Athens nonprofit sees record level of need, expands high-interest loan and pawn refinancing

WUGA | By Alexia Ridley

Published September 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT

Tax deduction planning concept. Businessman calculating business balance prepare tax reduction.

The Ark is a local nonprofit that helps local low-income households with financial planning, particularly aiding people caught in cycles of debt from high-interest loans and pawns. Lucy Hudgens is the Executive Director of The Ark, and Stephanie Cockfield is a financial educator with the organization. They sat down with WUGA’s Alexia Ridley to discuss their services.

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Alexia Ridley

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!

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