Maria Natera has been an active�member�of LCW for many years and has participated in numerous

LCW programs including: Wallet Wise, First Time Homebuyers, and the Lawrence Saves Campaign.

Each step has created a stronger sense of a financial foundation for Maria’s family. She is now a�member�of the 2013 pilot LCW Lending Circle Program.

Photo: Howard Kang, United Way

Julio Cepeda, a LCW Wallet Wise and Adult Education participant, started LCW computer classes in

2010 with no computer skills. With these new computer skills Julio now manages his business more cost-

effectively, designs his own business cards, and does his own basic accounting. Julio recognizes that building upon his assets through education is building his business assets as well.

Photo: Howard Kang, United Way

Liz Cintron, a LCW Youth

Education IDA graduate, started her program�in 2011�as a senior in high school. She saved $1,200 over 10 months and�received the IDA match of $3,600.

Her total savings for college from her LCW IDA reached $4,800.�

Liz attended�NECC to keep her initial college�costs down and is now attending Georgetown University for a Nursing/ Pre-Med Bachelor’s degree.

Amarilis Rivera, a long-time Lawrence resident, participated in LCW’s first-time homebuyer seminar

and the homeownership counseling program. Through these combined efforts, Amarilis qualified for both down payment assistance with the City of Lawrence and a Massachusetts Housing Partnership program

loan. Homeownership has been Amarilis’ family’s first building block in financial resiliency.

Photo: Howard Kang, United Way

Nancy Reyes is an LCW 180 degree success story. Her first home was sold in a short sale at the

beginning of the foreclosure crisis. She initiated foreclosure counseling through LCW and was then accepted in the LCW Second Chance IDA program. There she participated in homeownership counseling and peer support, and is now a homeowner again, this time with the tools for success.

Nancy overcame her barriers and fears and achieved financial stability once again.

Photo: Howard Kang, United Way

Rita Almanzar is a 2012/2013�LCW Business IDA participant. This is the Almanzar family's

second�enrollment in an�IDA through LCW. Rita's husband, Antonio Villa,�was a participant in the 2006 Community IDA. Through the program they were able to purchase their first home. Rita will be using the Small Business IDA experience to start a computer repair business�for their family. Rita is an ongoing volunteer with LCW and is currently our Family Asset Building Committee’s Vice President.

IDA programs are building a strong foundation for the Almanzars.

Photo: Howard Kang, United Way