At Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Yakima Valley (CCCSYV), we know how hard it is for consumers in financial distress to address those financial issues. We also know that many times, consumers do not know where to turn --or even how to begin -- to get answers to their questions.
Unlike many "competitors" you see advertised that promise a "quick fix" to your problems, we start with you and your family and provide the opportunity to confidentially discuss your private, personal financial situation with a non-profit certified counselor -- someone who listens, is non-judgmental, and gives you peace of mind to arrive at options to resolve issues and initiate decisive actions. Each of our professional counselors must maintain their Certified Consumer Credit Counseling (CCC) certification -- your assurance of the highest quality in counseling integrity and effectiveness.
We are members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) -- a guarantee you are speaking with a bona fide non-profit agency dedicated to the consumer to relieve crippling financial stress and provide credit knowledge. We are not a competitive agency vying for your business -- we have almost four decades of dedication/experience helping Central Washington residents out of debt. Our mission is to provide solid advice and be committed to create an environment where all communities have a positive quality of life with financial freedom for all.
Our History
The agency began serving clients and business communities in Central Washington in 1971. Concerned community leaders in Yakima established the agency so people and families could have an opportunity to repay debt, even when their funds might be scarce. Its establishment was to provide a better alternative than bankruptcy -- and to provide free counseling services to let people help themselves or accomplish accomplish a debt-repayment program that provided for local and national businesses. In keeping with that tradition, the non-profit continues to act as an advocate on behalf of consumers to local, regional, and national creditors who willingly provide financial hardship concessions to assist consumers get back on the right track, recognizing their need and positive attitudes to repay debt. The agency is not a collection agency, it does not make loans, and has a long-term experience in providing for people in hardship to find ways to get their lives back on track.
Offices Expanded to Meet Community Needs.
As Central Washington communities identified similar needs, CCCSYV expanded its services to meet those community identied requirements. In 1984, a similar effort by communty leaders in Wenatchee established an office there. Later, Yakima agreed to provide administrative support for cost-effectiveness. In 1998, the agency again expanded responding to community request and establishing another regional office in Moses Lake to serve the Columbia Basin region in Washington. In addition to these brick-and-mortar locations, the agency also provides counseling services through shared satellite locations in Sunnyside, Toppenish, and Ellensburg. Counselors and educators also travel throughout the region visiting Klickitat, Okanogan, and other counties to provide agency services and free workshops in English and Spanish. You can contact our agency at any time to have a schedule e-mailed to you.
Accreditation and Certification
We are an accredited members of the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC) --consumers' guarantee our agency must meet the most stringent accreditation standards and our counselors must be independently certified by a recognized third national level independent agency . Our accreditation is through the Council on Accreditation (COA). This is our pledge to provide our clients service with integrity and options they can trust. Know the NFCC Difference. It can make all the difference to you.
We Are Not A Government Agency
Most of our funding comes from voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in Debt Management Plans ("DMP") for clients. Since creditors have a financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make a contribution to help fund our non-profit agency in a charitable agreement. These contributions can be calculated as a percentage of payments you make through your DMP or they may be through grants respecting the need for education/counseling assistance. Your accounts with creditors are credited with one hundred percent (100%) of the amount you pay through us. Most important to you, we work with all your creditors regardless of whether or not they contribute to our agency.
What We Provide You...
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Yakima Valley delivers free, confidential counseling and free educational services to the general public about financial wellness, home buying, and understanding credit reports/credit scoring throughout the served regions in Central Washington. For those going through bankruptcy proceedings, the agency is authorized through the Executive Office of United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide counseling that allows you to make the correct decisions regarding your future actions -- and education that can be used before bankruptcy discharge to ensure that you stay on track without becoming ensnared by problems that affected you in the past.
Relieving Financial Stress Now. Counseling helps you determine where you are -- and may be accomplished in person, by telephone, or by mail. We know that a quick Internet fix that is nothing more than a "set-up" for a Debt Management Plan (DMP) may not be in your best interests. For that reason, we provide the personal touch, talking with a certified counselor. We also understand the convenience of the Internet. You can use our confidential internet worksheet to download and complete -- or, you can provide information directly to us to help you via the secure connection through this internet site: we look at the Internet submissions and will contact you within one business day and establish a confidential appointment either one of our offices or over the telephone.
Your Benefits In Contacting Us
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Yakima Valley
Becomes Your Partner in a Debt Free Life...
- All Debt Considered -- not just national credit cards.
- Free Credit Counseling that respects and understands your need for confidentiality.
- Professional debt/budget assessment address immediate needs to relieve financial stress -- not just a quick set up with a limited option for a debt repayment plan as the only consideration.
- If you are in severe financial hardship, initiation of a single monthly debt repayment plan that is honored by national, regional, and local businesses and lenders. Plans allow, in most cases, reductions in interest and late fees-- in accordance with legislation and regulations affecting creditors. No hidden fees -- full disclosure of all actions.
- Sensitivity in helping you resolve your debt or credit problems.
- You remain with your counselor throughout the duration of program. A holistic approach that considers all aspects of debt repayment.
- After-plan support -- we are invested with you as a partner in supporting your future -- not just the present. You are not a number... individualized attention.
Our Non-Profit, Community-Based Services Provide You:
HOPE: We know you can pay off debt. Our certified counselor can show you how to prepare an effective budget and find resources to meet bills.
HELP: Supportive educators/staff members and counselors are here to help you get back on your feet again and out from under debt.
SUPPORT: We regularly "graduate clients and families who have regained control of their debt -- and have become totally debt-free. We assist those clients in credit-restoration programs and success-oriented education programs such as First-Time Home Buying partnerships in the State of Washington.