As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we reflect on the 34th birthday that we celebrated this summer at Operation HOPE. 34 years of being an integral part of the American dream, from homeownership to entrepreneurship to generational wealth. 34 years of stories from the clients we’ve served; stories filled with tears, perseverance, hope, and resilience.
So, we decided to try something new this year: we invited clients to join virtual celebrations held throughout the day on our actual birthday. With over 120 clients and coaches coming together to share their stories, we are reminded that the fabric of America is at its strongest when people come together. There is strength in community, in service toward others, and in the way pride is passed down through struggle of the generation before.
For example, Crystal is celebrating a new start for her and her child, one with safety and stability that they previously did not have. She connected with Financial Wellbeing Coach Kevin Cooper through a transitional living program when she escaped domestic violence in her previous home. Kevin guided her through budgeting, money management, and credit building. Her new money habits have resulted in an incredible increase in her credit score, from the low/mid 500s to over 800.
Now, Crystal is able to raise her child in her own home, creating a better future for the both of them. She shared, “I went from being a single mom with no confidence to now I have financial confidence. I have two savings accounts… I have gotten off of all government assistance… I have pulled myself up so far that, almost two years ago today, I got approved to have a Habitat house built for me and my kid. I got the keys to that house almost a week ago!”
Whereas Crystal leaned on Operation HOPE for a financially-sound path toward homeownership, Dante looked for guidance in the business world. Dante opened his business in 1977 in high school and has been through decades of training, but he shared that he had never submitted a business plan due to lack of trust. All of that all changed when he met Small Business Development Coach Linden Jackson.
He explained, “The world opened up for me after I did the Linden Jackson [Small Business Development Program] cohort. Being with Mr. Jackson, who looked like me, I felt a trust factor.” He finally submitted his first business plan, which led to a cascade of tangible outcomes: a $500 prize from a pitch competition, a $25,000 federal grant, and a $100,000 SBA loan, followed by another $50,000 loan—all directly tied to the official plan he created with Linden’s guidance.
For some, the biggest win is peace of mind during retirement planning, as Jasmine would tell you. She had faced financial setbacks which dropped her credit score from near 800 to the low 600s. However, Credit & Money Management Coach Lakita Fox guided her through practical steps to get back on track: paying down $2,500 in credit cards, $24,000 in a loan, and building $7,000 in savings. Jasmine’s credit score is rising, and she is on track to retire earlier than expected.
Jasmine said that Lakita gave her the space to face her financial situation with dignity. She shared, “I thought because of all the bad choices I made that my retirement would be pushed out a lot further than it’s going to be. And I’ve realized now that I have choices that I didn’t realize I had… I’m blessed that I had her come into my life and help me get straight at this point in my life.”
Our clients come to us from different backgrounds with different life experiences, but they are joined in one truth: they didn’t have to walk this road alone. Today, we celebrate their courage in reaching out, their determination to make their lives better, and the ripple effect their financial wellbeing has on each of their communities.