“Dollars Make Sense” financial literacy program to hold first graduation in April

ALBANY, Ga. – A recently implemented Dougherty county program towards providing financial literacy is about to have its first graduating class. We met with the County Commissioner who helped make this a reality and how it could grow.

District 6 Commissioner, Anthony Jones says the “Dollars Make Sense” initiative is meant to help those who are trying to fix their financial situation, whether it be bad credit or other forms of debt.

“…And, a lot of problems our folks have is cause of the fact that they just don’t know how to manage their money. So, this is what the program is about. The financial literacy program is all about educating people. Because when people are educated, it empowers them…” said Commissioner Anthony Jones, District 6, Dougherty Co. Commission.

“Dollars Make Sense” was the idea of Commissioner Jones, alongside local banker, Mike Lawson and Albany Technical College (ATC) Vice President of Adult Education, Linda Coston.

And, they’re already making a difference in the lives of those who signed up.

“We’re graduating 11 people from our program, and that’s a wonderful thing. We’ve had several of those folks who have gone on and applied for a loan with Ameris Bank to start their first small business, and some have qualified for home loans…” said Commissioner Jones.

But, it won’t just be for this inaugural graduating class that will have confidence when handling their money, but those who have already signed up and are on the waitlist for the five week course.

“…We’re excited, and we’re just elated to have these people graduating, and now they have a relationship with a bank they can call and say ‘I have a banker that I can depend on, that I can call, and help me with my financial needs,'” said Commissioner Jones.

Commissioner Jones says that the high graduation rate from the inaugural class is promising to helping the financial future of Dougherty county residents.

The graduation will take place at the event center at the Dougherty County Public Library on Dawson Road on Thursday, April 4th at 6 pm.

Brian Roche reporting.

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