Kiwanis Club Hears from Judy Corbus - March 8, 2011

The Chipley Kiwanis Club met for its weekly luncheon at Pattillo’s Restaurant at the Washington – Holmes County Technical Center.  Lunch was provided by the staff of the Washington-Homes County Technical Center.  The guest speaker was Ms. Judy Corbus from the Florida Extension Center.

Better know as the Extension Center, the Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) brings education and research to every county in Florida.  The extension center is “run” by the University of Florida.  Ms. Corbus covers both Washington and Holmes Counties.

Ms. Corbus briefed the Kiwanis Club on a new program that the extension center delivers called the Master Money Program.  The program seeks to train mentors who will, in turn, assist low and moderate income families in rural and low income areas with budgeting and financial assistance. The Florida Master Money Mentor Program coordinates trained volunteers who mentor and provide financial coaching to those who need and request it.

Mentors in the program receive about 20 hours of financial training in basic money management, strategies for dealing with financial problems, credit and debt management, savings, mentoring techniques, and connecting to community resources.  Each volunteer mentor agrees to provide financial mentoring services to 24 individuals within a year of completing the program.  Ms. Corbus explained that individuals needing financial counseling are referred by local social services agencies, financial institutions, or seek assistance of their on accord.

Individuals who might be considered at great need of this service include rural families, single mothers, and young military families.  The mentors provide individualized advice in a safe, non-public, one-on-one setting.  The service is especially useful for families and individuals having difficulty managing their spending habits and debt.  Mentors help families organize, prioritize, and pay bills.

Ms. Corbus informed the club that in Florida, 37% of the families are considered to have moderate incomes and 12% are at or below the poverty level.  In Washington County, 23% of the population is below the poverty level.  This financial mentoring program is a much needed service in Washington (and Holmes) County.

The Florida Master Money Mentor Program is looking for volunteers willing to participate and help in this endeavor.  Volunteers should have good communication and interpersonal skills, be respectful and non-judgmental, and attend the complete training.  The next training (20 hours) is scheduled for four different days, April 5 and 6 in Bonifay, and April 19 and 20 in DeFuniak Springs.  Training will be from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day.  If interested, please contact Ms. Judy Corbus at 638-6250 (Chipley) or 547-1108 (Bonifay).  Mentors will receive certification, help their communities, receive up-to-the-date training, and hone their management and coaching skills.