Credit Counseling Center is a partner in a new pilot financial stability program called LIFT United, focusing on reliable transportation and Low Interest Car Loans. along with United Way of Bucks County, Penn Community Bank, and the County of Bucks.
LIFT United aims to help eligible residents increase their financial literacy, improve their credit scores, and secure low-interest used car loans.
LIFT United will ensure that participants have safe, reliable transportation to get to work at a manageable cost: Participants will receive a down payment match of up to $1,000 and a low-interest car loan secured by United Way. All loans are offered by Penn Community Bank.
Credit Counseling Center is conducting a series of free financial literacy courses/webinar workshops about “Building & Sustaining Great Credit: Understanding the 3C’s” for program participants. The workshops explain what’s important to lenders in securing a loan – Character, Capacity, and Capital – as well as how credit impacts financial wellness and life overall.
Guest speakers for each webinar workshop will include Penn Community Bank employees and professionals from the auto industry to provide firsthand knowledge to clients about the purchase and maintenance of cars.
Credit Counseling Center is also offering free one-on-one budget coaching.
LIFT United, which stands for “Learn to Invest in Your Future and Thrive,” is designed to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households in Bucks County.
At Penn Community Bank, we’re committed to helping families reach their financial goals – including those in the ALICE population,” said Bernard Tynes, Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing at Penn Community Bank. “LIFT United is an innovative way to help working families remain financially stable now and in the future. We’re proud to partner with United Way, the county, and Credit Counseling Center on this exciting new initiative.
All applicants to LIFT United must be referred by United Way’s Member Agencies. For eligibility requirements and more information, contact P.J. O’Brien at patricko@uwbucks.org, or visit https://www.uwbucks.org/united-way-local-partners-lift-community-with-new-program/
In 2021, Paula was named Executive Director of Credit Counseling Center. She joined the organization in 2008 as a Credit Counselor and was quickly promoted to Director of Housing Counseling in 2009. Paula is a firm believer that each client is a representation of a family whose lives, financial challenges, and needs are important.
She developed and still leads the Center’s Foreclosure Prevention program; and has partnered with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Foreclosure Diversion Program. Her keen focus on making a positive impact in the community has generated numerous program collaborations with the United Way of Bucks County and a multitude of social service organizations in the region.
Previously, Paula served 21 on Active Duty in the US Air Force. Initially serving as a combat photographer and finishing the second half of her career as a recruiter, leading to the position of Flight Chief. Highly decorated, she has received awards from the Air Force and the Department of Defense.
An active leader in the Bucks County community, Paula donates her time annually as a board member for the annual Congressional Service Academy Nomination Interviews under the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. She is an active Chamber member in Lower Bucks, BucksMont, and Upper Bucks, advocates for financial literacy education opportunities at venues servicing low/moderate income consumers and senior citizen organizations.
