Community

You Are Not Alone Free Workshop Available Again on October 9

The event will run from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. It will include time to hear from family members “who’ve been there” and ample time for questions and answers.

Published

2 years ago

October 1, 2021

Christy Price

You Are Not Alone Project Flyer

The African American Family Outreach Project will offer its first “You Are Not Alone” virtual workshop of the season on Oct. 9, 2021. The purpose of the workshops is to assist families dealing with mental illness and/or substance abuse. The events provide information about such topics as the nature of mental illness, treatments and about services available in Alameda County.

The next workshop will feature Dr. Lester Love, a psychiatrist and an internist, who will discuss the physical health issues that often accompany people living with mental illness or substance abuse as well as the use of psychiatric medications.

In prior talks, Dr. Love’s discussion of health concerns was also pertinent to the general health concerns of African American adults seeking to avoid the ill effects of hypertension and diabetes.

The workshop will also present Daniel Ku, a licensed clinical social worker, who will describe two highly effective treatment programs offered by Alameda County Behavioral Health. Ku heads up Assertive Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which provides a comprehensive set of services to those with mental illness, who have faced prior hospitalization or incarceration yet need more support in following a treatment program.

Ku will also inform the audience on the In Home Outreach Team, (IHOT) a vital program that reaches out directly to the family and the affected relative, providing problem-solving, support and identifying County resources.

The event will run from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. It will include time to hear from family members “who’ve been there” and ample time for questions and answers.

It is covered by Alameda County Behavioral Health using Mental Health Service Act funds and is sponsored by thecMental Health Association of Alameda County.

To register, call 510-697-8533.

The Oakland Post’s coverage of local news in Alameda County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support community newspapers across California.

Up Next

NAACP Leader George Holland Calls out KTVU over Somerville suspension

Don't Miss

Barbara Lee Announces American Rescue Plan Funding to Modernize Local Health Centers & Support Underserved Communities

Christy Price

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

How to Use Credit Wisely

(NewsUSA) – As the holiday season approaches, more people are out shopping, searching crowded stores and online promotions for the best discounts, and using their credit cards to pay for it all. But beware the financial dangers of credit use — how you pay for these deals could safeguard your budget or lead to debt. […]
The post How to Use Credit Wisely first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 days ago

November 24, 2023

Oakland Post

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional can help you guard against costly credit mistakes, paving the way for a financially sound festive season and beyond. Learn more about how to use credit in a way that works for you with the insights below.

Choose Your Credit Card Wisely

Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or purchasing necessities like groceries, the credit card you use can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider:

Interest Rates. Rates generally run from 21-33%. The standard bank card charges at the low end of the range, and retailer credit cards (those typically with the store’s name on them) charge as much as 33%.
Cash Back. Among the best deals are bank cards that offer cash back ranging from 1-4% of your purchase.
Rewards Points. Some cards have rewards programs where you earn points that you can redeem for products or services. They may seem attractive but are worthwhile only if you’re actually interested in the rewards offered.
Cash Discounts. While retailer credit cards have the highest rates, some offer big cash discounts at the point of purchase. That may be the only time they’re worth using.

Improving Your Credit Score

Boosting your credit score can help you qualify for the lowest available interest rates on auto loans, personal loans and mortgages. If you can, pay the full balance when your credit card bill arrives. But most importantly, never miss a payment. Paying on time not only avoids late fees, but also is a key factor in improving your credit score. The easy way to ensure timely payment is to set up automatic online payments.

A CFP^®professional can help you develop other strategies to save money while improving your credit profile, including the following:

Identifying which debt to pay down first.
Switching to balance transfer cards that don’t charge interest for a year or longer.
Converting high-interest debt with interest payments that are not tax-deductible to lower-interest debt whose interest payments are tax-deductible.

Establishing Credit

Lenders offer credit to people with a long and reliable credit history. Most young adults don’t have one. There are various ways to obtain credit, but steer clear of debit cards that claim they can help you build a credit history. When you consider the costs and requirements, they’re usually no bargain. You have better and cheaper options for establishing credit. Here are three of them:

Get a secured credit card.
If you have a student loan, make sure you’re up-to-date with payments.
If you pay rent, ask your landlord to report your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.

The choices we make in managing credit can have a lasting impact on our financial journey. As you navigate the complex credit landscape, remember that CFP^® professionals can offer tailored guidance for your unique circumstances. Whether it’s identifying strategic debt payments, exploring balance transfer options or establishing credit responsibly, a CFP^® professional can provide a roadmap for achieving your financial goals. Find a CFP^® professional today.

The post How to Use Credit Wisely first appeared on BlackPressUSA.