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University of Florida's Family, Youth and Community Sciences department provides research-based education and extension services to improve individual, family, and community wellbeing.
Data compiled from public sources
The Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS) department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is an academic and outreach unit dedicated to improving lives through evidence-based research, education, and community engagement. As part of a major research university, the department combines scholarly expertise with practical extension work to serve Florida communities. The department operates as a community of scholars, professionals, and students rather than a traditional consumer finance service provider, positioning itself within the broader educational mission of UF/IFAS. The Washington County Cooperative Extension Service is the local delivery mechanism for these programs at the county level.
FYCS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in family, youth, and community sciences, including a Master of Science, Ph.D. in Youth Development and Family Sciences, and graduate certificates in Nonprofit Leadership. The department provides research-based information, education, and extension services to communities, with a particular focus on strengthening families and supporting youth development. Their online graduate programs allow students to earn degrees entirely remotely. The department also operates a Certified Financial Planner Education Program, indicating some involvement in financial literacy education. Services are delivered through both on-campus academic programs and community-based extension outreach.
What distinguishes FYCS is its foundation in peer-reviewed research conducted by university faculty, its integration of teaching and community service, and its focus on systemic family and community improvement rather than individual crisis intervention. As a university department, it brings academic rigor and evidence-based approaches to extension programming. The organization has evolved significantly since its origins in home economics, modernizing to address contemporary challenges in family dynamics, youth development, and community leadership. Their work is guided by a stated commitment to improving the human condition through scholarship and engagement.
For consumers seeking financial help or credit counseling, this is not a direct service provider. While the department's involvement in financial planner education and community extension suggests some financial literacy focus, the website does not describe specific consumer finance counseling services, credit repair, debt management, or financial assistance programs. This appears to be primarily an academic and research-focused department that may offer educational resources rather than direct consumer financial services. Individuals needing immediate financial assistance or credit counseling would likely need to seek more specialized nonprofit credit counseling agencies.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Chipley, FL. It does not confirm that University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension - Washington County Cooperative Extension Service or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension - Washington County Cooperative Extension Service offers 12 services including Master of Science degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Ph.D. program in Youth Development and Family Sciences, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Online graduate degree programs (100% remote), Graduate minors in family, youth and community sciences, and 7 more.
University of Florida/Florida Cooperative Extension - Washington County Cooperative Extension Service is best suited for Students seeking graduate education in family sciences, youth development, or nonprofit leadership, Individuals interested in family strengthening programs and community engagement initiatives, Communities seeking research-based educational programming on family and youth issues, Professionals pursuing Certified Financial Planner education credentials.
Key strengths: Backed by University of Florida research and expertise in family and community sciences; Offers graduate education programs including specialized Nonprofit Leadership certificate; Provides community-based extension services through local county cooperative extension offices. Areas to consider: Website does not describe specific consumer financial counseling or credit repair services; No information about direct financial assistance programs or crisis intervention services.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Consolidated Credit, Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc., Incharge Debt Solutions. Each company has different strengths — compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records to find the best fit.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
This organization is an academic department providing university education and research-based community outreach, not a consumer finance service provider. While the correct categorization as 'free-help' reflects its educational and outreach mission, consumers seeking direct financial counseling, credit repair, or emergency financial assistance should clarify what specific services the Washington County Cooperative Extension office provides before contacting them.
Nonprofit credit counseling agency offering free counseling, debt management programs, and HUD-approved housing help. Rated 4.7/5 from 9,144 reviews.
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ISO-9001 accredited nonprofit credit counseling agency offering free consultations, debt management, and HUD-approved housing counseling to help consumers achieve financial stability.
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InCharge Debt Solutions is a 27-year-old Orlando-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management programs ($32-34/mo), and HUD-certified housing counseling. 3.2 million clients served, $3.4 billion in debt repaid.
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