Raymond

Raymond, a father of two, is a Native American who has lived in Spokane since 1989.  He is energetic and motivated, working two jobs and going to school. He works part-time for the Community Detox Center and also part-time for the Nez Perce Tribal Fire Management Crew.

Raymond's business goal is to be a fire crew contractor. With a reliable 4 wheel drive pickup and an inventory of personal supplies to sell to fire crew members during the season, he's certain he could have a thriving business. He knows full well how hard it is for fire crew members to purchase supplies when they are on-site and away from towns. He would like to eventually expand, purchase a chain saw and snow plow for the pickup, and open the door to doing fire management logging through the Nez Perce Tribe. He would be interested in hiring displaced adults. Raymond has set his goals and is working hard toward them.   

This discipline did not come without struggle. Alcohol addiction was present in his family when he was young, and in his own early adult life. Raymond has overcome that addiction and has been sober for 2 years now. He is on the Board of the Native American Student Organization at Spokane Falls Community College, and also on the board for VOICES, a grass-roots advocacy organization of low income people, where he helps organize a monthly dinner and program. He enjoys helping others to alleviate his own stress. He works weekends and varying shifts and has school, homework, kids, and family to maintain. He also helps his mom and 5 brothers and sisters. To accomplish all of this, he has cut out virtually all “luxuries,” refraining from movies and restaurants, and using libraries and used clothing stores. His advice for other savers is: "Look at the bigger picture: know where you want to be in 5 years and put everything toward that goal.”

SAVER UPDATE

As of May 2010, Raymond has saved a total of $1,500.