We are honored to have been featured recently on Live 5 News. Thank you for taking the time to spotlight our organization and programs that serve so many of our communities.

The news video and article highlight the partnership between Origin and the Town of Summerville and how the two have been working together to provide those living in the Town of Summerville with financial assistance.

 "The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many and now a local nonprofit and the Town of Summerville are partnering together to help their residents who may be at risk of losing their home.

The town of Summerville received funds through the CARES Act and contacted the nonprofit Origin SC to best distribute the funds.

Anyone living in the town who needs help paying their mortgage, rent, or utilities due to COVID-19′s impact can get assistance.

Since last year, the town and Origin SC have helped 66 people by distributing more than $300,000." 

 Watch the video or read the article here.

If you or someone you know need help paying your mortgage, rent, or utilities due to COVID-19′s impact and live in the town of Summerville, please let us help. We want to reassure you that we have HUD certified and licensed credit counselors here to help you find solutions to your current situation. To be eligible you must live in the town of Summerville.

To learn more about your available options, eligibility requirements, and the next steps to take please click here and follow the steps on the webpage to get started. More information on our eviction prevention programs and foreclosure prevention programs can also be found at the link above.

www.originsc.org

Written by Lindsey Jenkins

Marketing & Outreach Manager at Origin SC

 To help celebrate Earth Day this year consider taking actions and steps that are good for Mother Earth and also good for your wallet.

1.    Enroll in electronic banking – This saves you trips to the bank which also helps reduce the greenhouse admissions that are put out daily by automobiles. Plus online banking is so much more convenient. You will not be sorry about making this easy change.

2.    Enroll in paperless statements – We all know paper is made from trees. So when you have paper statements being mailed to you monthly, this is causing trees to be cut down. Trees help fight climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Paperless statements are available for three years, so there’s no need to print and file them.

3.    Shop your local farmers market - Food at the farmers market is usually grown locally, meaning it doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you. Charleston and the surrounding areas have a ton local farms that supply produce to our local communities! Depending on the area you live in there is usually one farmers market per week and sometimes two. Shopping as much as you can from your local farmers market reduces the environmental impact of the food, which usually costs the same or less than you would pay at the grocery store. A list of farmers market in Charleston and the surrounding areas can be found at the link below.

https://charleston.momcollective.com/in-around-charleston/guide-to-farmers-markets-around-charleston/

4.    Avoid disposables – This is a more obvious one but you will definitely notice the amount of money you can save by drinking from a reusable water bottle and bringing your food in a reusable Tupperware rather than Ziploc bags.

5.    Be more vigilant about how you run your home - Setting your thermostat a few degrees warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter can reduce energy use significantly. Also, wash your clothes in cold water and only run the dishwasher when completely full.

6.    Make energy-efficient updates to your home - Installing a new furnace, replacing doors and windows or adding insulation may reduce the amount of energy your home uses and cut your energy costs. Using your home equity is a cost-efficient, affordable way to pay for these projects. 

        Origin offers financial education and coaching to help you become more green when it comes to your budget and finances and we can help you improve your credit. We offer the following services within our Financial Education & Coaching division.

·        Financial Coaching

·        Credit Improvement

·        Debt Management

·        Bankruptcy Counseling

·        Financial Education Workshops

·        Student Loan Counseling

To learn more about these services or the Financial Education & Coaching program at Origin, please click here. 

