When Ms. Brown first reached out to her loan officer, Ruth at Cadence Bank in Memphis, TN, she had one goal in mind—purchasing a home. However, with a credit score in the low 500s, she faced significant challenges in achieving that dream. Recognizing that she needed guidance, Ruth introduced her to Lester Watt, a Homeownership Coach with Operation HOPE.
From their very first conversation, Lester reassured Ms. Brown that homeownership was possible. He immediately set up a financial plan tailored to her needs, guiding her through budgeting, credit-building strategies, and financial literacy. With a structured roadmap in place, she followed his advice to the letter, making adjustments to her spending habits and focusing on building her credit.
Over the course of just six months, Ms. Brown’s credit score increased by more than 140 points. She gained not only financial confidence but also a completely new outlook on managing money. With her improved credit standing, she was able to move forward with her home purchase—an accomplishment she once thought was out of reach.
The impact of Operation HOPE’s coaching didn’t stop with her. Inspired by her journey, Ms. Brown’s mother also worked with Lester Watt and saw her credit score rise by 60 points in just three months. Their collective progress led to an incredible milestone—both mother and daughter successfully closed on their new home in July 2024.
Through the financial literacy she gained, Ms. Brown has transformed her approach to money management. She no longer lives paycheck to paycheck, prioritizes saving, and is instilling these lessons in her children and grandchildren, ensuring a legacy of financial empowerment for generations to come.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am for Mr. Watt and Operation HOPE,” Ms. Brown shared. “This journey has truly changed my life, and I now have the knowledge and confidence to build a secure financial future for myself and my family.”
Her story is a powerful testament to the transformational impact of financial coaching—proving that with the right support and dedication, homeownership and financial stability are possible.