Testimonials
Dorothea,
Just wanted to express my appreciation for you sharing your time and wisdom on having financial peace. I have paid off all my credit cards and plan to have my car paid out ten months early in October. Through your teachings I have started saving each month for my bi-annual car insurance payment.
I will be calling you soon as to the best place to start a money market account.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
-- Holli Horton
It wasn’t until I first heard Dorothea Bernique, of Increasing H.O.P.E., teach God’s way of money management that I became convicted to change.
Once I began to learn financial management from a Kingdom perspective, I could no longer separate my faith from my finances. God was now not only the Author and Finisher of my faith; He was also the Author and Finisher of my finances! And it broke my heart to learn that I was misusing His money. It saddened me to know that I was using His resources for my glory, and not His. My life was turned upside down when I discovered that my God, my Helper, my Hope, was undoubtedly disappointed in me and the way I handled His money. Her teaching and the new book are awesome!
-- LaVondilyn, www.encouragethekingdom.com
Sis Dorothea's financial class has truly been a blessing in my life. Her wisdom, experiences, and knowledge of God's word in the area of finances have set my family and me on a financial level we only dreamed of. When I took Sis Dorothes's class, both my wife and I worked (and I needed my wife to work). We lived pay check to pay check and were still in the negative at the end of the month. We struggled and spent money compulsively with no plan or thought in mind of how it was affecting our future and how it kept us in bondage. Sis Dorothea's class taught me about our spending behavior and our heart toward God. The very first class changed my life.
Now today, my wife and I communicate and plan our spending making sure God is first (tithe and offering). We see God's favor in our lives where money is not needed and we still receive. Today my wife doesn't work a job. She is now able to work toward her own business while helping her sister with her business. We have blessed others financially who struggle like we did in the past. We are able to share the knowledge that was poured into us and refer them to Sis Dorothea as students. Sis Dorothea's class has put my family on Gods' financial plan and we can truly say every year is better than the year before in our giving, receiving, and future planning.
-- Bro John Alexander
Honoring God!!
My name is Carolyn Blake, I truly believe that if you abide in the word, and the word abide in you; You can ask anything of our father and he will deliver. You see, I had a thorn in my life and I was missing my blessing because of the messing. I had to get rid of that thorn, so with my whole-heart I offered myself as a living sacrafice to God, he heard my despairing cry. I seeked, and prayed, and turned from my thorn and he has blessed me over and over again!! I can even be a blessing to others. Oh!! obedience is better than sacrafice, so If you are struggle financially, pray, seek the counsel of an advisor (God put special people in proper places just for his glory and your needs). Because of God's Mercy and Grace, my self -perserverance, the fith, focus, and follow through in The Increasing Hope guidelines, I've learned to ask myself is it a I need or an I want? Today I am blessed with a Gifts and Consultation Business and Alcohol free for Four Years!! We need to Tesitify about struggles and successes, because God turns them into TESTIMONIES!!
Be Blessed.
-- Carolyn Blake, Carol's Gifts & Event Planning
Thank you for participating in the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau Wi$e Up teleconference call on February 28, 2005, entitled "Take Stock and Set Your Goals"
Your presentation was clear and concise, offering practical suggestions to assist our Wi$e Up participants in handling their finances and planning for the future. We believe that this information will contribute toward establishing the basis for financial security for the women taking part in this call.
We appreciate your taking the time toshare your expertise and your contribution to the success of Wi$e Up.
-- Sincerely, Shinae Chun, Director
Dear Mrs. Bernique
There is a song entitled "God has not Forgot, well just so you know, we haven't either. We want to express how much we appreiciate all you did in helping to get us into our own home. We've been really busy geting settled in but always had you in mind to give back a word of thanks. We don't want to be like the nine in the scriptures who failed to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ but rather the one who did go back and give thanks. I know that it's in your heart to help educate people and bring information to people. Keep on doing what you're doing, the Lord will Richly Bless you.
Thank you so much!
-- Mrs. C.D. Bright
We appreciate the tremendous blessing you have bestowed upon our lives. You have truly helped prepare us to become one.
We love you,
-- S & T
Dear Mrs. Bernique:
I would like to take the time to say thank ou on behalf of my husband and I. I know that with prayer everything is going to work out in more ways than one, things we can't even imagine. It's said everything happens for a reason.
Sincerely,
-- Mr. & Mrs Chisolm
Dear Dorothea,
Your presentation of "Credit Management & Savings" for our Financial facelift workshop was extremely well received and informative. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and experience with us.
As you know the Center for Women relies on the support of women all over the community to allow us to continue to provide educational programs and services. We try to provide the information that women need to be successful in both their personal and professional lives. Information is power and many women will make better decisions because they have it. Your contribution of time and talent has provided yet another opportunity for women in this community to learn and inform themselves.