By Lindsey Jenkins - Marketing & Outreach Manager At Origin SC

Jh

O

fh

From Victim to Survivor to Thriver - One Client's Journey to a Brighter Future

Years and years of violence in the home has a lasting effect on the mind and body, not to mention other family members within the home. Origin recently served a client that left her violent home roughly four months ago. Her home was built from an abusive marriage that spanned more than twenty-five years. For multiple decades, she battled sociocultural expectations, which limited her ability to walk the path to a brighter future. Origin stepped in and helped. When our counselors in the Family Violence Intervention Program first met with her, she presented debilitating symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, and panic. Again, we ask ourselves how any individual can have a good quality of life while dealing with these debilitating factors and their basic needs (safety) being non-existent? Over time, our counselors worked with her to develop new coping skills using visualization exercises and grounding techniques to control her panic symptoms. Through psychoeducation skills, she learned about the cycle of violence, power and control, and the many ways that the impact of abuse manifests in our lives. That impact can be physical, emotional, psychological, social, or economic.  Our team remembers asking her at her first counseling appointment, "What words would you use to describe yourself"? Her response was silence. For the past twenty-five years, her violence within her home had completely disassociated her own sense of self and identity. While walking alongside our team just this past November, she was able to step outside of her abusive home and never look back. She secured her own apartment, gained new employment, and gained enough insight and confidence in a brighter future that she realized she had aspirations to be a social worker. We are so proud to report she was recently accepted into Trident Technical College's Human Services Program and will have her first day in the classroom this May! 

To learn more about Origin's Family Violence Intervention Program, click here

If you would like to make a donation to this program click here.

Meet the Staff

 

Name: Lasonya Brown  

Title: Intake Coordinator

Hometown: Hollywood

Years Working for Origin: 4 months

Favorite Hobby: Listening to audio books

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

I was once a client of Origin. I took a financial literacy class to help in the home buying process. I loved how the instructor broke everything down so someone like me who had “no clue” about credit scores could understand. After becoming a member of the team, I realized that Origin is so much more than buying a home. We are an organization that helps people in all aspects of their life.

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

The amount of mail that gets processed here. It’s like we are a mini Post Office.

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

Helping clients with low income and mental needs has given me so much more patience with people. It made me realize that little things I complain about isn’t even worth the complaint. There are so many people that needs organizations like ours to help.

How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

I have more knowledge of how Social Security works for our clients. I never knew it was different types of Social Security benefits.

What is one thing that you are most proud of?

I am proud of how far I have come in 4 months. I am going to be taking on a new position to help our clients even more.

 

Name: Chris Jones

Title: Fiduciary Accounting Coordinator but have accepted a position as the Systems Administrator for the organization that will begin in a few weeks.

Hometown: James Island, SC

Years Working for Origin: 4 months

 

Favorite Hobby:  Roller skating!

 

What drew you to Origin SC originally and how has the organization changed since?

I was drawn to the commitment that Origin has to be a practical resource for the community we serve. In my short time, I’ve watched how all departments (housing services, fiduciary services, rep. payee services), all work together, share resources, and support each other in the common goal.

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

That we’ve been around since the 1800’s!!

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

I acted in a fiduciary role for 3 years on behalf of a veteran a friend of mine. I learned about the obstacles, special needs, and personal challenges someone who loses a level of capacity can have to cope with, and the critical need for community support someone in that position depends on. He passed away in 2012.

How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

I’ve been encouraged by the team at Origin, who recognized specific skills and interests, to pursue projects that have been challenging, and rewarding.

What is one thing that you are most proud of?

I’m very proud of the way my team considers the service of our clients as the primary goal and function of our work. No matter what role we play, everyone considers how their work will impact the needs of clients.

 

New Year New Goals

"The new year is a great time to examine your goals – and to make sure you're getting the information you need to help achieve them. Whether you're looking to buy a new house or a new car, or even to find a new job or career path, it's always a good idea to take a look at your finances and make sure you have a plan in place to accomplish your goals. For many, the two biggest questions to resolve as you find your financial footing are knowing where to start and assessing where you are." 

This is from a recently published article called New Year, sustainable goals written by Madelyn Lazorchak, a Communications writer at NeighborWorks America.

The article includes interviews with Tavia Watson, housing manager, workshop facilitator, and HUD-approved credit counselor at Origin SC and Molly Barackman-Eder, director of financial capability for NeighborWorks America. Tavia and Molly both provide their own advice on what others can do to hit the ground running and make sure they reach their financial goals this year and Tavia even highlights what she does to stay motivated towards her own personal goals such as place "motivational notes around her home to remind herself that she can achieve her goals. And she recommends that her clients do the same."

 To finish reading this article click here.

From Homeless to Housed: Patricia's Story

One woman's story of hardship, perseverance, triumph, and hope.

