- What is CARE? Â
Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) is a national, nonprofit organization providing students and young adults with the skills they need to make smart financial decisions. CARE is a volunteer-driven organization, with a network of expert volunteers in chapters across the country who give free educational presentations in high schools, colleges and community youth organizations.
- Who founded CARE?Â
Our story began in 2002, when CARE was founded by now-retired U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge John C. Ninfo II. He was frustrated by the many young consumer debtors who would appear in his bankruptcy courtroom. They simply lacked the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their finances and avoid falling prey to financial fraud schemes. As a result, Judge Ninfo founded CARE to teach high school and college students about the responsible use of credit, and the consequences of credit card abuse.
Judge Ninfo shared his successful program with fellow bankruptcy judges across the country and quickly grew the organization into a nationwide presence. In 2012, when Judge Ninfo retired from the bench, he transitioned the program to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), the nation’s largest organization of bankruptcy professionals. With the support of ABI, CARE evolved into an independent 501(c)(3) organization in 2016.
- How is CARE funded?Â
CARE is funded through the generosity of individuals, bar associations, attorneys, financial advisors, corporations, foundations and cy pres awards.
- Who are CARE Volunteers?Â
CARE volunteers are professionals in the insolvency, restructuring and financial advisory industries who see first-hand the consequences of severe financial problems. Our volunteers include bankruptcy judges and trustees, federal and state receivers, insolvency and fraud recovery lawyers, financial advisors, and other members of the financial services industry.
- How do I sign up to be a volunteer?Â
If you would like to volunteer with CARE, we recommend signing up for one of our Zoom volunteer information sessions by visiting care4yourfuture.org/events. During the session, you will learn more about CARE’s mission and how to become a volunteer with your local chapter.
