Chatham Literacy began offering an innovative new Financial Literacy pilot in 2023. The pilot was so well received that it quickly became a core program offering. This multi-week course helps people better understand money issues, banking, credit cards and credit scores, and personal savings and budgeting. The course is designed to help people who may be struggling with financial matters, and is also an excellent stepping-stone for new entrepreneurs.
When Walter Fuica and Brenda Lopez — a Chilean couple with three children — first arrived in the United States, they discovered that financial matters were very different in the US compared to their home country. They realized that they could not be truly successful without understanding the US fiscal landscape and how to manage their finances.
Walter and Brenda enrolled in Financial Literacy and soon completed their certification. Both students were highly focused and had perfect attendance during the duration of the course.
“We are following our dream,” the couple said. “One day we would like to be able to open our own business, but we know we have to start with the basics. This course is exactly what we needed to help us get started down the right path.”
“All of the sections were valuable,” they added. “We got so much out of the budgeting section that included lessons on how to prioritize our spending. We now understand how credit works.”
After receiving their Financial Literacy certification, the couple enrolled in ESOL to improve their English language skills. While they understand much of what is spoken to them, they are hesitant when speaking English and are working hard with their tutor to gain confidence and improve their skills.
With their budding self-assurance, the couple hopes to start a commercial cleaning business to help them build a stable financial life. Over the long-term, they would like to open an events-planning business that would feature weddings and other kinds of celebrations.
“We have some experience in events planning from Chile, and this is our dream. Chatham Literacy is helping us realize it.”
If Walter and Brenda’s story inspires you, please consider supporting our programs:
https://chathamliteracy.org/donate