OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling announced a strategic restructuring which is designed to position the agency for emerging community needs.
“In the last two
years, we’ve seen a gradual shift in demand and our mix of services,” said Celeste
Collins, OnTrack WNC’s Executive Director. “For example, demand for
foreclosure prevention counseling is going down. This is good news for
homeowners and the economic recovery and for our agency, it means we have the
opportunity to reallocate counseling capacity to meet different needs of consumers
in the new post-recession normal.”
OnTrack WNC used a
strengths-based approach to streamline reporting, make the organization more
nimble, and expedite program planning. Staff members who provide direct
services will retain their primary roles as counselors, educators, and program
coordinators but the separate “counseling” and “education” departments have
been combined and will be led by newly appointed Associate Executive
Director, Sarah Brown.
Breaking down the
department “silos” will increase the opportunities for the staff to work
collaboratively and share information across service types. In addition, as
counselors, educators and program coordinators work with clients, they will
gather information on gaps in services – both within OnTrack WNC and in the
community. This will inform enhancements to existing programs and
identify areas for new programs.
“I’m excited to have
Sarah in her new role because in her seven years with our agency, I’ve seen her
talent for developing staff, cultivating ideas, and creating procedures to
capture knowledge and standardize procedures,” said Collins.
OnTrack WNC’s focus
areas for 2015 include enhancements to their Homebuyer Program, increasing
participation in the Debt Management Program, and developing a Credit Builder
Program. Services for specific populations, like older adults and youth will
also be part of 2015 program planning.
In developing its
strategic direction, OnTrack WNC explored “best practices” within the national
focus on “financial capability” which encourages agencies to help consumers
develop knowledge, make choices consistent with their goals, and have access to
appropriate financial products.
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