Fanny

Fanny immigrated from the Dominican Republic only four years ago, leaving most of her family and a familiar life behind in hopes of creating new opportunities for herself. In addition to being a young college student at Cambridge College in Lawrence, she also works part-time and volunteers as a liaison to the Latino community, helping organize events and recruit students. Her goal is to save $1,500 for the matched savings program to invest in her education and pursue her dream of earning a graduate degree in Management. Her dream is strengthened and reaffirmed by her confidence in the opportunities it will bring and the urgency to apply her experiences as a Latina immigrant to management-level leadership.

Last year her husband of three years lost his job and for some time the couple had to depend solely on the earnings of her part-time job to make ends meet. This was an incredible challenge in itself, on top of trying to save $75 per month for the matched savings program.  But she overcame this obstacle by using the budgeting skills she learned in her financial training with Lawrence Community Works. 

Fanny and her husband are doing better, and have even begun to save more money in a Savings Club.  However, she now works an additional part-time job to help pay for school books and student loans.  Although this means that she can reach her goal faster, working two jobs as a full time student forces her to sacrifice her weekends and valuable time with her husband. Fortunately, her determination helps her focus on her future, knowing the sacrifices now will lead to financial security down the road.