Patricia had been homeless for over three years. She was legally disabled which only added to the difficult and harsh reality that came with living on the streets. Many nights she found herself sleeping behind buildings which more often than not led to her going to jail. Soon enough Patricia was dealing with addictions that only began as a way to cope with the pain and extremities that came with being homeless. She often wondered how her life had come to this and wondered if she would ever have a fresh chance to start again, to live joyously once more.

Recently, Patricia's prayers and dreams were heard and answered. A team of case workers were assigned to help Patricia start fresh. Case workers from Charleston Dorchester Department of Mental Health, Charleston County, One 80 Place, and Origin SC found out that they were all assigned to help house a disabled chronically homeless woman, and transition her into her very own apartment. It was determined that Origin SC's Lease on Life Program will help pay the rent and help her to live as comfortably as possible. 

A couple of weeks ago, Patricia signed the lease and got the keys to her apartment. Her caseworker at Origin recounted the very happy and joyful experience. She said, "Patricia made friends with two neighbors on the way to her apartment with one being a kind gentleman who carried her laundry basket full of goodies for her, and the other a woman who invited her for dinner. The property manager gave her the keys so when we all got to her door, Patricia opened the door herself. She was so excited she did a little dance." Her caseworker said, "I do not think I could find the words to accurately describe how happy Patricia seemed. She cried over the carpet and ceiling fan in the bedroom and kept asking if this was really hers. She enjoyed looking at her private bathroom and was so focused on learning how to use the electric thermostat (She even asked to make sure she could adjust it). We left together so she could walk to a food drive not far away and on the way out she couldn’t help but give out hugs and kisses." 

Now that Patricia has a roof over her head, she has made goals of going to mental health and seeking treatment for addictions that she used to cope with being homeless. She also is hopeful that she can reconnect with her daughter soon. 

To learn more about the Lease on Life Program or the Homeless Prevention Program at Origin SC and the ways in which they assist individuals to work towards self-sufficiency & financial stability, please click the link below. 

Origin's Housing Stability Program:  https://originsc.org/homeless-prevention/

Or if you would like to donate to this program please visit: https://originsc.networkforgood.com/projects/112209-housing-financial-stability-donations

All names have been changed to respect privacy.

Written by Lindsey Jenkins,

Marketing & Outreach Manager at Origin SC

Buying a Home in 2022? Consider Doing These Things Now

 What are experts saying about the 2022 housing market? according to an article published by Nerd Wallet we can expect very similar conditions for 2022. The prices of homes may rise a little, sellers will still have the upper hand, and finding an affordable home may be difficult. But don't give up hope just yet. There are specific things you can begin doing right now that you will definitely thank yourself for later when purchasing the home of your dreams.  

1. Improve your credit score - a good credit score can save buyers hundreds of dollars a month on their mortgage. Origin has a licensed credit counseling program that can help you working towards this now.  Click here to learn more.

2. Revamp your budget to save more - The 2021 housing market was hot. Prices were high, the amount of homes available were low, and many buyers lost out on multiple homes before having their offer accepted. We can expect very similar conditions and to get ahead of your competitors, you will need to save save save. Origin also offers financial coaching to help you take inventory of all of your finances and help you build a budget that will help you save. To learn more click here.

source: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/the-property-line-mortgage-trends-for-2022 

Written by:

Lindsey Jenkins

Marketing & Outreach Manager Origin SC

Meet the Origin Staff: Josette Lee Pearson & Hailey Lapa

 Meet Our Staff

The services we provide at Origin would not be possible without the wonderful people behind the scenes making everything happen. We feel truly grateful to work with such an amazing team and wanted to introduce staff members,

Josette Lee Pearson & Hailey Lapa.

                 Josette Lee Pearson

Title: Homeless Prevention Intake Case Manager

Housing Stability Program

 

Hometown: Merced, California

 

Years Working for Origin: Just celebrated 1 year on September 14, 2021

 

Favorite Hobby: DIY Furniture Makeovers, Interior Decorating, Crafting, Jewelry Making, Painting, Hand-writing letters and cards, invitations.

