Clients who are experiencing debt problems are served by VLSP's Debt Management Advice Clinic. This clinic is divided into two sessions and is held every other month between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The first clinic is the group teaching session. Approximately two weeks after the teaching session, the individual counseling session takes place at VLSP's offices

•Free four-part classes to increase financial literacy and money management.

•Please call for the latest schedule.

The Parkway Center offers a service called the Bill Payer Program. Through this program we match seniors in need of help managing their monthly finances with a screened, certified, and trained volunteer. Volunteers meet with their clients once per month to ensure that their finances are in order. If this is a program you, or someone you love, could benefit from please call one of the numbers below.

For Oneida County please contact Oneida County Office for the Aging at (315)798-5456

For Herkimer County please contact Herkimer County Office off the Aging at (315)867-1121

This program provides benefit payment management and will assist you in paying your bills with your Social Security, Veterans Benefits, or wages.

The Representative Payee Program office hours are: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm

Programs include Housing Unit, Housing & Financial Stability, and Foreclosure Prevention Project.

CELJ's housing unit assists in a variety of housing matters, including representing tenants in eviction proceedings, homeowners in property tax foreclosure and seniors with landlord/tenant disputes. Additionally, we provide representation for seniors who have housing code violations.

The Housing & Financial Stability Program provides assistance to seniors to help them live affordably in the community. The program includes direct legal services, community education and financial literacy counseling. The program provides representation to seniors who are facing property tax foreclosures, as well as budgeting and financial counseling.

CELJ’s Foreclosure Prevention Project (FPP) helps homeowners who are in danger of losing their home due to mortgage and tax foreclosure. Attorneys and paralegals in this unit can assist clients with understanding their options, responding to legal documents and providing representation in court. We provide services to homeowners who reside in the home that is at risk of foreclosure in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, and Genesee County. There are no age or income restrictions, and our services are free. FPP is a partnership with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo and the Western New York Law Center, and is funded by the Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program.

Provides budget counseling and asset management.

Farming with family

It is critical that farm families maintain both positive business and family skills in order to be successful. NY FarmNet consultants provide free, confidential assistance in strengthening the communication skills required for farm families to make the most of their dynamic structure that is filled with daily opportunities and challenges.

•Setting goals

•Conflict management

•Management principles

•Conducting family meetings

•Financial management

•Business decision making

•Time management

•Farm succession planning

This area of human services encompasses Temporary Assistance, Emergency Assistance, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Child Support Enforcement and Day Care subsidies for working parents.

Equifax is a credit reporting agency, providing reports that help businesses decide whether to approve loans, credit cards, jobs, housing, etc. Equifax offers credit monitoring, ID theft protection, and credit report services for individuals and families. All consumers are eligible for one annual free credit report at www. annualcreditreport.com

Provides grants to income-eligible single-family owner occupants in Greece, NY for home repairs and improvements

through a subsidy that could pay up to 100% of the project cost, not exceeding a maximum grant amount of $6,000. Participation in the GRIP program is limited to a one time grant. 

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE:

• The home to be improved must be within the Town of Greece;

• Current assessed value of home may not exceed $130,000;

• Homeowner’s mortgage, taxes, and homeowners insurance must be current;

• Only single-family dwellings qualify;

• Homeowner has owned and resided in the home for one complete year.

• Gross income for all persons in the household, related and non-related for the current year, must

meet current income guidelines