawer. Instead, clean out the junk drawer itself! Items accumulate in there so easily and often they are never touched. Go through everything in the drawer and if it hasn't been touched in a year-- toss it! . Using Spring Cleaning as a Way to Switch the Mood - This is a perfect time to make a few minor changes that can really spruce up a place. If a room feels like or drab, add a colorful throw pillow or new lighter curtains. Add some greenery to the room. Real or fake plants work! Whatever you think will make your home feel fresh for spring.

Have Origin SC Come To YOU

Are you involved a company, church or other organization that you feel would benefit from listening to an hour-long presentation about improving their lives? What if this presentation included free lunch? Sounds like a win/win to me!

Origin SC will come to your location and present a session that we call a "Lunch n Learn."We will provide all necessary materials, as well as lunch! We will give you an overview of all of the amazing services that provide, including: Credit Improvement Budgeting Homeownership Coaching Additional Free Workshops And More! Following the session the attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions or reach out to us on their own time for further information. Someone from our outreach team will reach out as well to follow-up with attendees and see if anyone is interested utilizing any of our services. To book your FREE Lunch n Learn session or to learn more, please contact our Workshop Facilitator, Tavia Watson. She can be reached by phone at 843-735-5888 or by email at twatson@originsc.org.

Live Like Every Day is Earth Day

Earth day is observed every year on April 22nd. It was originally conceived by environmental activist John McConnell back in 1969. This is considered the birth of the "Going Green" movement. Now that Earth Day has passed, there's still no reason why you can't consciously try to live a little greener every day. Here's some Earth Day tips that you can use everyday: Be conscious about how much paper products you're using. They account for about 1/3 of the waste found in landfills. Whenever you can, use sponges, washcloths, and towels. They are cheaper and reusable. For a cheap, non-toxic household cleaner instead of an expensive store-bought one, use baking soda or vinegar. To clean surfaces, baking soda can be sprinkled and then wiped up with a wet cloth. Vinegar can be substituted for a disinfectant. Adding some lemon juice to it can help reduce the vinegar smell. To save energy and keep temperatures in your home down, opt to use a ceiling fan whenever you can instead of the air conditioning. Also, close your windows, shades, and blinds to keep cool air inside. Another simple way to save energy is to unplug small appliances such as TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, and video game systems when you're not using them. When they're turned off and still plugged in, they are continuing to use energy. Make it a point to buy products that are made from recycled materials. Companies that produce eco-friendly products include Alchemy Goods, Ecoist, and TerraCycle. It's great when you know your money is going to companies that believe in and support the development of a green economy.

Keep in Touch with Origin SC!

Origin SC | www.originsc.org | 843-735-7802 | info@originsc.org Resources: http://fortune.com/2016/07/12/financial-literacy/ https://qz.com/554676/two-thirds-of-the-world-cant-pass-this-basic-financial-literacy-test-can-you/ http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/submit_quiz.php https://www.sylvane.com/blog/spring-cleaning-tips-and-checklist/ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips/?slide=13 https://greenglobaltravel.com/going-green-earth-day-tips/

March 2019 Newsletter

March 2019 Monthly Newsletter Check out what's new and exciting at Origin SC this month!

~ This Spring, HOP into a new home with Origin SC ~

Success has been reached... By doing things the ORIGIN WAY... Every month the amazing staff at Origin SC is helping individuals and families become first time homebuyers. We're proud to be a part of the momentous accomplishment in our clients' lives.

This could be YOU! Contact Origin SC today to start making your dreams of  homeownership a reality.  For Realty services, contact Debbie Kidd at 843-276-8744 or email dkidd@originsc.org For Lending services, contact Stephanie Reed at 843-735-7810 or email sreed@originsc.org For Financial Coaching and workshops, please visit our website www.originsc.org or contact Laura Jeffers at 843-735-7866 or email ljeffers@originsc.org

Attend a FREE Origin SC Workshop

North Charleston (Main Location) 4925 Lacross Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 Credit Improvement: April 2 Intro to Homeownership: April 6 and 18 Making Ends Meet: April 11  First Time Homebuyer: April 27 Dorchester Prosperity Center 222 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485 Intro to Homeownership: April 25

For additional dates and locations, please visit our website :www.originsc.org/classes

Staycation: Half the Cost, All the Fun

Are you dreaming about an exotic spring break party in a land far away, but don’t have the dough to fund it? Fear not — luxury travel isn’t as far out of reach as you may think! But if you still can’t swing it because of work or otherwise, you can have an amazing "staycation" on short money. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the stress of airports, packing, or what to do with your pets while you’re away! Charlie Finance Company wrote an article containing 8 tips to make staying local super fun (and super cheap!). Check out the article HERE.

Credit Education Month

Did you know that March is Credit Education Month? Talking about credit can be daunting, but there are many free resources available, especially during the month of March. Check out this video to learn more about what exactly makes up your credit score.