 

What drew you to Origin SC originally? Core Values and Mission represented by the organization and the invaluable services that it provides to the community is what initially drew me to Origin.

 

And how has the organization changed since? I joined the staff 6 months into the Pandemic. The organization has adapted well to having the office closed to in-person visits and being successful in allowing staff to work from home and has created new and innovative ways to provide seamless quality services to our clients.

 

What has surprised you the most about working at Origin SC? How nice and helpful everyone is and their willingness to help you succeed.

 

How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

Introduced me to another area of community service – Homeless Prevention

 

What is one thing that you are most proud of? My family and especially my two children and how well they are doing, despite the pandemic and the daily challenges that they still face at middle school and at college. It has been a real challenge for them to bounce back from social isolation and anxiety, and fear caused by the pandemic, but they are doing better. I hope that everyone is.

Hailey Lapa

Title:

Licensed Social Worker/ Case Manager & Court Advocate

Family Violence Intervention Program

 

Hometown: Warren, NJ.

 

Years Working for Origin: 

I have been a full time employee at Origin SC for over 2 years.

 

Favorite Hobby: Going to the beach!

 

What drew you to Origin SC originally?

I was drawn to Origin SC when I was in the process of getting my Masters degree. I applied to be an intern, and was hired to work in the Family Violence Intervention Program. 

 

And how has the organization changed since?

This organization has grown tremendously over the last 2 years.  We are now reaching more clients than ever across the state of South Carolina. 

 

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

I was surprised the most by how welcoming the staff at Origin SC are. I always feel included, and my hard work is consistently recognized. 

 

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

I am constantly growing and evolving as a social worker each day I work with victims of violence. Their testimonies, their strength and courage, their positive attitudes, their resilience shapes me every day to be the best service provider possible.

 

How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

Origin SC has greatly contributed to my growth and success as a social worker. As an employee at Origin SC, I feel like the sky is the limit for me. I am reminded daily that my coworkers and supervisors will support me in every endeavor I embark on. 

 

What is one thing that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of all the victims of intimate partner violence in South Carolina and across the nation who have transformed into survivors.

Debt Free In Five Years Or Less: How Did They Do It?

 Debt Management Program Client Success Stories

Have you imagined how different your life could be without the burden of debt affecting your mental, emotional, & physical well being? Origin’s Debt Management Program may be the answer you have been looking for. To find out more information on the program, click here. 

Below are real testimonials from clients that recently graduated Origin’s Debt Management Program. They speak about their experience in the program and how their life has changed because of it. All names have been changed to respect their privacy.

Ben's Story

Ben told us that he first contacted Origin because he was in so much debt he was considering filing for Bankruptcy as a solution to fix his financial situation. “I needed to do something about my debt problem. I myself was up against a wall and on the verge of bankruptcy until I decided to do a little more research into debt repayment programs that don't damage your credit like bankruptcy does.” Working with Origin, Ben learned that “there is an alternative to bankruptcy that can save a lot of money and embarrassment.”

“I've learned a lot about managing debt and how it is possible to go debt free. It isn't always easy, but if you stay determined and stick to a plan you know will work, it will reward you beyond imagination.”

 He says managing his financial situation and debt has changed his life for the better. "I've gained a lot of hope in knowing that I can crawl out from under the mountain of debt that I amassed over several years. This has opened up opportunities I would have not otherwise had and given me a new lease on life and a new sense of freedom, not only financially, but with my career.”

His direct advice to anyone looking for help with managing their debt is, “I would highly recommend that they consider a debt management program and talk to a debt counselor who can showcase the various options for repayment. Origin SC provides an excellent service at a fair price.  Working with my counselor was great. She was very responsive and answered all of my questions quickly and effectively. I would highly recommend her as a counselor to others.”

Sally's Story

 “I was having financial hardship and needed to revamp my household budgeting.” This is the reason that Sally first reached out to Origin for help.

 She says that while she was in the program something valuable that she learned was how to “monitor my household budgeting verses all income.” Once Sally began doing this she said that she started to “notice positive changes immediately.”

