The Kaizen Foundation
"Our partnership with The Kaizen Foundation has been transformational for the neighbors we serve. Together, we have been able to offer practical budgeting tools, clear pathways to understanding debt, and personalized one-on-one financial coaching that meets people exactly where they are.
The Kaizen Foundation's commitment to empowerment and dignity aligns perfectly with Common Heart's mission. Their support has allowed us to expand our reach, strengthen our curriculum, and provide a level of guidance that truly changes lives. We have seen participants gain confidence, reduce financial stress, and take meaningful steps toward long-term financial stability.
We are grateful for this partnership and excited to continue creating opportunities that help families build the financial future they deserve."
— Delan Fulgham
Economic Empowerment Director
Common Heart
The Kaizen Foundation,
Thank you for your incredible partnership with HOPEmatch. As an organization,
we had made plans to incorporate financial literacy for the working poor families we
serve, however we did not have the capacity to do it ourselves. When we were
contacted by the Kaizen Foundation, it was an obvious match for what we were looking
to provide for our families.
Throughout the process, it has been great working with everyone at The Kaizen
Foundation. HOPEmatch is very careful about who we partner with because we want to
ensure continuity of care and services and we have high standards. The Kaizen
The foundation listened and created a program that was customized for our participants.
Their personalized approach is what sets them apart. We have had many opportunities
to partner with financial classes, but this is the first one that had the follow up and care
involved that we were looking to provide to our families. The Kaizen Foundation has
kept us informed throughout the process, met all our needs, and has the perfect
balance of communication. We are extremely grateful to have this partnership.
After talking with a recent Kaizen Foundation graduate from HOPEmatch, her joy
was contagious. She said that they had just helped her get her first credit card. She told
us the kind she got, and she was so proud. Then she told us that they helped her find
an affordable car that would be more reliable for her family. She didn’t have the
confidence to make those decisions wisely, but after being part of the program, she
learned so much and was so much more knowledgeable in her financial decisions. This
type of personalized care is what makes a real difference in the community. This single
mom was not just another number, but she was cared for in exactly the way that was
needed. We know that as The Kaizen Foundation expands, it will help more and more
people in these same ways and we are excited to partner with them.
Sincerely,
Erin Blackmore
HOPEmatch Director
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Partner Impact: Advancing Financial Wellness Through Collaboration
Through our partnership with ACCC, The Kaizen Foundation connected five individuals with professional financial counseling and specialized support services. As a result, one participant successfully enrolled in a Debt Management Program, addressing $2,136 in debt, while another received student loan guidance and appropriate referrals. Although not every referral resulted in engagement, each individual received outreach and an opportunity to access trusted financial resources.
This partnership demonstrates the value of connecting people with the right support at the right time. By working together, we expand access to financial counseling, debt management solutions, and personalized guidance that help individuals take meaningful steps toward long-term financial stability.
A client referred to ACCC by The Kaizen Foundation was experiencing significant financial and emotional stress. She was overwhelmed by mounting credit card debt and struggling to keep up with high monthly payments. The financial strain was preventing her from securing safer, more stable housing and creating constant anxiety about her future.
Through our coordinated referral, she completed a comprehensive counseling session and was enrolled in a Debt Management Plan (DMP). As a result, her interest rates were reduced and her total monthly credit card payment was significantly lowered, consolidating multiple obligations into one affordable payment.
This reduction created immediate breathing room in her budget, allowing her to stabilize her finances and begin planning for improved housing. More importantly, she reported feeling a renewed sense of control and hope.
This warm handoff between our organizations ensured the client did not fall through the cracks and demonstrates how strategic partnerships can move individuals from crisis to stability — strengthening not only financial health, but overall well-being.
Koreena Harris
Counseling Assistant Manager
American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc
6/9/2023
The Kaizen Foundation,
Thank you for your incredible partnership with HOPEmatch. As an organization,
we had made plans to incorporate financial literacy for the working poor families we
serve, however we did not have the capacity to do it ourselves. When we were
contacted by the Kaizen Foundation, it was an obvious match for what we were looking
to provide for our families.
Throughout the process, it has been great working with everyone at The Kaizen
Foundation. HOPEmatch is very careful about who we partner with because we want to
ensure continuity of care and services and we have high standards. The Kaizen
Foundation listened and created a program that was customized for our participants.
Their personalized approach is what sets them apart. We have had many opportunities
to partner with financial classes, but this is the first one that had the follow up and care
involved that we were looking to provide to our families. The Kaizen Foundation has
kept us informed throughout the process, met all our needs, and has the perfect
balance of communication. We are extremely grateful to have this partnership.
After talking with a recent Kaizen Foundation graduate from HOPEmatch, her joy
was contagious. She said that they had just helped her get her first credit card. She told
us the kind she got, and she was so proud. Then she told us that they helped her find
an affordable car that would be more reliable for her family. She didn’t have the
confidence to make those decisions wisely, but after being part of the program, she
learned so much and was so much more knowledgeable in her financial decisions. This
type of personalized care is what makes a real difference in the community. This single
mom was not just another number, but she was cared for in exactly the way that was
needed. We know that as The Kaizen Foundation expands, it will help more and more
people in these same ways and we are excited to partner with them.
Sincerely,
Erin Blackmore
HOPEmatch Director