Who We Are and What We Do: Getting to Know Financial Pathways of the Piedmont


Welcome to From the Heart: Green Chair Conversations, the new financial wellness blog from Financial Pathways of the Piedmont (FPP). We’re so glad you’re here!

This blog is all about helping you on your financial journey. We’ll share practical tips, highlight community voices, and talk about the everyday challenges (and victories!) that come with managing money. Whether you’re looking to pay down debt, buy your first home, or just feel more confident about your finances, you’ll find resources and encouragement here.

Who We Are

Financial Pathways of the Piedmont is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to one simple but powerful mission: helping people achieve financial well-being.

We’ve been serving the community since 1972, when local leaders saw a growing need for financial support and education. Decades later, challenges like inflation, income disparities, and limited access to resources are still with us, but so is our commitment to making sure families thrive.

We’re proud to be a minority- and women-led team that combines financial expertise with a true passion for helping others. At our core, we believe that financial literacy is a life skill everyone deserves, but one that many people were never taught in school. That’s why our work focuses on building the habits, knowledge, and confidence that lead to lasting financial stability.

What We Do

Our services are built around four main program areas:

  • Financial Management & Debt Counseling – Budgeting, debt reduction, credit rebuilding, savings strategies, and one-on-one financial coaching.
  • Senior Financial Care – In-home bill pay services, financial management, and resources for community members ages 60+.
  • Center for Homeownership – Pre-purchase counseling, homebuyer education, down payment assistance, rental counseling, foreclosure prevention, and support for those at risk of homelessness.
  • Representative Payee Program – Managing Social Security disability benefits to ensure essential expenses are covered, while also providing case management and financial stability.

Every client starts with a financial review and personalized action plan with one of our certified counselors, whether they’re navigating a financial crisis or preparing for the exciting step of becoming a homeowner.

Meet Our Leadership Team

When you work with FPP, you’re in capable, caring hands. Our leadership team brings both expertise and heart to everything we do:

  • Phyllis Caldwell George, President & CEO – With over 27 years at FPP, Phyllis began as a financial counselor and went on to establish our Center for Homeownership. Today, she’s a trusted community leader and advocate for financial and housing stability.
  • Sharon Thomas, Housing Director – A 20-year veteran of FPP, Sharon draws on her background as a realtor to guide clients with warmth and expertise in the Center for Homeownership.
  • Patti Sears, Director of the Representative Payee Program – Patti is dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable neighbors, ensuring they get the financial help and stability they need to thrive.
  • Ryan Gerace, Finance Director – Ryan keeps FPP fiscally strong, bringing a keen eye for finance and a deep commitment to equity that benefits both clients and staff.
  • Brittany Wissick, Chief Development Officer – Brittany leads fundraising and marketing, blending strategy and passion to bring FPP’s vision to life.
  • Russell Dye, Director of Employee Experience – With a background in education, workforce development, and HR, Russell keeps people at the center of our organization’s success.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re ready to take the next step toward financial stability, we’d love to connect. Whether you want to improve your budget, prepare for homeownership, or refer a loved one who could benefit from our services, we’re here for you.

📞 Call us: 336-896-1191
📧 Email us: info@financialpaths.org
🌐 Learn more: www.financialpaths.org

✨ Thanks for joining us for our very first blog post! Stay tuned for practical financial tips, inspiring client stories, and conversations that matter. Together, we can build stronger, more financially secure communities.

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