As challenging economic times persist, it's important to take a moment to acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated their working lives to helping families fight foreclosures, take care of credit card debt and search for new jobs.

That's the idea behind Lutheran Social Service Financial Counseling's annual financial advocate awards. This is the second year that LSS staffers have nominated peers in the community for being strong financial advocates for Minnesota families. Sometimes recognition from peers is the most flattering kind.

Here's the list of financial advocates who will be recognized in a reception Wednesday afternoon at LSS's Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis:

  • Peter Shaw and Jacob Kraus, Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Honored for helping seniors who had been overcharged on reverse mortgages.
  • James Arlt, Minnesota Department of Public Safety: Recognized for leading the fight against lottery and sweepstakes scams that have cost over 60,000 Minnesotans much of their life savings. (a topic I just blogged about).
  • Kari Rudd – Attorney, Housing Preservation Program: Acknowledged for providing expert legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.
  • Minnesota Home Ownership Center: Commended for securing funding for foreclosure prevention counseling while also reaching out to homeowners facing foreclosure.
  • Affiliated Community Medical Center, Willmar: Noted for their work to ensure safe financial counseling for patients as well as supporting those patients who are paying back their medical debts through debt management plans.