SAN ANTONIO – Free is a word that usually has a lot of strings attached, but not this time: the city is now offering free financial help to anyone who needs to take control of a budget.
We all have a dream, whether it’s buying a house, putting a kid through college or paying off a car loan. But oftentimes those dreams are put on hold to pay for groceries, the utility bill and all of life’s little details.
That’s where financial counselor David Sherman says he comes in.
"Break down the barriers,” he says. “Bring about that financial awareness peace that may be missing and empower them to be able to do the great things they want to do."
He says anyone can make an appointment to visit the Financial Empowerment Centers during the day or evening.
"Establish some type of rapport,” Sherman says is the first step. “What are their goals and concerns for coming in?”
Once the client has set some goals, counselors will use a computer program to map out a longer-term budget.
"We can track them from the initial session to the follow-ups,” Sherman says.
The two new centers open Tuesday, March 12. They’re paid for with private grants – that’s how the services are free for clients – and are located at community centers on the east and west side.
"These are both very active, vital community centers in their own right but they also serve as one-stop centers for other kinds of services,” Richard Keith with the city of San Antonio says.
The west side location is at The Neighborhood Place located at 3014 Rivas Street. Call (210) 431–4425 for an appointment.
The east side location is at the Claude Black Center located at 2805 East Commerce Street. Call (210) 352–7087 for an appointment.
Both community centers also offer free tax help.
