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Financial Flash Newsletter

OnTrack Celebrates Leaders in Financial Literacy

Recognizing the NCHFA, Henderson County JobLink, Buncombe County Television, Client of the Year - Gwen Jones, and Volunteer of the Year, Doug Roth

On Friday, May 14th, over 200 people gathered at the Crest Pavilion for OnTrack's 9th Annual Financial Literacy Luncheon. Executive Director Celeste Collins recapped the agency’s performance for 2009, highlighting the year’s successes, which included opening 864 foreclosure prevention cases and helping 98% stabilize their housing, filing free tax returns for low-income workers, resulting in over $760,000 in refunds, and receiving recognition for excellence as an agency by receiving expedited re-accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA).

The luncheon recognized an impressive group of individuals/organizations who are helping to promote Financial Literacy in our community and state.

View our 2010 Client of the Year video featuring award recipient Gwen Jones

 

Client of the Year Award - Gwen Jones

Gwen Jones - Client of the Year

(L-R) Celeste Collins, Gwen Jones, & Vicki Banks

Gwen Jones began working with OnTrack through the HomeBase program, which teaches participants about obtaining secure, safe, and affordable housing, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities, and managing money and credit.  While OnTrack provided the fundamental tools of financial management and smart renting, Gwen’s initiative and intense drive put them into action.  OnTrack recognized Gwen Jones as our Client of the Year for her enthusiasm for personal financial empowerment, her patient perseverance towards financial security and independence, and her dedication to doing it right financially for herself and her family.  

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Credit Where Credit is Due Award - North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency - Credit Where Credit is Due Award

(L-R) Celeste Collins ,Tom Luzon, Keir Morton, Michelle Hoag, Bill Oglesby, & Chris Berthiaume

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency partners with OnTrack to deliver the foreclosure prevention program, reverse mortgage counseling, and the Home Protection program in WNC.  OnTrack applauded NCHFA for their dedication to meeting the affordable housing needs of our community, their collaborative approach to statewide programming, and their responsiveness to consumers’ needs and rights. 

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Volunteer of the Year - Doug Roth

Doug Roth - Volunteer of the Year

The late Doug Roth was a volunteer and board member with OnTrack for nearly six years and passed away suddenly this winter.  As a board member, Doug constantly looked for ways to connect OnTrack to people and organizations that could help promote financial literacy.  He was thorough in asking pertinent questions to inform executive decision-making.  In gratitude for his contributions of time, talent and treasure, and commitment to OnTrack’s mission, he was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year award.

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Financial Literacy Public Awareness - Buncombe County Television

Buncombe County TV - Public Awareness Award

(L-R) Vicki Banks, Winstead Crawford, Celeste Collins, Max Taintor, Judy Rhew-Davidson, and Kathy Hughes - Buncombe County TV

Buncombe County TV partnered with the Buncombe County Aging Plan - Financial Well-being work group to produce the Senior Adult Financial Education Series.  This six-part television series focuses on: legal issues, frauds/scams, budgeting/debt, adult protective services, Medicare insurance, and emotions and money.  OnTrack recognized Buncombe County Television for helping to stabilize older adults’ financial lives by connecting them with informative resources through the power of broadcast. 

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Community Partner Award- Henderson County JobLink at Blue Ridge Community College

HendersonCountyJobLink-CommunityPartnerAward

(L-R) Helen Beck, Julie Thompson, Jerry Johnson, & Barbara Gregory

Henderson County JobLink Career Center at Blue Ridge Community College was recognized for is dedication to comprehensive education and for providing their clients the skills, tools, and resources necessary to successfully re-enter society.  JobLink’s career re-entry class assisted people who were learning skills to re-enter society, helping participants prepare for the challenges of finding work and sustaining a successful new life.

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Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

The Financial Literacy Luncheon Awards Event would not be possible without the support of Platinum Sponsors: Starks Financial Group and Parsec Financial. Gold Sponsors: Asheville Savings Bank; The Biltmore Company; Clear Channel Asheville; Crest Center – M7 Event Solutions; First Citizens Bank; HomeTrust Bank; Macon Bank; Mix 96.5 and 98.1 the River; and United Community Bank.  Silver Sponsors: Bank of America; Beverly-Hanks Mortgage Services; Mission Health System; and Wachovia; a Wells Fargo Bank. Bronze Sponsors: Altavista Wealth Management; Bank of Asheville; Dotson-Smith Law Office; Financial Planning Association of WNC; Gum, Hillier, McCroskey, PA, McGuire; Wood, & Bissette, PA; Money Management International; Progress Energy; Telco Community Credit Union; and Wells Fargo Bank.

United Way NFCC Council on Accreditation