LAWRENCE – The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. has been awarded a $31,500 grant by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to fund a consumer protection program. The grant will benefit GLCAC’s Local Consumer Program which helps mediate disputes between consumers and businesses and provides consumer education programming.
“Consumers first need to understand they have rights that protect them and then they need a place to turn when they are being mistreated. The GLCAC’s Local Consumer Program seeks to educate the public and to mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a consumer is an important part of achieving the financial sustainability of families, a central mission of the GLCAC,” said Christian Dame, Interim Executive Director, of the GLCAC.
The GLCAC’s Local Consumer Program, led by Marie Finelli, fields complaints from consumers and then mediates a resolution with the business. In addition, the Local Consumer Program educates the public with printed materials and seminars, most recently on consumer rights in foreclosures and debt collection. To reach the Consumer Program, call (978) 681-4990.
About the GLCAC
GLCAC encourages and promotes the improvement of community life in Greater Lawrence with special emphasis on, but not limited to, the initiation of programs in education, social services, child care, health, and related fields. In 2011, the GLCAC served 29,000 individuals throughout Greater Lawrence. Since its inception in 1965, the GLCAC has been a consistent partner in working with local, state and federal governments and private agencies in creating opportunities and providing hope for people living in poverty. For more information, call (978) 681-4900 or visit www.glcac.org.