Youth. Speak. Change.
Opportunities come and go, but for Natalie Murillo, her recent opportunity has been taking her places. Natalie purchased a 2012 Honda Accord with the support of the Opportunity Passport™ program. Natalie says she is thankful for the help she got because it would have taken her two to three times longer to save the money she needed to buy her car.
Not only did Natalie save money, she now saves time. “Growing up in the system, you are always on someone else’s time; going to work and appointments.” She shared freedom is a luxury that comes with owning a car. “Now, I am able to choose when and where I want to go,” said Natalie.
With her own savings in hand, Natalie was able to double her money through the program’s match savings funds. Ready to make her purchase, she met with Opportunity Passport Coordinator, Gerardo Novoa. She says Gerardo stayed with her through the entire process, from keeping in touch online until she drove off the dealership car lot. She is very thankful for the funds and support she received through the program and recommends anyone looking to purchase a car using Opportunity Passport stay connected to the staff.
“Keep in touch, one simple email,” she said. Although moving around from time to time can be part of life, Natalie highlighted, the support team from the Opportunity Passport™ program is there for you, not matter what the circumstance.
It’s that time again- Opportunity Passport™ April Survey Month! Young adults enrolled in the Opportunity Passport™ program NEED to complete their participant survey by Sunday, April 30th 2017. This is your chance to tell us how the program is working for you!
Why is this important? First, by completing the survey you automatically receive $$$$$40 (that’s like 8 coffees from Starbucks!). Secondly, by completing the survey it ensures you remain active in the program. The Opportunity Passport™ coordinator is reaching out to all enrolled youth, so be sure to check your voicemail’s and emails with survey details. When you are ready to take your survey, click HERE and on the right side bar you will see “TAKE THE SURVEY”!
For more information on how to take your survey, or if you are having trouble accessing your survey, reach out to the Opportunity Passport™ coordinator at: cynnetta.boykin@rescue.org
As an Arizona State University senior and Nina Mason Pulliam scholar studying engineering management, Eric has a full schedule. With the match savings component of the Opportunity Passport™ program, Eric used his savings for something that would help ease his busy schedule…a car!
With my savings I purchased a Nissan Altima. Having a car helps me be more consistent and reliable for school as well as working a part time job. It allows me to attend various school activities and expands my employment and housing options, as I can look beyond a 2-mile radius. Currently, I am looking for a summer internship and by having a car I don’t feel as confined to a certain area. I finally have more mobility and freedom. Plus, now I can take road trips!”
Eric said he was fortunate to have prior knowledge on savings and budgeting from the group home he lived in. However, the Opportunity Passport™ program expanded on that knowledge. “It helped me figure out the cost of car insurance, the amount I need to save and budget to afford living on my own, as well as how to build financial stability by investing in stocks and bonds.”
Eric’s next goal is to use his savings match towards graduate school! Hear from other young adults like Eric who have purchased assets such as a car, aiding in their goal to independence.
“Cynnetta (Opportunity Passport™ coordinator) taught me a lot! I learned how to save for the future to create financial stability, balance my budget, and establish my priorities.”
As an Opportunity Passport™ participant, Mario used his savings for a down payment and holding fee on his very own apartment!
Mario is one of many young adults who experience foster care and housing instability.
I was homeless for about a year until I got a job which allowed me to get an apartment. By having my savings matched with the Opportunity Passport™ program, I moved from a studio bedroom into a place with more space.”
“It’s great living independently!” Mario loves the freedom of living on his own, working around his own schedule and feeling a sense of consistency.
“Through Opportunity Passport™, I learned about resources and supports to help people like me who have experienced foster care move forward. Everything from transportation to healthcare, I really appreciate that!”
Mario’s next steps are to attend Phoenix College and pursue a Bachelor of Arts in music so he can write and produce! You can “Support a Path” for young adults like Mario in providing housing stability as well as education support by clicking here.
Your sponsorship is the gift that keeps on giving.