Empowering Families Through Financial Literacy: Barbara’s Story

At Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, we are committed to helping individuals and families achieve financial security through education, support, and empowerment. One of the most inspiring stories of success from our Loan and Financial Education Program (LFED) is that of Barbara, a single mother who was determined to improve her family’s financial future.

Barbara’s Struggles: A Single Mother’s Journey

Barbara, a hardworking single mother of a 7-year-old daughter, spent hours commuting each week just to get to work. With no car of her own, she relied on public transportation, family, and friends—or, as a last resort, walked to work. Barbara’s dream was simple: to own a car, which would allow her to spend more quality time with her daughter instead of wasting precious hours commuting. However, despite years of financial struggle, Barbara couldn’t afford a car, and she didn’t know where to turn for help.

Turning to Catholic Charities for Help

Everything changed when Barbara was referred to Catholic Charities’ Loan and Financial Education Program. Our dedicated LFED team met with Barbara to understand her goals, and they quickly learned that what she truly wanted was more time with her daughter. The burden of long commutes was taking away from the time she could spend with her family.

Achieving Financial Independence

Through the Loan and Financial Education Program, Barbara learned how to manage her finances, create a personal budget, and plan for her financial future. With the support and guidance of our team, Barbara was able to qualify for a loan and purchase the car she had long dreamed of owning. This newfound independence meant less time commuting and more time with her daughter.

But Barbara’s journey didn’t stop there. With continued support from Catholic Charities and other community partners, Barbara was able to move into her own apartment, taking another major step toward financial stability. The budgeting skills she learned through the LFED program have empowered her to manage her monthly expenses, and she now feels confident in her ability to build a secure future for her family.

The Role of Catholic Charities’ Loan and Financial Education Program

The LFED team at Catholic Charities helps individuals and families achieve financial security by providing essential financial education. We work with clients regardless of their credit history, offering personalized support to help them manage their budgets, build credit, and improve their financial well-being. Through one-on-one coaching, our team equips clients with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions and achieve their long-term goals.

Financial Literacy: A Basic Need

As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, it’s a reminder that financial literacy is not a luxury—it’s a basic need. At Catholic Charities, we are proud to offer programs like the Loan and Financial Education Program that empower individuals to take control of their financial future.

Support for the Loan and Financial Education Program

Funding for the Loan and Financial Education Program is generously provided by Bankwell, DR Bank, Fieldpoint Private, First County Bank, and Patriot Bank. This program was also made possible, in part, by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut.

Get Involved and Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about the Loan and Financial Education Program or would like to support our efforts, please contact Diane Barston at [email protected] or call 203-767-4854 in the Norwalk/Stamford area. You can also visit our Loan and Financial Education Program webpage for more information.

Together, we can help more families like Barbara’s achieve financial independence and build a brighter future.

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