Q: What is the South Bend Financial Empowerment Center?

The South Bend Financial Empowerment Center offers no-cost, one-on-one, professional financial counseling as a public service to all City of South Bend residents. Our counselors are trained to help you achieve your financial goals!

Question 1

What is the South Bend Financial Empowerment Center?

Accepted Answer

The South Bend Financial Empowerment Center operates through a partnership between the City of South Bend, Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, the Near Northwest Neighborhood, and key community organizations.

Address

1522 Linden Ave, South Bend, IN 46628

Email

info@southbendfec.org

Question 2

What can FEC financial counselors help clients with?

Accepted Answer

The FEC focuses on the areas of banking, credit, debt, and savings. Our counselors work with clients on:

• General money management
 • Take control of your debt and reduce delinquent accounts
 • Build and improve your credit
 • Build your savings
 • Create a budget and create a plan to stick to it
 • Learn effective financial habits
 • Find safe and affordable financial products
 • Other financial services based on your needs

Question 3

How are FEC counselors trained?

Accepted Answer

Our FEC Staff is trained and certified through the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund curriculum. All staff is required to complete training courses, pass certification exams,  and complete at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every year.

Question 4

Am I eligible to use the FEC?

Accepted Answer

The only eligibility requirements to be a client of the FEC is:

• Be a City of South Bend resident 
 • Be 18+

There are no income limits, documentation, or program restrictions.

All City of South Bend Employees over 18 are exempt from the residency requirement and are eligible to use the FEC.

Question 5

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Your initial session with a counselor will last about 60 - 90 minutes. Any session after that will last about 30 - 45 minutes.

Question 6

How much is a financial counseling session?

Accepted Answer

There are no costs or fees to be a client of the SBFEC! It is a free a public service to City of South Bend residents.

Question 7

What do I need to bring to my first session?

Accepted Answer

You are not required to bring any documentation for the first session. However, documents such as your ID, paystubs, account statements, bills and other relevant financial documents are always helpful.

Question 8

How many times can I meet with a counselor?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to meet with the FEC counselor as many times as you need  and for however long you need. Typically, clients meet with a counselor every 2 week to once a month. You and your counselor will be able to work out a timeline that works best to help you achieve your goals.

Questions? Email Us!