About Us

Our Story

Our Mission

Partners

Leadership

Meet The Team

Funding Sources

Donations

About Parachute Credit Counseling
In 1965…

We witnessed a growing need for personal financial management education and counseling. In response, we formed Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, now Parachute Credit Counseling, as a nonprofit agency.

Since then, Parachute Credit Counseling has continued to expand service offerings to provide solutions to the complex financial situations that individuals are faced with navigating. Parachute is proud to act as an advocate for consumers in a nonjudgmental environment. Counseling sessions focus on proper budgeting techniques, debt repayment options, student loan assistance, small business advice, credit report education and credit score explanations. Parachute also provides free Financial Education seminars throughout the year.

Parachute is registered to do business in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, & Wyoming.

Community Impact Report

We got started to help our community. Read about how we’re doing it.

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Parachute Credit Counseling, Inc.
Parachute Credit Counseling, Inc.
4.8
Based on 132 reviews
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Ramona HessonRamona Hesson
14:41 24 Oct 24
Working with Stacey was a wonderful experience! Process was quick, seamless and extremely helpful. Thank you!
Hannah HamiltonHannah Hamilton
20:14 05 Oct 24
Outstanding experience. I cannot thank the staff and services enough, especially Jared. Besides being a great conversationalist, Jared gave me realistic insights on my finances and some ideas about how best to save, budget, and build my credit. I am so thankful. One of the best parts about our meeting was that it was completely JUDGEMENT FREE! No one is there to judge you, everyone is solutions-focused and on your side. Go now! Make an appointment! I’m making the next appointment to meet with someone about students loans ASAP!
Lauren GarrisLauren Garris
00:41 25 Jun 24
It's hard to come to terms with facing debt problems- Parachute made it easier than I thought with zero judgment whatsoever. I had avoided cleaning up my mess for months thinking it would be complicated, and it was while I opened balance transfer cards and gave my number out to predatory relief companies. I ended up with Parachute and got matched with Stacey with a lot of skepticism. I now have a monthly payment that's cut in half and an interest rate that doesn't keep me stuck in the hole. Stacey genuinely cares about the people she helps and is in this work to change your life- I can't wait to report back that I'm debt free with her help!
Monica BebackMonica Beback
12:20 22 May 24
I cannot express my gratitude to Lisa and Parachute. Not only have my husband and I been working with her to consolidate our debt, but she recently counseled me regarding my massive student loan debt and helped me tremendously with finding the best solution possible for me. I learned more from her in our two hours together and feel more at ease than ever before. She made sure I was satisfied with my visit and did as much for me as she possibly could. If you need financial advice, look no further!
Anne E MuscatelloAnne E Muscatello
13:59 15 Apr 24
My meeting with Parachute Credit Counseling was life changing! During my phone meeting with Lisa, she educated me on current Student Loan Payment options and provided guidance on the best plan based on my income, individual circumstances, and financial goals. By the end of the phone call, we had submitted a loan consolidation application and a new payment plan application. I would have no idea of the financial saving options available to me had I not contacted Parachute Credit Counseling! I am so grateful for their services and that I will be able to contact them moving forward for additional support. Thank you!
DebraDebra
17:35 05 Apr 24
This company is amazing. They have helped me tremendously. I cannot say enough GOOD about them. In a day where good customer service is rarely experienced, they are a shining star and go above and beyond. I would give them 10 stars if I could. They helped me get set up with a financial plan that works for me, and helped with student loan consolidation/etc. They have been there every step of the way since. They answered all of my questions - and I asked a lot. This is a legitimate company - part of NFCC - a nationwide, non-profit credit counseling agency. They are also recommended by Clark Howard, a well-known national consumer advocate. They are extremely knowledgable and helpful. They are experts at what they do and have also received a large grant to help with student loans. Lisa F. has been with me and helped all along the way with my student loan issues. I would NEVER have been able to address the student loan situation without her. You can feel very confident working with this company.
Stacie BrennanStacie Brennan
23:33 06 Feb 24
I met with Stacey today to review financial options and she was so friendly, understanding and informative. I didn’t feel judged for my situation and was so happy she was able to help me!
Marissa StollMarissa Stoll
18:12 04 Dec 23
Amazing counselor! Extremely helpful!!
Rachel ObenauerRachel Obenauer
19:38 17 Nov 23
Super great company, they help set you up with a plan to decrease your monthly payments on all credit cards without hurting your credit score. Absolutely recommend using them over any other payment plan service.
Nancy BNancy B
12:47 14 Nov 23
Sadly I’ve had to use 3 times . This time has been 4 years . Almost done . Best service out there . Please consider if you’re drowning in debt .