Warmest regards,
-- Jennet Robinson Alterman, Executive Director, Center for Women
Dear Sis. Dorothea,
For and on half of the St. Andrew's Church famly, I wish to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to you for your services rendered during the Summer enrichment Program. Words are inadequate to express how grateful we are for the numerous sacrifices you have made inthe interest of our young people.
Please be assured that the positive impact that you and others have made onthe lives of those young people will never be forgotten (Proverbs 22:6)
Indeed, you are a blessing to us and a herione to our children. It is our prayer that God will continue to bless you and your family as you serve Him and his children.
Faithfully Yours,
-- Fr. James T. Yarsiah
On behalf of the administrative staff, students, families and the community of Wilmot J. Fraser Elementary School, thank you so very much for participating in our 1st Community Job Fair.
We sincerely appreciated the professionalism and coompassion shown to our community. Your information and display at the Job Fair was excellent and beneficial.
Again, thank you for your willinginess to help uplift a community in need of additional resources and support.
-- Gail Blair, Parent Advocate
Dear Dorothea.
Thank you for a very informative workshop on November 15, 2008 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Personally, I am closely looking at my finances more carefully. Your instructions really opened my eyes to many of my spending habits. Today, I went to Kmart to purchase hosiery for $2.29 a pair (a change from Hanes at $6.30). Thanks, thanks, thanks!
-- Mrs. "G"
Dorothea,
I just wanted to extend a very big THANK YOU, from the Housing Authority and our residents, to you. The participants in last week's workshop greatly appreciated your time and I believe they learned a lot from it. I will be contacting you in the near future to set up another workshop with your organization due to large demand from our residents. Thanks again for generously sharing your knowledge with our residents.
Megan LeCount, MSW
Program Specialist
The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston
-- Megan LeCount, MSW
Ms. Dorothea Bernique was outstanding. It is imperative that she bring her message to the young, middle age and the elderly alike. The powerpoint and hand-outs were wonderful!
-- C. Gaillard
Dear Dorothea,
Your participation in the Brown Bag Lunch Series program "Wi$e Up to Afford Your Lifestyle" was extremely well received and informative. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and experience with us.
-- Jennet R. Alterman, April 2009
I would like to tell you my experience with Dorothea.
I first met her when she gave a money seminar at my place of employment. She gave a very good presentation and seemed very knowledgeable. I went because my daughter was having severe problems with her money. I was having some problems also. Ignoring them was not going to make them go away. I just didn’t know how to cope with my daughter and keep myself together. I got some handouts but didn’t have the energy to work on them.
Next time I ran into Dorothea was when she gave a money workshop that was open to the public. I was really surprised that there were not more people there. I know in this economy that I am not the only one having problems. She had different vendors there to talk on their specialty. Home mortgage, real estate, insurance, budgeting and other topics were presented. There was also H & R block to answer tax questions and help you file your taxes at no charge. I spoke with Dorothea one on one and found she was a very caring person as well as very knowledgeable in her field of finance. I wanted to make an appointment with her to discuss my situation.
I met with her several times and she has guided me through making a budget and talking to my mortgage company. Talking with her has eased my stress levels and I have been able to get my spending in check. Dorothea helped me to see that my daughter is a grown woman and that she is responsible for her choices like I am. Dorothea just guided me in the right direction. I had to make up my mind and do it myself. It is so much easier when you have a plan.
I have learned so much from Dorothea that it is hard to express my gratitude in a meaningful way. Therefore I am writing this letter to encourage others like me to seek help before it is too late.
-- S.J., MUSC Employee
It was a good learning experience and I would like to learn more.
-- C. Moultrie - July 2009
Thank you for your time and patience. I've learned so much from this class. I had a good time.
-- D. Green - July 2009
I am a volunteer with Increasing H.O.P.E. I joined the team because I recognized the overwhelming need of people today for financial literacy in their lives. I believe in the mission that Dorothea has undertaken in helping people to better understand how to manage their money and their credit. Further, I believe in Dorothea and in her expertise in this area, and have learned so much from Dorothea during my tenure here. I am confident that anyone seeking financial help and counseling from Dorothea will certainly find it.
May God continue to bless you and keep you.
-- P. B. - July 2009
Dorothea is a solid woman following God's heart and God uses her to
bless so many others with sound financial advice. I called in on her
television program with a question and won gift coupons and got my
questions answered! I thought it couldn't get better than that, but
she called me at home, at no cost to me, to discuss the situation
further. I needed her non-biased opinion. I knew of her from one of
her money seminars held at Faith Assembly. If you are confused and
need Godly counsel concerning your finances, Dorothea is the place to
go.
-- Lois Vaughn
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., my financial situation was upside down. I had payday loans and overdrawn checking accounts. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I now have a great saving account setup. My spending habits have changed. I thought I could never get my finances together. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I will stay on this road. I feel great about what I have accomplished. Thank you and may God bless you !! Mrs. Dorothea Bernique
-- J. Everett
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I did not know how to budget and design a spending plan. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have organized my finance, created a budget and spending plan and prepared for the long term. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I can save !!!
