Simple Civics: Greenville County

Your credit score can open doors to opportunities or slam them shut, impacting everything from where you can live and work to how much you pay for insurance. In this episode, we talk with Kerri Smith from Self-Help Credit Union and Dr. Mark O'Rourke from the MICAH Project about what makes up your credit score and why it matters. They discuss practical ways to build and repair credit, including local resources that can help you escape high-interest predatory loans. Learn how you can get involved as a donor or customer of an innovative community program that's already saved Greenville consumers nearly a million dollars while helping neighbors achieve financial success. Links: St. Anthony Catholic Church office phone number: 864-233-7717 MICAH Program website: www.MICAHprogram.org Self-Help Credit Union website: www.self-help.org _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.

Curious what's in store for Greenville County in 2025? We break down the big changes coming in local elections, county leadership, and even plans to fix those pesky potholes. Plus, a look at the podcast's exciting year ahead as it approaches 100K downloads! Links: Episode about how municipal elections work and odd year elections: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/vote-smart-your-ultimate-guide-to-greenvilles-local-elections/ Episode about FILOTs (Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreements): https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/what-is-a-filot-and-why-do-we-have-them/ Joseph Bustos article: https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article295946259.html Palmetto Project: https://palmettoproject.org/ _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.

Today we revisit one of our most popular episodes uncovering the story of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a transformative 25-mile multi-use trail in Greenville County, with special guests Frank Mansbach, Volunteer Executive Director of Bike Walk Greenville, and Ty Houck, Director of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources for Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Discover how this cherished trail has impacted recreation, transportation, and the local economy, attracting millions of users and breathing new life into once-vacant areas. Dive into the power of persistence, advocacy, and community collaboration as we discuss the years-long efforts to improve safety and accessibility on the trail, and the crucial role elections play in shaping policy outcomes. Don’t miss this informative episode that showcases the potential of local civic engagement in transforming communities for the better. Links: Bike Walk Greenville https://bikewalkgreenville.org/ Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail - Greenville County Rec https://greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit/ Swamp Rabbit Trail - City of Greenville https://www.greenvillesc.gov/316/Swamp-Rabbit-Trail Article on Swamp Rabbit Trail crossing  https://www.postandcourier.com/greenville/news/stoplight-at-perilous-greenville-swamp-rabbit-trail-crossing-on-in-april/article_19b8e398-c9b2-11ed-9036-439bf9e6f601.html  _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Email us: [email protected]

Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial decision that requires careful planning and research. In this episode, Kerri Smith, South Carolina President of Self-Help Credit Union, shares valuable insights and practical steps to help listeners navigate the car buying process. Learn how to determine an affordable payment, research vehicle options, understand financing, and work with dealerships to make an informed purchase. Links: Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org Kelly Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth NADA: https://www.nada.org/nada/consumer-vehicle-values _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.