Orlando, Fla., January 5, 2008 - Amscot Financial held a grand opening on Saturday, January 5 at its new location at 11500 South Orange Blossom Trail in south Orlando. Amscot presented a $500 contribution to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, which provides services to homeless individuals in Orlando, including women and children.

Amanda Fewless (third from right) of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, accepts a check presented by Amscot Financial representatives

The Orlando Union Rescue Mission Home, built in 1988, is a 174-bed "transitional" housing facility, not an emergency shelter.  Homeless women, children and families live in the home for up to nine months, or until they are able to support themselves and move out on their own. The home serves about 250 homeless families per year.  The goal is to provide a safe, comfortable environment and to keep families intact while treating the problems which lead to homelessness.

While the mission provides basic living services in the form of private and semi-private rooms, meals, showers, laundry facilities and children's play areas, the heart of the program is a case-management system.  Each family assigned a case manager who helps the family map out their own systematic program for recovery.

About Amscot Financial
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company.  Amscot Financial currently operates 166 tax preparation offices and 166 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. For two years in a row, Amscot Financial has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of Tampa Bay’s Best Places to Work. For additional information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.amscotfinancial.com.