Also, Origin SC offers one-on-one credit coaching for a very affordable price. Knowing what is on your credit report is important. Your score is critical to everything from buying a car to getting job-- don't be left in the dark! Our coaches will teach you the positive steps you can take to improve your credit, strategies to control your day-to-day finances, how to manage and understand your credit report, and more! These one-on-one coaching sessions start at just $56. Plus, there's no monthly membership fee-- you can't beat it! Get started today by calling 843-735-7805 or visit https://originsc.org/financial-coaching/ to learn more.

Do You Know the Basics of Budgeting?

Do you think you know the basics of budgeting? Test your knowledge here! Let's see how budget-savvy you are...

Question 1: What is budgeting? A. The ability to pay your bills on time while having money left over at the end of the month. B. A plan made in advance regarding the expenditure based on available income. Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a "fixed expense"? A. Mortgage and rent payments B. Gas for your car Question 3: What is discretionary income? A. Commissions or bonuses paid by your employer, or tips received for services provided. B. The income that remains after taxes and fixed expenses (such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance) are paid. Question 4: The best way to start the budgeting process is to: A. Curbing your spending on incidental items such as dining out or entertainment. B. Start tracking all of the money you spend for a period of time, usually a month, so that you have an understanding of where your money goes. Question 5: What is the most likely reason for a budget to fail? A. Failing to establish an emergency fund to account for unforeseen expenses. B. Not making enough money. So, how'd you do? If you did not know the answers to some of these questions, consider learning how to budget better. Origin SC offers a FREE budgeting workshop called "Making Ends Meet." It will teach you basic budgeting techniques from our licensed financial coaches. Participants should bring a printed copy of their recent bank statement. An activity will be completed where you are shown what all of your spending habits really mean. You will be amazed! Also, if you prefer a one-on-one experience, consider scheduling an appointment to meet with one of our financial coaches. They will sit down with you, evaluate your spending habits, and establish a budget personalized for you. Get started today! Register for Making Ends Meet HERE. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 843-735-7802. Or email us at info@originsc.org Answers: Q1: B, Q2: A, Q3: B, Q4: B, Q5: A

Top 5 Credit Card Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.... Credit Cards have a wide array of benefits. These include convenience, the opportunity to build credit, reward accumulation, having money on hand in case of emergencies, and more. However, credit cards can quickly become dangerous. It's very easy get comfortable swiping that card without thinking the money that you're spending and the bills that you're racking up. If you're one of the people that often make mistakes when it comes to using credit cards, it's never too late to change your behavior and get on top of your spending. Check out the top 5 credit card mistakes that lead to debt, and how to avoid them (courtesy of MakingSenseofCents.com). 1. Ignoring the Terms - Before you sign up for a credit card you need to make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions that you're signing up for. You must understand the interest rates, minimum payments, rewards, and more. 2. Buying Items When You Actually Can't Afford Them - It can feel like it sometimes, but credit cards are not free money. Before purchasing an item with a credit card, be sure to consider if you will have ample time to make the money to pay it back before your next credit card bill is due. Also, ask yourself if this item is something that is definitely necessary to buy, or is it something you can wait to buy when you have the cash. 3. Forgetting to Pay Your Credit Card Bill - This is so important! Even if you have the money to pay off the credit card bill, that's only good if you actually remember to pay it. Paying your credit card bill late can lead to late fees, added interest, and negative affects on your credit score. 4. Paying Only the Minimum Payment Each Month - You should always try to pay more than the minimum amount due (you should always pay the full amount if you can). If you do not, you will have to pay interest charges, which may inflate your credit card debt significantly each month. 5. Spending Money You Normally Wouldn't Spend in Order to Rack Up Credit Card Reward Points - If you end up spending more than you can actually afford so that you can ear "free" vacations, gifts, and more, nothing is actually free. Remember, those rewards are only rewards if you are using your cards responsibly. To learn more about these mistakes and the consequences that go along with them, check out the full article HERE. If you have already found yourself drowning in credit card debt, Origin SC can help. We offer a Debt Management Program. It is an integrated counseling service that assists consumers who are overwhelmed with credit card debt. We develop consolidated payment programs that include lower interest rates and monthly payments which are made directly to our office and distributed appropriately to the creditors on behalf of the client. For a FREEconsultation, please complete our secure online budgeting application HERE. You can also schedule an appointment with a licensed credit counselor by calling 843-735-7802.

Keep in Touch with Origin SC!

Origin SC | www.originsc.org | 843-735-7802 | info@originsc.org Resources: https://www.hicharlie.com/blog/staycation-fun/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/what-makes-up-credit-score/ http://advice.bankoftennessee.com/money-management/budgeting/quiz/budgeting-basics https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2019/03/credit-card-mistakes.html