Our Story
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, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, & Wyoming.
Community Impact Report
We got started to help our community. Read about how we’re doing it.
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?
Bring financial education and credit counseling services to the workplace. Support your employees with an invaluable financial wellness benefit.
Reinvest in your customers and members. Help them achieve their financial goals.
Collaborate with a like-minded partner. Address community financial education needs through innovation and commitment.
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 Frankenberger
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 Robb
Financial Counselor
Lyn Marie Balla
Accounting Manager
Jaime Bergeron
Counseling Intake Specialist
Nicole Haim
Financial Wellness Specialist
Krysten Bell
Client Support Specialist
Janet Webb
Client Support Specialist
Christie Maiola
Client Support Specialist
Patty Ann Baker
Client Support Specialist
Lynn Hoffman
Volunteer
Board of Directors
Noelle Carter
President and Chief Executive Officer
Kathryn Q. Lewis
Board Member
Chief Compliance Officer – Five Star Bank
Marylou Borowiak
Board Member
Community Leader
Steven C. Dolan
Board Member
Customer Communications Manager, Senior VP – M&T Bank
DeAnna Eason
Board Member
Executive Director – Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
Anthony F. Gutowski
Treasurer
Vice President – Commercial Relationship Manager, Evans Bank N.A.
Bonnie Kell
Secretary
Area Retail Leader – KeyBank
Nancy L. LaTulip
Board Chair
Vice President – Retail Banking Officer, Lake Shore Savings Bank (Retired)
Ramon Morales
Board Member
Relationship Manager – Broadview FCU
Joseph M. Morrison
Vice Chair
Executive VP, Head of Customer Asset Management – M&T Bank
Catherine M. Roberts
Board Member
President & Chief Officer – Resource Council of WNY
Funding Sources
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo 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.
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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