Take Charge America- El Centro in Phoenix, AZ

Take Charge America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial counseling and debt management services to consumers at no upfront cost. The organization operates a national helpline and online counseling platform, with accessibility features and multilingual support (English and Spanish). Their mission centers on empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom through expert guidance and personalized debt solutions.

Take Charge America offers a comprehensive range of services including credit counseling, debt management plans, debt consolidation guidance, debt settlement information, bankruptcy counseling, housing assistance (including foreclosure/eviction prevention), budgeting tools, and financial education. They provide free debt estimation tools that show potential savings through their programs, customizable payment plans, and claim to negotiate reduced interest rates and waived fees with creditors. Consumers can access services through phone counseling (866-750-9618 for new clients, 866-528-0588 for existing clients, Mon-Fri 6am-6pm MST) or online sessions.

The organization distinguishes itself through NFCC certification implied by their nonprofit status and free service model, professional staff with debt management expertise, a 3-5 year average debt repayment timeline, and documented testimonials from satisfied clients across multiple states. They emphasize non-judgmental support, flexibility for life circumstances, and transparent communication. The company also provides educational resources including webinars, money lesson plans, calculators, and a blog covering financial topics relevant to different demographics (millennials, families with children).

However, consumers should understand that Take Charge America is NOT a loan company and does not provide direct lending. Their estimates are based on historical data and actual results vary. The organization operates primarily through debt management plans rather than debt settlement, meaning they work with creditors to restructure existing obligations rather than reduce principal balances. While free, their services require commitment to a structured repayment plan and enrollment of debts with participating creditors.