Braving the rain on October 22nd, approximately 50 seniors eagerly gathered in Northwest Philadelphia at The Center at Journey’s Way to learn how to avoid financial exploitation, learn about financial tools, and ensure that sensitive personal documents were safely shredded. SeniorLAW Center, The Bancorp, Clarifi and Journey’s Way co-sponsored the event, “Financial Knowledge is Power: A Program Geared to People Over Age 60.” This event marked a community-based collaboration between the financial industry and advocates for senior citizens in the fight against financial exploitation. SeniorLAW Center attorneys Dana Goldberg, Coordinator of Project S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation) and Elizabeth Shay, Coordinator of the Homeowners Assistance Program, presented information sessions entitled “Guard Against Identity Theft” and “Reverse Mortgages.” Jim Spiegle from Clarifi presented sessions focused on “Understanding Your Credit Reports” and “Dodging Financial Predators.” The participants were engaged and eager to learn how to best protect themselves from fraud and deception; many commented that the workshops were “empowering” and “motivating,” and wished they had brought their neighbors and friends to the event.
We look forward to future collaborative events with The Bancorp and other partners to help to arm Philadelphia seniors with the knowledge and skills to protect their identities, their income, and their lives. Many thanks to Nancy Rosenau at The Bancorp for leading this new partnership.
SeniorLAW Center protects the rights of senior homeowners and senior victims of financial exploitation and abuse. For more information, call the PA SeniorLAW HelpLine: 215.988.1242 in Philadelphia, 1.877.PA SR LAW in other parts of Pennsylvania.