Justine PETERSEN was incorporated in 1997. We have four core programs:
- Credit Building and Financial Education: A strong credit profile can lead to life-changing opportunities. JP counselors offer one-on-one counseling for individuals and families aiming to take control of their financial future, regardless of their income or credit history. Counseling topics include debt management, establishing a strong record of on-time payments, understanding credit scoring systems, verifying and settling debts, distinguishing between inactive and active tradelines, the statute of limitations, and utilizing credit as a savings mechanism.
- Homeownership Preparation and Retention: Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between non-delinquency and homeownership counseling. As a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency, Justine PETERSEN provides personalized pre- and post-purchase counseling, homebuyer education, and foreclosure prevention counseling. Homeownership is viewed as an asset development activity. Specific counseling topics include basic terminology, assessing readiness for homeownership, identifying the steps and timeline for buying a home, and understanding mortgage products and home purchase programs for first-time homebuyers.
- Microenterprise Technical Assistance and Lending: As an SBA Microloan Intermediary Lender, Justine PETERSEN helps small businesses access affordable financing for capitalizing their ventures. We also offer free technical assistance seminars for business development. Justine PETERSEN collaborates with its subsidiary, Great Rivers Community Capital (GRCC), to provide financing to underserved populations through microloans, small business loans, contractor loans, and consumer loans.
- Property Development: In response to the housing crisis and the resulting increase in foreclosures and abandoned properties, JP has ramped up its property development efforts in recent years to renovate and restore owner-occupied neighborhoods. Our comprehensive development work now includes rental housing and homeownership projects. JP is recognized as a National Community Stabilization Trust-approved entity and has successfully acquired donated properties from Wells Fargo through this trust. Development funds are sourced from federal HOME Program allocations, the Illinois Attorney General Foreclosure Settlement, and bank financing. Additionally, JP is an approved Community Housing Development Organization in Madison County, IL.