-- T. Ancrum
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I did not know much about budgeting. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I learned how to budget and spend. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I now know how to save.
-- Joe and Shirley
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have not been keeping a financial budget. I have been always on top of my budget. Little did I know I was hurting myself. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I can now see where my money is going and I know what my bills are and I have not been over spending. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I truly am glad that I had the opportunity to take this class. Mrs. Bernique, you are a God sent person. The information I got through your class, will truly be passed on and will be refered to others.
-- Ms. Conyer
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was bouncing checks and my finance was a disaster! After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was able to start saving and get my bank accounts back in line. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I feel empowered to take back control of my budget.
-- L.D.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I didn't know much about credit, credit reports, debts, retirement, personality types. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I discovered what my attitude profile and personality types are. I learned about the things I mentioned above. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I'm going to be better prepared for my future. I will understand the impact of overspending on my financial stability.
-- Stacy
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was spiraling down in to deep debt with my bad spending habits. I ate out for lunch, dinner, and sometimes breakfast. I spent money I really didn't have. I also went shopping until my account was in the negative and then waited for my check to cover what I spent. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was given a budget sheet and was given a homework assignment of tracking my daily spending. I started working on controlling my bad habits and as I saw what I spent daily, I sat back and realized how stupid I was being. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I have started cooling some nights so that I eat out less. I went from shopping until I was in a negative to having a surplus (extra money). I learned how to budget(tithes, myself, my bills and then spend). I have now realized that I need to save for my retirement, my future, my son's future and my consumption years. I'm truly blessed to be a part of this class because I will be able to afford my home, live within my means, save and enjoy life without overspending.
-- Ebony
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I did not know how to budget and save. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I learned how to save and budget every day with daily tracking expenses list. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I learned to go shopping for grocery by making a list at home first and buy only what's on this list. I also learned to save by carrying coupons with me.
-- J.Cooksay
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I did not know too much about a budget or saving money. But I know a little bit more about saving and budgeting. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have learned some things about my finance, my spending money, how to examine my finance and goals. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I have learned a little about designing your spending plan and why is budgeting as well as money management so important.
-- Alphonso
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I know a little about my finances but found them very overwhelming. The jargon and numbers were more than a little confusing. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I know a little more. I hope I'll be able to translate what I've learned into my real-life experiences, but I'm still confused. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, hopefully I'll be more savvy in handling my finances. I'd like to be more confident and responsible in regards to my money.
-- T. Nix
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was living week-to-week, using little to no skill in money management, (but somehow surviving) with a lot of worry! After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E.,I've learned money helpful skills to increase my knowledge and managing abilities to secure a future and maintain. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, a lot of things in my life, along with my future, have gotten brighter. This includes: responsibility, budgeting and discipline. Thanks, you were AWESOME !!
-- Anonymous
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I had an idea of what I should be doing. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have a better idea and concrete goals and guidelines to implement. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I understand that DISCIPLINE is the key. The bottom line is to spend less than you make and save the surplus over a long period of time.
-- A. Justice
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I thought I knew everything I need to know about my money. I thought I knew how to budget. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have learned different ways of managing my expenses. Definitions of things such as APR and knowing their true meaning, now makes sense. Budgeting makes more sense with percentages and learning how to come up with the figures. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, hopefully, I will be able to own a home in two years and become more relaxed about "money" period. I will pass on the information I have learned to friends and family.
-- K. Hines
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I got some financial knowledge. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I got a better concept about finance.
-- R. Baez
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was unaware of what it took to control my finances. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I now have hope that I can take control and make my financial situation better. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I can get out of debt and alleviate stress.
-- N. Davis
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was somewhat knowledgeable, but wanted to learn more. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I felt much more confident in making and sticking to a budget. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I am going to prepare for home ownership.
-- Linda D.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I wanted to set a budget and didn't understand how. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I know that I must make a budget.
-- Britney S.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I had no knowledge about budgeting. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have some knowledge about budgeting and would like to learn more ways to budget.
-- Stephanie J.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I didn't realize how my debt was in control of me. I didn't have a strong understanding of the importance of a budget. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I realize that I need a budget and I need to gain financial security. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I will set myself a budget and follow it.
-- Veleria G.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was about 60% competent about financial literacy. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I was enlightened and refreshed on the terms. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I can relate this to my clients.
-- Jennifer N.
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I created a new budget about every month. AFter I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I learned that I need to have discipline and stick to a budget. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, soon, I will buy a house.
-- S. Broomfield
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I had very little knowledge. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I am positive of starting a budget and I must use self-discipline. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I have a very good understanding of where I need to go. This is an excellent class for beginners.
-- D. Brown
Before I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I had no understanding of where I needed to be. After I came to Increasing H.O.P.E., I have an obtainable goal. Now that I'm on the road to Financial Freedom, I am on the way to better credit. I have a goal and a way to reach that goal.
-- D. Whaley
Upcoming Seminars
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
at the Financial Training Center