“The counselors were very informative, courteous and friendly. My life has changed for the better due to being able handle unexpected expenses.” She says the program has helped her to “save a good amount of money on expenses and set a small savings fund for small emergencies.” 

Her advice for anyone struggling with debt is to seek professional guidance and not just to handle it on your own.

www.originsc.org

Written by Lindsey Jenkins

Achieving the Homeownership Dream Is Possible: Recent Homebuyer Client Success Story

Congratulations to recent homeowner Stephanie Wright! Stephanie stayed committed & worked hard, graduated from the Credit Counseling and Homeownership Program at Origin SC, and successfully purchased her home. Read her story below.

Stephanie says she originally contacted Origin SC to gain control of her finances and put herself on a budget only one year prior to actually purchasing her home. She feels that the most valuable thing she learned was how to budget effectively because it allowed her to accomplish paying off her credit cards while working through the program. Stephanie also received a $1,000 grant from Origin SC to use as a down payment & closing cost assistance towards purchasing her home. She encourages anyone thinking about beginning the Credit Counseling Program and or Homeownership Program at Origin, to participate to gain a better understanding of where "you are headed financially."

“The session that I had with Tavia Watson, (Licensed Credit Counselor & Homeownership Coach at Origin SC) dealing with the credit was amazing.  She pulled my credit report, ran all three credit bureaus, and we came up with an action plan.  I worked that plan for approximately 1 year.  Even though I had owned a home before, I went through the First Time Homeowners Class.  You can always learn something new.  They go over everything from choosing a realtor, knowing the difference between your interest rate and your Annual Percentage Rate (APR).  It was definitely an eye opener!  I would suggest anyone interested in purchasing a home take the class.” - Stephanie Wright

To learn more about the Homeownership Program visit https://originsc.org/homeownership/.

To learn more about the Credit Counseling & Financial Education Program visit https://originsc.org/financial-coaching/.

To learn more about our Lending Program visit https://originsc.org/lending/.

Stephanie Wright in front of her new home

Written by: Lindsey Jenkins, 

Marketing & Outreach Manager at Origin SC

Emergency Savings - Disaster Related Expenses

The more financially prepared we are means the more resilient we are when it comes to unexpected disaster-related expenses. Because let’s be honest, what disaster is ever expected? Having an emergency savings fund means you actually have to save for emergencies and disaster-related expenses. This is an extremely important topic that many of us forget about until we are put into an emergency situation. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1^stand extends all the way to  November 30^th.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season) “For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. “   Now is the time for communities along the coast to be preparing and we want to help prepare you for this hurricane season. Creating a budget for disaster-related expenses that includes your income and fixed expenses is a good way to prepare. FEMA suggests taking it a step further and, “estimate costs of insurance deductibles, possible mandatory evacuations and essentials like food, clothing, shelter, gas and emergency medical assistance.” Now you have a good idea how much money you will need and you can create a savings plan to get you there. 

 

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Centeris predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020 (noaa.gov). Although this season is predicted to be lower than previous years it still should become a priority when budgeting your finances. Below is a chart to get you started:

Some general tips include: 

·       Create a disaster budget that includes the estimated cost of expenses such as those mentioned above. This gives you a good idea of how much you will need to save each month to be prepared by the time Hurricane season enters the peak period (see below). This also motivates you to save and reach a goal which is a good habit to form. TIP: Though Hurricane season begins in June,  historically speaking 96 percent of category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes take place in the “peak period” of August through mid-October in the Carolinas.

·       Open a savings account for emergencies and start adding little by little, it will add up over time. Determine how long it will take you to reach your disaster budget goal if you consistently save x amount each month. Never save more than your fixed expenses/ household budget will allow.  Not sure how much you can afford, our licensed financial education counselors can help with this. (https://originsc.org/financial-education-coaching/)

·     Withdrawal cash for necessities (the storm may put electronic systems down)

·     Put important documents in a safe place (waterproof bags)

Written by Allie Ryan & Lindsey Jenkins

Sources:

1.    https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/fact-sheet-now-time-prepare-your-finances-hurricane-season

2.    https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season