Dedicated to Your Financial Success
Credit Counseling Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit HUD approved comprehensive Housing Counseling Agency. Since 1994, we have had a rich history working diligently to provide financial literacy and educational services to Pennsylvanians.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to equipping consumers with financial knowledge and imparting effective habits, to instill the confidence necessary for achieving long-term financial success.
Our Vision
Credit Counseling Center is a trusted industry leader providing innovative, quality services resulting in effective solutions for individuals and families.
Message from the Executive Director
At Credit Counseling Center (CCC), we know that behind every financial hardship is a person or family working hard to overcome challenges, pursue stability, and build a better future. That’s why, for nearly 30 years, we’ve been committed to walking alongside individuals and families—providing trusted guidance, housing support, and financial education that changes lives. Today, more than ever, our services are a lifeline. Rising living costs, limited affordable housing, and stagnant wages have created tremendous strain in our communities. At the same time, nonprofit organizations like ours—and our valued partners—are navigating uncertain funding landscapes while demand for our services continues to grow. Despite these challenges, we remain deeply committed to our mission: to ensure that every person—regardless of income or circumstance—has access to tools and support to achieve financial stability and independence. We serve thousands each year through first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, credit counseling, financial literacy programs, and youth empowerment initiatives. To our community members: we’re here for you. Whether you’re struggling to keep your home, trying to understand your credit report, or planning your first budget, you are not alone. CCC’s certified counselors are ready to help—with empathy, expertise, and no judgment. To our funders, partners, and supporters: your investment matters. Every dollar you give fuels hope, restores stability, and empowers lasting change. With your partnership, we can reach more people, respond to growing needs, and expand our impact. Together, we can continue building strong financial futures—one household at a time.
With gratitude and hope,
Paula Powers-Watts
Executive Director
Credit Counseling Center
28 years of history in Bucks County and beyond
The history of CCC is a story of evolution and perpetual transformation. Beginning in 1994, CCC has been designed and remodeled over the years in response to the changing needs of consumer’s responsiveness to personnel finance.
Notable Milestones
1994 | The non-profit Credit Counseling Center founded by Joan Reading, MSW, in Richboro, PA.
2002 | CCC became member agency of United Way of Bucks County.
2002 | CCC became accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA) and continues to maintain accreditation.
2004 | CCC is approved by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to provide housing counseling services including Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
2005 | CCC is approved by the Bucks County Department of Community & Business Development to provide homebuyer education and assistance program.
2005 | CCC is approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide pre-filing bankruptcy counseling and pre-discharge education in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code in all 50 states.
2007 | CCC is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to deliver housing counseling services, including Foreclosure Prevention and homebuyer education.
2009 | CCC partners with the Courts of Common Pleas for the County of Bucks, Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program to provide Foreclosure Prevention.
2014 | CCC named Best Agency by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
2020 | CCC contracted with the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development to provide Cares Foreclosure Prevention Services.
2022 | CCC approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) to assist Pennsylvania homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CCC is a nonprofit community service organization which serves families and individuals regardless of race, creed, sex, color or income level. 501(c)(3) 23-2754268
76% of the client we serve are low/moderate income. We collect from our intake forms, documenting address, income, paystubs, credit reports, tax returns, child support, social security, etc. using the HUD Area medium income data for Bucks County, PA to determine LMI.
CCC is not a lending institution. We are guided by a volunteer board from various businesses and professions
Joan Reading, MSW, Founder & Former President
Joan Reading founded Credit Counseling Center in 1994 and served as the President until her retirement in June 2022. Under her leadership, the agency evolved into a trusted organization serving thousands of individuals and families with financial literacy services, foreclosure prevention, and homebuyer counseling.
