Our Story Is Written in Fresh Starts
For over fifteen years, we’ve sat beside people in their most stressful financial seasons — and watched them rise into stability, confidence, and hope.
Born From One Family’s Comeback
Daniel Mercer was a banker who lost nearly everything in 2008. As he and Ruth rebuilt, neighbors began asking for help — and in 2011 their kitchen table became the first White Cross counseling office.
Today we are a nonprofit team of certified credit and housing counselors, financial coaches, volunteers, and pastors, united by one conviction: no one is beyond a fresh start. We pair honest, practical financial guidance with the strength of faith and community. No shame. No judgment. Just a plan.
Our Mission
To provide compassionate, professional, and faith-based financial guidance to everyone struggling with debt, credit problems, or financial hardship.
Our Vision
A community where every family has a stable home, a plan they believe in, and a financial future worth building.
Our Core Values
Four commitments shape every conversation, every program, and every family we serve.
Compassion
We meet every person with dignity and without judgment — however they got here.
Faith
Our work is rooted in hope and grace. Faith-based support is offered to all and required of none.
Integrity
Transparent fees, honest advice, no guarantees we can’t keep — and always client-first.
Community
Recovery happens together. Our graduates and families remain part of our story for life.
Fifteen Years of Hope
What started around a kitchen table has grown into a full-service financial counseling center serving the greater Atlanta area.
A Table Opens
The Mercers begin free kitchen-table budgeting classes for neighbors at their church.
Our First Office
We open our first office on Hope Lane, staffed by certified credit counselors.
Housing & Foreclosure Counseling
We add mortgage, foreclosure-prevention, and rental-assistance counseling — because a stable home comes first.
Counseling Without Walls
Virtual counseling and online workshops keep hundreds of families supported through the pandemic.
Savings Builder & Client Portal
Our matched-savings program launches, and every client gains a secure online portal to track their progress.
The Hope Financial Center
Our new community center brings counseling, workshops, and family programs together under one roof.
The People Who Walk With You
Certified professionals — and many who have rebuilt their own finances — who know firsthand that a fresh start is possible.
Former banker who rebuilt after 2008. Leads our vision, partnerships, and community outreach.
Certified Financial Planner who leads our team of certified credit and housing counselors.
Leads our church partnerships and the optional Faith & Finances program.
Helps couples and families get on the same page about money and plan together.