Warren Township is proud to host CCCS of McHenry and Lake County at Youth and Family Services on Fridays from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. CCCS can help with: Debt Management, Houseing Counseling, Mortgage default/pre-forclosure counseling, Budget Counseling, Reverse Mortgage, Bankruptcy pre-filling, post-discharge education.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of McHenry County, Inc. (CCCS) is a not-for-profit agency that helps people manage their money more effectively.

Life in today’s world is not like it was in the past. Today’s economy presents special challenges and many of us may find ourselves in unforeseen circumstances. CCCS’s certified counselors offer confidential, nonjudgmental assistance to help make your financial life easier. You don’t have to do it alone!

The mission of CCCS is to improve the quality of life in the community by promoting financial responsibility through counseling, education, and money management services.

CCCS has been helping people manage their money more effectively for more that 25 years. Started in 1982 with financial assistance from the Bersted Foundation and the McHenry County Mental Health Board, CCCS is a not-for-profit Illinois Corporation with 501 ( c )3 IRS Status. Donation to CCCS of McHenry County are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

CCCS serves all clients regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status, physical or mental disability, or ability to pay.

SCHDULING SERVICES AT THE TOWNSHIP

Counseling and education are available from CCCS in person or by telephone. The education course is also available online. For details, see the CCCS agency website at www.illinoiscccs.org.

To schedule an appointment, call:   815-338-5757 or 800-815-2227

Shauna Fischer, c.c.c.c. is the Counselor works at Youth and Family Services on Fridays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICES

CERTIFIED COUNSELORS

All counselors at CCCS are certified Consumer Credit Counselors.  They will help you plan a strategy to take control of your financial situation.

The counselor can help you:

            •  budget

            •  repay debt

            •  access other support services

            •  establish good credit

            •  prepare for your home ownership

            •  prevent mortgage foreclosure

Bankruptcy pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education are also available.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY CCCS

MANAGING DEBT

Lower interest rates and more favorable payments terms have been negotiated with many of the largest banks and credit card issuers, enabling clients to repay their debts more quickly while saving substantial interest.  In most cases clients are able to be debt-free in 3 – 5 years, while establishing a record of timely and consistent payments.

The modest set-up and/month sliding scale fees are based on clients’ ability to pay.

Re-establishing of a good credit history is the usual result of successfully completing our Debt Management Program.

COUNSELING FOR HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEOWNERS

Buying a House-or wish you could?

CCCS offers a HUD approved process to help you become a homeowner.  It includes: basic budget and debt counseling, establishing good credit, understanding mortgages and how they work, purchasing and closing on a home, and avoiding foreclosure and other problems in the future.

Obtaining Down Payments Assistance

CCCS works with other agencies and programs that help first-time and low income buyers achieve their dream of owning a home and supplies the certification required for these programs. 

Preventing Foreclosure

CCCS certified housing counselors are trained to help clients experiencing mortgage default or foreclosure and regularly advocate and negotiate with mortgage holders on behalf of homeowners.  Counseling is free.

Home Equity Conversion Counseling

(Reverse Mortgages)

Seniors age 62 and older who would like to remain in their homes, may want to consider a home equity conversion loan or so-called “reverse mortgage”.  CCCS counselors are exam-approved to offer the required counseling to homeowners and issue the certificates to obtain these mortgages.

Pre-Rental Counseling

Agency counselors can help clients who are currently homeless or need assistance preparing for renting a house or apartment.

BANKRUPTCY

Pre-Filing Counseling & Pre-Discharge Education

CCCS of McHenry County has been approved by the US Trustee to provide both pre-filling bankruptcy counseling and pre-discharge education.

Within 6 months prior to filing for bankruptcy, clients must receive counseling designed to provide alternatives to bankruptcy, as well as options to repay debt without filing.

Clients who have filed for bankruptcy are required to participate in a 2-hour budgeting class, prior to discharge, administered by an approved agency, such as CCCS.

Each client participating in the counseling and/or education will receive a certificate indicating that they have received the required services.

Couples filing jointly must each receive the counseling and/or education and will receive separate certificates, whether they receive the counseling or education separately or together.

SELF-TEST 

·        Has your income recently been reduced?

·        Are you saving to buy a home?

·        Do you need to establish good credit?

·        Are you “robbing Peter to pay Paul”

·        Have you incurred large, unexpected expenses?

·        Have you experienced divorce or other personal changes that have affected your budget?

·        Are you in the market for a major purchase in the near future?

·        Are you being overwhelmed by credit card debt?

·        Have medical bills eaten up your savings?

·        Are you behind on your mortgage or auto payments?

·        Are you unable to save for holiday or upcoming education expenses?

·        Are you considering filing for bankruptcy?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, CCCS can help. Call now for a confidential appointment.