TESTIMONIALS

 

James Moore

LEAP, VITA, Senior Financial Empowerment Initiative

 

“I just came here to get my taxes done, and ended up taking advantage of the matched savings program and the financial education workshops. I was a couple months away from my last car payment and [the matched savings program] gave me something to do with the money. It was perfect timing. I feel much better having taken the class. They showed me if I keep on the same track, I'll be all right.”

 

 

Sarah Seibert

Homebuyer Education

 

“Thank you, ESOP, for simplifying the home-buying process through your homebuyer education course. I am a smart person – but the process and language of real estate was intimidating and unfamiliar. Your sessions equipped me with valuable information and tools that I drew upon when making my first home purchase... This should be required education for anyone in pursuit of home ownership.”

 

 

 

Ciara Miller

Homebuyer Education & ESOP Realty

 

Ciara Miller worked with a counselor at ESOP to increase her savings and improve her credit to qualify for an affordable mortgage. When she was financially prepared, Ms. Miller worked with ESOP Realty to shop for the right home. As a result of her success, Ms. Miller was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a homeowner who “Beat the Odds” with housing counseling.

 

 

 

Cynthia Clark

Senior Financial Empowerment Initiative

 

“Back in In 2015 my checking account was hacked into. I didn’t know it was hacked into at that particular time but all my checks bounced, so I called the bank and they said I had an overdraft of $800. Everything worked out well. I got the money back, ESOP helped me out. They taught me to check on my accounts more often. They taught me about fraud with the IRS and other scams that are going on.”

 

 

Diana Daniels

Foreclosure Assistance

 

“I went down to ESOP and spent about an hour or two. The woman was extremely helpful. There was no nonsense, there was just facts. She said ‘ok fine, we’ve got everything, we will deal with it now.’ And those words were just amazing. It was somebody on my side for the first time in a long time. It was honest and sincere. I knew that ESOP was going to give me a chance.”

 

 

 

Tony McNary

Foreclosure Assistance

 

“ESOP knows the ins and outs about what to do to get around the corners or go through the straight lines. ESOP can lift you up and keep you fighting.”

 

 

 

James Brannon

Foreclosure Assistance

 

“You work all your life to have a place of your own, and thankfully with ESOP’s help I have a place of my own. This is where I want to be.”

 

 

 

Mia Brown

Foreclosure Assistance

 

“You can’t let pride or embarrassment get in the way of the American Dream… ESOP gives people hope that somebody can make a difference.”

 

 

 

Geraldine Gibson

Senior Property Tax Loan

 

"I had to make some adjustments, but now I can pay my bills and I don't have to worry."

 

Gus Frangos

Cuyahoga County Land Bank

 

"ESOP is one of the most professional, creative, socially responsible agencies in Northeastern Ohio. ESOP is also great to work with because from top to bottom the company provides professional and accurate work, and its staff leave no stone unturned when it comes to customer satisfaction. ESOP is a realpleasure to work with."

 

Ian Andrews

Lakewood Alive

 

"LakewoodAlive is proud to be a long-standing partner with ESOP. Our annual EITC/VITA site in the Birdtown Neighborhood has helped residents obtain a refundable tax credit that some didn’t know they had access to, while others would have been charged for a service that is provided for free. We’ve also helped folks realize the dream of home ownership through our First Time Homebuyer seminars, held in Lakewood in an effort to meet our clients where they live."

 

Michal Marcus

HFLA of Northeast Ohio

 

"Working with ESOP is a great experience. Everyone is helpful and devoted to ensuring our clients learn to work within their budget. Our borrowers have benefited greatly from their financial counseling."

Marc Stefanski

Third Federal

 

For twenty five years, ESOP has been a leader in making the dream of successful homeownership possible for so many in Northeast Ohio. Their long-standing commitment to empowering and strengthening the residents of Cleveland is a testament to their founder Inez Killingsworth, and to their vision of making the community a better place for everyone.”

Senator Sherrod Brown

U.S. Senate

 

"Your dedicated volunteers change lives, helping Ohioans achieve and maintain the dream of homeownership and financial stability. ESOP understands that a house is more than just a roof over one’s head – a home is the foundation for opportunity and financial security. And while Wall Street CEOs and big corporations have armies of accountants at their disposal to help them plan their finances and do their taxes, most people don’t have that luxury. That’s why your work matters – ESOP is there to step in for Ohio families."

Jennifer Hurd

Bank of America

 

"ESOP has been able to strategically change its model over the years to ensure that the older adults in our communities are learning ways to become financially stable and stay in their homes. ESOP’s ability to adapt to fit our community needs is one of the reasons that Bank of America is proud to partner with ESOP."