TAKE CHARGE AMERICA

"YPTC gives you breathing room"

Take Charge America is a nonprofit financial counseling agency that has helped more than two million people nationwide transform their financial outlook with one-on-one guidance to pay off more than $6 billion in personal debts, regain financial independence and save for the future. An industry pioneer and leader since 1987, the Phoenix-based organization has driven many of the innovations and services that now support consumers in financial distress. Take Charge America’s mission is rooted in providing clients and the general public with free financial education. Its counseling, resources and knowledge generate a profound ripple effect, improving financial wellbeing at the individual, household and community levels – ultimately leading to a positive and sustainable economic impact. The organization offers much-needed guidance to millions of people through public outreach and education efforts, preventing many debt challenges from developing in the first place.

YPTC was already working with Take Charge America when Manuel Salazar was named CEO in 2023.  “A board member had recommended YPTC when we lost our CFO, to help us out until we figured out what we wanted to do,” he recalls. As it turned out, YPTC stayed on somewhat longer and helped to screen applicants for the new Director of Finance position. “It worked out really well,” Salazar says. “We eventually parted ways with YPTC until we have need for them in the future.”

Salazar is particularly impressed with YPTC’s services regarding screening job candidates. “It’s a great organization to go to these days when it’s so hard to hire people. You’re looking for quality candidates who not only have the technical abilities but also the personality to fit into your team. YPTC gives you breathing room so you don’t have to hire the first person you find.”

Salazar appreciates how YPTC’s people helped operations run smoothly and prepared reports for the Board of Directors. “They were very easy to work with.”

He also is impressed with YPTC’s follow-through and lack of pressure. “They didn’t just assign someone and walk away; they regularly followed up to ask how things were going and made sure that we were comfortable with the person they had assigned to us. Also, they’re very good about offering services that you may not be aware of, but they aren’t pushy about it. They’re really engaging with you without being overpowering and upselling you on services.”