Dwayne Jackson: Helping People Overcome Their Financial Burdens

by Stephanie Kalele, Donor Relations Manager

Earlier this month, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, sending $1,400 stimulus payments to alleviate the financial burden that many have had to endure during this pandemic. While the checks may help many of our clients pay a portion of their bills, most of them are still struggling to manage large financial obligations. In addition to providing direct cash assistance, Urban Upbound advises clients on their financial management through our Financial Fitness Program. Dwayne Jackson, one of our certified Financial Counselors, has been hard at work connecting with our clients and assisting them in achieving their financial goals.

A former Small Business Specialist at J.P. Morgan & Chase (JPMC), Dwayne was introduced to the world of human service nonprofits by his fiancée — now wife, who worked at a nonprofit organization. After years of working with established businesses helping them increase their capital and earnings, Dwayne wanted to see how others less fortunate did. He wanted to help people just starting out on their financial journey or getting back on their feet. Dwayne joined Urban Upbound at the end of 2019.

As a Financial Counselor, Dwayne often works with clients going through difficult situations. He provides assistance and gives recommendations on the steps to take to overcome financial challenges such as reducing debt, fixing their credit and improving their credit score, and even adhering to a budget. Recently, Dwayne helped a client who wanted to take a mortgage loan with his daughter by consolidating his debt. The cleared-up credit report led to the client increasing his credit score by 75 points, which resulted in a lower interest rate. After 4 sessions, the client was able to co-sign the mortgage and start his homeownership journey.

Dwayne and the rest of our Financial Fitness team are ready to guide clients in every step of their financial path. Clients can email pedro@urbanupbound.org, call our office at (718) 571–9151, or go to this link and choose Urban Upbound to schedule an appointment. If you’d like to make a contribution to help us reach more clients and offer our services to those most in need, you can donate here.