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The coaches helped me to write a better resume.
They gave me great advice as far as how to budget my money.
You guys have been so helpful.
You have gotten me to a point to where I didn't think I was going to be able to get to.
You guys encouraged me, and I just appreciate the relationships that we have bonded and
built because of your help.
It's been a hard road, but it's been awesome.
I've just come so far.
Powerful and positive changes are sweeping across the nation, and corporate America is
playing a vital role in making it happen.
Helping those in need realize their dreams.
Today's Be The Change celebrates the combined accomplished of MetLife Foundation and the
Local Initiative Support Corporation, or LISC.
And joining us to share the good news is April Hawkins, Head of US Programming for MetLife
Foundation, and Seung Kim, Program Director for LISC, and from Chicago Jennifer Castanon,
client of Mujer Avanzando or Advancing Women.
Welcome ladies.
We're so happy to have you here.
Thank you.
Jennifer, let's begin with you.
Not so long ago, things weren't looking bright.
I mean, tell us about those early struggles.
I was struggling.
I became a single mom.
Oh three, right?
Oh three.
Okay.
I was making the minimum wage, and I had to become the head of the household, which it
was really hard for me.
I was struggling financially.
So, there was a lot of changes in my life.
And how did these two, MetLife Foundation and LISC, really come in and help you?
Well, they helped me clearing a lot of more credit score.
They helped me to create a budget plan, which it was great for me.
That's what was my problem.
I was over spending, even though I had an income, I was spending more than I was making.
April, when it comes to this kind of situation and finances, how can you come in, MetLife
Foundation, and not just in Chicago but nationwide and help women?
Well, we have been committed or our parent company, MetLife, has been committed to communities
for almost 150 years.
And just recently MetLife Foundation decided that it wanted to help women like Jennifer
and focus on financial inclusion.
Which is really just simply about making sure that people have the right financial tools
and products to improve their lives.
So important.
Absolutely.
And so we're partnering with LISC and also other really wonderful non-profits all across
the country that are helping families and women in small towns and big cities all across
the country.
That's huge, and Seung before I get your insights, I'd like our viewers to hear how LISC helped
one woman overcome her obstacle.
Let's take a look at that right now.
I was just at a stand-still in my life, and I just really didn't know what to do.
I just wanted to change a lot of things.
There used to be a time if things weren't working my way I would walk away from it.
But I read somewhere that it said the biggest regret in life is not trying.
So, you know, I would tell anybody just don't give up.
So touching.
Tene Smith got a better job.
She's happy.
Her family is benefitting, and how else is LISC and MetLife Foundation changing lives
like this?
Well LISC works to help families in distressed neighborhoods.
And one of the ways that we do that is by helping people manage their finances.
We do that through our Financial Opportunity Centers, who are located in the neighborhoods
and really work with people on budgeting and building their credit.
Also access to financial products like Credit Builder Loans and Car Loans as well.
You know, Jennifer, I learned earlier that you have a special dream.
I want to know what that dream is and how these two foundations helped you make that
happen.
My dream is to be a homeowner.
I want to bring space for my kids.
Currently we're living in a two-bedroom apartment.
So, it's kind of hard.
And they helped me by clearing my credit.
I have a credit score now of 718.
Yes!
Good for you.
Which is really good.
That's huge.
So, that's my short-term goal.
My long-term goal is becoming a business owner.
I'm currently an office manager for a cleaning company.
So, I'm looking forward in that field to become a business owner of a cleaning company.
Huge dreams.
You are making it happen.
That's what's so incredibly important to take note of.
And April, the MetLife Foundation is there to improve financial inclusion, but you're
looking at people that have the desires and the hopes but they don't have the mean, right?
Exactly.
And one of the ways that we're able to help them is to partner with organizations likes
LISC and so many others across the country.
And it really doesn't end with the money.
It's also the employee base that we have.
We have a very dedicated passionate employee base who want to advance financial inclusion,
and they're willing to roll up their sleeves and lend their time and talent to help out.
Great.
And Seung, people who are watching, viewers who are watching, reach out to them.
Tell them through me how they shouldn't be afraid to make the first step.
That's absolutely right.
I mean, it's never too late to take ahold of your finances.
So, I would say people should start by writing out their vision, writing out their goals.
And make a plan to get there.
And don't hesitate to stop in to one of our Financial Opportunity Centers or find a local
trusted advisor in your own area.
And, Seung and April, where can viewers find out more?
Well, they can look at MetLife Foundations Website, which is MetLife.org.
And Seung, how about you?
LISC.org/FIWB.
Wow.
Well I want to thank you for coming in and showing how to empower.
And I want to thank you for your story and encouraging other women out there.
Also, make those dreams come true.
And thank you for helping her to do that.
Thanks.
Thank you.
So glad to have you on set today.
Really inspiring.
And if you'd like more information, you can also visit us at TheBalancingAct.com or get
social.
Log on to Facebook/TheBalancingActFans.
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