Dejia JamesDejia James
15:49 03 Oct 23
I worked with Lisa on student loan counseling. She made something that has overwhelmed me for 6 years so simple in the matter of one hour. She helped me find the best plan for me and made my current status crystal clear. She helped me forge a path towards my long-term goal and reveal amazing possibilities that I thought were unattainable for me while I was overwhelmed. She helped me realize I am in a way better standing than I feared. She also helped me look at my overall credit report and how to continue my positive trajectory. She helped me gain control of my finances again. If you have any doubts, call now! They are currently offering student loan counseling completely free! I wish I had done this MONTHS ago.
Michelle EmmiMichelle Emmi
01:22 06 Sep 23
Parachute Credit Counseling is a great resource to help consolidate your student loans. Lisa was a huge help! The staff was very helpful and very knowledgeable. This company is a safe one!
Angel BroniszewskiAngel Broniszewski
14:31 05 Sep 23
I worked with Stacey. She was very responsive, helpful and answered all my questions in a timely matter. I am now on track to paying all my debt off a lot sooner then I could on my own.
sara burtissara burtis
13:29 30 Aug 23
I have nothing but amazing things to say about my experience with Parachute Credit Counseling. After years of struggling with debt, I made the choice to seek out help and support on my journey towards becoming debt free. From the moment I connected with my counselor, Stacey, I have felt seen, heard and understood. The process has been tremendously smooth and easy. Stacey is super responsive and always answers any questions that I have thoroughly. I feel accepted-- not judged at all, and it means so much to me. If you're feeling lost and overwhelmed, there is help out there, I promise! I highly, HIGHLY, recommend working with Parachute Credit Counseling.
Heather LibrockHeather Librock
14:11 25 Aug 23
I have nothing but great things to see about Parachute Credit Counseling. Stacey was helpful, kind, judgment free and truly made me feel so comfortable talking about a tricky subject. I’m so glad I took this step to begin working with Stacey. I could not recommend them more!
Theresa CummingsTheresa Cummings
19:08 17 Aug 23
After my experience with Ms. Stacey Robb I highly recommend Parachute Credit Counseling this lady not only help me helped understand the best way to repair my situation but helped me regain my peace of mind thank you Stacey
Jennifer RobbJennifer Robb
03:16 18 Jul 23
Today I had my student loan counseling session with Lisa. With all the new laws and changes that have been happening, I knew I needed to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about this and could really look closely at my student loan situation. Lisa was super professional, knowledgeable about the most up to date information about student loans, and looked at different scenarios with me in detail to ensure the repayment plan I am on will be the best choice for me, once repayment starts in September. She explained any items to watch for and answered my questions about possible forgiveness and what would qualify. Thanks so much to Parachute and Lisa for the in depth review- much appreciated! 🙂
Ry FeldRy Feld
23:26 11 Jul 23
Friendly staff who work with you to solve debt issues. I had outstanding credit card debt that I couldn’t put a dent in because I was a broke, fresh out of college kid barely making ends meet, and unfortunately credit cards were the only way to keep myself afloat. Parachute (formerly CCCS) negotiated a payment plan and I am about to finish the last month in my 5 year payment plan and I am so thrilled to finally be debt free! If you’re suffering under the crippling weight of debt, call Parachute. They have helped lift a massive weight off my shoulders and they can help you too!
Jennifer GaetanoJennifer Gaetano
21:00 28 Jun 23
always well taken care and answered all myquestions
Kayla DouglasKayla Douglas
15:13 28 Jun 23
Lisa from the student loan counseling services was so wonderful! She was kind, knowledgeable, and understanding. I appreciate how she answered all of my questions and helped me through understanding my student loans in a better way! She was completely helpful and caring! I highly recommend Parachute Credit Counseling Inc. to anyone! Thank you so much, Lisa and everyone at Parachute for helping me. You are all so wonderful!
Bailey BrouillardBailey Brouillard
15:08 20 Jun 23
I worked with Lisa for both student loan repayment and personal budgeting. She was so kind and knowledgeable in her field. Lisa was able to explain the loan options for me and help me choose the best option for me and my situation. All the stress I felt was lifted with just one meeting!Lisa was so amazing with my student loans that I came back to her for personal budgeting. She was able to unscramble my brain and help the numbers make sense! Lisa provided various strategies for keeping my personal finances in order that were very realistic and simple.I appreciate the service that Parachute Credit Counseling was able to provide. I will absolutely be back and refer their services to everyone I know who can benefit from this extraordinary resource.
Laura JordanLaura Jordan
18:02 16 May 23
I've been in debt constantly since about the middle of 2021 due to cancer and loss of income. Stacey Robb was wonderful and helped me by putting together a debt management plan that worked for me and my creditors. I'll be able to pay them off in five years. I'm really looking forward to working with Parachute to pay off my debts and finally be debt free.
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Our Mission

