cwa (common wealth athens)

is a program the Ark offers to provide family financial planning and affordable lending options to low-income families in the Clarke, Oconee, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties. Our mission consists of:

 

Empowering Through Financial Literacy

​We specialize in one-on-one budget and credit counseling sessions as well as 1-hour classes focused on achieving your financial goals, building and establishing credit, credit cleanup, best car buying practices, and even tips on home-buying! ​We take a client-centered, goals-focused approach to financial planning. We will never tell you what to do with your money or shame you for your financial choices. Instead, we will come alongside you to support and empower you while you work to achieve your own personal financial goals. Click here for more information about our financial education resources.

 

Expanding Access to Banking

Through our partnership with First American Bank and Trust, we connect clients with traditional financial services, including second chance checking and savings accounts, credit score enhancing products, and low-cost micro loans for those who qualify.

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Providing Opportunity and Credibility Loans

A CWC Opportunity Loan of up to $1,500 with a six-month term and 3.5% interest is available through a donor-provided loan fund. Proceeds from this loan can be used for refinancing neighbors out of high-interest predatory debt or establishing credit where the issue is lack of open accounts on the credit report leading to a low or "no score". The successful repayment of this loan often also materially increases a client's credit score. CWA loans report to of all three major credit bureaus. Click here for more information about our lending program.

 

 

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