Who We Are!

Many families in the Dan River region are struggling financially. Some of them are unemployed. Some of them work hard but don’t make a lot of money. Many of them are unaware of the resources available to them and most of them could use a helping hand. That help can come in many different forms.

The problems that prevent the region’s families from being financially stable are multifaceted so the BEST Coalition is taking a multifaceted approach to solving those problems.

BEST is a coalition of community partners committed to a shared mission of assisting low and moderate income residents of Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell Counties in achieving and maintaining financial stability. Its members understand that community problems require community solutions and are working to bring stakeholders to the table to mobilize and maximize the region’s resources while making it easier for clients to access those resources.

The BEST Coalition focuses on three primary goals. The first is working to increase knowledge through Financial Freedom literacy classes, one-on-one mentor-ing and training. Second, BEST works to increasing and preserving income for individuals and families by offering free tax preparation, benefits screening and legal advice to BEST clients. Third, BEST helps individuals increase assets by informing them about the importance of financial security, opening and using savings accounts, as well as additional financial tools.

Over the last year, over 100 individuals and families have received help on topics such as predatory lending, how to set up a budget and savings.

During the 2011 tax season, BEST volunteers were able to help over 1100 individuals file tax returns for FREE.

BEST Coalition partners are United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Pittsylvania County Community Action, Virginia Legal Aid Society, and Caswell Senior Center, Danville Department of Social Services, United Way of Caswell County, Carter Bank & Trust, Telamon Corporation, URW Community Federal Credit Union.