We provide our community with the best strategies to master their credit.

Our Vision

We are the most recognized financial counseling Agency in our community that minimizes the stigma associated with debt.

Why partner with Parachute?

Employers

Bring financial education and credit counseling services to the workplace. Support your employees with an invaluable financial wellness benefit.

Banks and Credit Unions

Reinvest in your customers and members. Help them achieve their financial goals.

Community-based Organizations

Collaborate with a like-minded partner. Address community financial education needs through innovation and commitment.

Schools

Introduce financial education to your students at an early age. Empower and equip young people with the financial knowledge and skills to better position them for the future.

Parachute Credentials

  • Proud member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
  • Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children (COA), Inc.
  • Certified HUD Counseling Agency and subject to stringent industry quality standards
  • A+ member of the Better Business Bureau
  • Licensed budget planner through the NYS Department of Financial Services
  • Approved by the Executive Office of the U.S Trustees to provide certified bankruptcy counseling sessions

Company Values

Integrity

We are honest and confidential while providing consistently high quality service.

Professionalism

We provide a unique service within a comfortable atmosphere that respects the needs of our community.

Empowerment

We educate the community we serve and provide resources to achieve success.

Innovation

We maintain superior services through creative teamwork and modern technology.

Leadership

Noelle Carter

President & Chief Executive Officer

Scott Laughlin

Executive Vice President

Robert Dunn

Vice President – Counseling

Mark Twarog

Vice President – Information Technology

Meet the Team

Lisa Robertson

Manager of Counseling Services

Sonya Singletary

Financial Counselor

Jared Buckner

Financial Counselor

Michael Florczak

Financial Counselor

Jim Ingham

Financial Counselor

Therese Melchiorre

Financial Counselor

Stacey Waugh

Financial Counselor

Lyn Marie Balla

Accounting Manager

Jaime Bergeron

Counseling Intake Specialist

Nicole Haim

Client Support Specialist

Libby Morsheimer

Community Outreach Specialist

Janet Webb

Client Support Specialist

Christie Maiola

Client Support Specialist

Patty Ann Baker

Client Support Manager

Marco Notaro

Director of Strategic Partnership Development

Carey Lynn

Reception Coordinator

Lynn Hoffman

Volunteer

Barbara Twarog

Volunteer

Board of Directors

Noelle Carter

President and Chief Executive Officer

Kathryn Q. Lewis

Secretary
Vice President, Director of Bank Compliance – Tompkins Community Bank

Joshua Zalen

Board Member
VP, IT Service Operations – Independent Health

Steven C. Dolan

Board Member
Customer Communications Manager, Senior VP – M&T Bank

DeAnna Eason

Board Member
Executive Director – Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)

Matthew Schermerhorn

Vice President
Senior Cash Management Advisor, Evans Bank, N.A.

Bonnie Kell

Board Member
Area Retail Leader – KeyBank

Nancy L. LaTulip

Board Member
Vice President – Retail Banking Officer, Lake Shore Savings Bank (Retired)

Ramon Morales

Vice Chair
Relationship Manager – Broadview FCU

Joseph M. Morrison

Board Chair
Executive VP, Head of Customer Asset Management – M&T Bank

Robert Torella

Board Member
Partner – Lumsden and McCormick, LLP

Funding Sources

Parachute Credit Counseling, Inc.

Designated as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service. This designation means that we have a voluntary Board of Directors and that there are no shareholders. Therefore, all earnings are used to provide and maintain the delivery of our program services to you, after operational expenses.

990 Form

We believe in being open with the community we serve. Access our 990 form here for information on Parachute’s finances.

View Forms

Donations

If you would like to make a contribution to our agency, we welcome any and all participation.

All contributions to us are 100% tax deductible and a receipt will be provided. Your gift can also be designated for a certain program that we offer, such as education.

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