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Reliable Transportation and Furthering Education

Posted by Freedom First Credit Union on Sep 6, 2022 9:39:43 AM
Freedom First Credit Union

Alicia Slawson

Alicia made a resolution not to accumulate a lot of debt, but when a lack of credit history meant she couldn’t obtain a traditional auto loan, she realized that the Responsible Rides® program could be the solution for her. Alicia had very specific needs for her vehicle – she not only wanted to make sure her father and sister would feel comfortable riding in it, but she also needed to make sure it had enough space to store her sister’s walker and be easily accessible.

She worked with Kim English, Responsible Rides® Coordinator, to find trusted dealerships who have built strong partnerships with the program. COVID-19 made the car buying experience extremely stressful due to shrinking inventory, supply chain disruptions, and financial uncertainty among potential sellers, but Alicia kept searching. Despite the unusual circumstances, Alicia was able to find the exact car she was searching for. She walked into her nearest Freedom First branch and picked up her check for the auto loan the same day.
 
This program is designed for hardworking people with low- to moderate- incomes who need reliable transportation to get to and from work, doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and everything many of us take for granted. Participants take part in financial education classes focused on both managing personal finances and car maintenance so they’re equipped to not only affordably purchase a car, but keep one in great shape for years to come. In 2020-2021, we loaned $1.2 Million to 113 borrowers in need of affordable, reliable transportation.
 
One feature of the Responsible Rides® program is a focus on financial literacy and education through the Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center. Alicia met with Araceli Ruiz, a professionally trained and certified Financial Empowerment Center counselor, who helped Alicia better understand her credit score and answered her questions about personal finance.
 
“I had no defense against Araceli’s optimism. She prompted me to think about furthering my education and increasing my marketable skills. Her focus and encouragement motivated me to start taking classes.”
 
A Salem native with a passion for women’s healthcare, Alicia now attends Virginia Western Community College where she studies Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. Araceli was the one who pointed Alicia in the direction of the Freedom First scholarship program that helped her take a step closer to this new goal by securing the funds to purchase a laptop for her online classes.
 
“I have really enjoyed being a member and all of the services Freedom First provides, especially the community aspect of it,” Alicia said when asked what drew her to Freedom First. “It seems like Freedom First really cares about making a difference in the community. It has made a difference in my life, and I’ve spread it around to other people.”

 

Topics: Our Impact, Auto Loans

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