AmeriCorp's services cover all facets of debt counseling processing, from data entry to payments and revenue collection to sophisticated financial reporting. For many agencies, these tasks are a stumbling block. But not for the ones who work with AmeriCorp.


We begin by collecting your existing client files and by establishing clear standards for future client information. If you keep information on paper, we convert it to electronic format for you. (Our database now holds over 2 million documents, and as a client you can access your AmeriCorp files at any time and forget about storing paper.) We then send welcome letter to all new clients on your behalf, and we update all creditor files with pertinent information. From that point forward all files are kept electronically, and our database is always in active use. For example, we provide you with monthly reports of all files for which payment has not been received. We, you, and your clients always know what's going on.


Once your client's initial payment is received, we send proposals electronically to all relevant creditors. Electronic transmission assures an accurate audit trail, but we also establish a P.O. box for creditor correspondence as well. We process all proposals, and should any be denied by a creditor, we contact your client regarding that creditor's requirements. If necessary, we contact the creditor and work things out until a revised proposal is mutually agreeable. We contact all creditors who have not returned proposals in a timely manner. Our goal is to have your clients' programs up to speed as quickly as possible.


AmeriCorp processes your clients' first payments, recurring payments and all fees charged by your agency. We accept client payments in many forms - electronic (EFT), money orders, Western Union, certified checks, even cash if delivered in person. However, we strongly encourage electronic payments which helps to facilitate fair share distributions. All client receipts are deposited immediately in the agency's creditor bank account, and we provide the agency with daily deposit reports.


Upon receipt, we place a client's payments in an agency bank account and then disperse those funds to the client's various creditors. We remit to creditors every day (electronically if possible), eliminating lag times and expediting the collection of fair share contributions. We also handle any refunded or returned checks from creditors and deal with any discrepancies. Our large volume of payments keeps us in constant touch with creditors, and this steady communication makes occasional difficulties easier to resolve with positive results.


Key to AmeriCorp's success is our fully staffed call center, open from 8am to 7pm Eastern time. We establish separate toll-free numbers for each customer agency, and your clients' calls are answered in your company's name. Our representatives are knowledgeable, motivated and trained to behave as your clients' advocates. They solve problems quickly (82% of all issues are resolved in the first call), and they leave callers feeling positive about the program. All calls are recorded, and all call center computer activity is recorded as well. Each of our representative's work is then evaluated and discussed monthly. Our people are also trained to make out-going calls to remind clients of missed payments or other issues, and their comments to reaffirm the program's value go a long way to keeping retention rates high.


In addition to a client call center, we also maintain a separate call center for creditors. It is staffed by people skilled at handling creditor issues, and it includes a fax number so that creditors can easily forward any requisite documents. As with the client call center, all creditor representatives adhere strictly to privacy standards established by AmeriCorp and the agency.


AmeriCorp provides regular reports and financial statements that record all agency revenues and expenses. We establish three bank account on behalf of the agency - two creditor accounts and one operating account - and all are reconciled and reported monthly. The financial reports include detailed schedules of service fees and fair share by clients that are reconciled to the financial statements. Our financial reporting department maintains proper internal controls within the company ensuring that all funds are properly segregated, recorded, disbursed, and reconciled. With our strong industry and accounting knowledge we assist or prepare the required 990's and provide guidance with required third party financial statement audits.


Our agency services group is staffed by professionals you can contact at any time to solve problems or deal with any issues or concerns. They manage our end of your on-going needs, also offering proactive guidance. For example, you'll receive a detailed Summary Report each quarter. It offers extensive statistical detail regarding overall client and creditor activities and is geared to reveal patterns of behavior that may require attention. It is accompanied by an AmeriCorp analysis that points out areas of concern or special interest. Our ability to compile information is considerable, and we strive to make it available to our agencies.