Accomplishments
Since January 2011
Prevented Foreclosures
NEW assisted more than 188 families in keeping their homes.
Increased Family Incomes
NEW helped 275 families increase their income for a total impact of $1.7 million in family resources.
Educated Homebuyers
NEW certified almost 1,594 people in 8-hour homebuyer education workshops
A Suitcase Full of Dreams
Juan Quintana came to this country with little more than his “suitcase of dreams.”At NEW, Juan found steady employment as a janitor. As Juan worked hard, so did his children who attended NEW Academy and did well in school and in music.Today Juan is saving to achieve another big dream in his backpack – buying a home of his own through the NEW CASA program. You can help others like Juan Quintana achieve their dreams by making a donation to NEW this holiday season. DONATE NOW
NEW’s Awards
NEW has received numerous awards over the years for innovation in the field of economic development. But the real rewards are the triumphs of the families NEW serves.
Support NEW and help us continue to offer important services like Foreclosure Prevention workshops.
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Success Stories
Student Loses Weight, Gains Confidence
Jonathan, a 13-year old middle school student, had been part of NEW’s After School Learning Center Program since he was in second grade. He had always been very outspoken but upon reaching middle school, his demeanor changed dramatically. Once extroverted, he become reserved and timid. Jonathan confided in the Learning Center staff that he was sometimes bullied at school because of his weight, so they encouraged him to become less sedentary and more physically active by joining the new Teen Learning Center basketball team. When the instructors added NEW’s “Salsa, Sabor y Salud,” health and wellness program into the after school curriculum, Jonathan became the most enthusiastic participant. After learning about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, Jonathan reduced his portions, drank fewer soft drinks, and started reading the nutrition facts on food labels. He even joined the Teen Learning Center’s running program.
Impressed by his dedication and progress, Jonathan’s family supported his efforts. His mother asked the Learning Center staff for advice on healthy recipes and where to buy ingredients. His father took him running weekly, and their activity influenced his younger brother to join the running program too. Soon Jonathan was running three to five miles a week in addition to improving his eating habits.
The family’s combined efforts paid off. Jonathan lost 30 pounds and his success elevated his self-esteem and confidence. After losing the weight he reported having more friends and being treated better by his peers. He continued to excel academically while increasing his involvement in extracurricular activities. Jonathan became the Teen After-School Learning Center’s Vice President and Treasurer and, committed to maintaining his health and physical fitness, he joined his school’s soccer team. Jonathan commented, “The Salsa workshops taught me what I should and shouldn't eat and how to choose healthy choices instead of unhealthy ones.” He added proudly, “Before the program, I used to get tired after running two laps around a basketball court. Now I can run 5 miles without stopping."
Jonathan’s story shows how young people are often willing to adopt a healthier lifestyle but simply need some structure, guidance and support.  A New Home in a New Land
A young couple came to the United States to leave the hardship and civil unrest of their homeland El Salvador to seek a better life. Leaving everything behind and starting from scratch was a struggle but they managed. They settled into the rhythm of life in Los Angeles and, after a few years, started a family. As their children grew, their apartment felt smaller and more crowded. They began dreaming of becoming homeowners.
They tried unsuccessfully to secure a home loan on their own. After their failed efforts, they sought help. They acquired a list of organizations that provide home buying assistance and ultimately selected New Economics for Women because NEW does not charge for its services.
They started the process by attending a NEW homeownership workshop. Then they were assigned their own NEW homeownership counselor, Marcia Vila. Ms. Vila worked closely with them to fix their credit issues and guided them through the home buying process. There were a few setbacks, but the family did successfully purchase a NEW CASA home. The father was touched by Marcia’s patience throughout the process, declaring her to be “an angel.” “It’s not easy, but it’s not hard to buy a home,” he reflected. “As long as you have all the necessary documents and help from NEW, anyone can be a home owner.”
Meant to Be
 “Look for opportunities” Sonia Curiel told herself as she supported her parents and her sixteen year-old brother. “Never give up” was her motto as she continued to pursue her dream of home ownership even after five years of disappointments working with various organizations and banks. Finally, Sonia came to New Economics for Women and discovered the NEW CASA program. Then things quickly fell into place.
“She is a very courageous woman” commented NEW homeownership counselor Marcia Villa. “She already had so much responsibility yet she was determined to buy a home to make things better for her family.”  Marcia worked closely with Sonia to develop a financial plan and assess what Sonia could afford. Reviewing the houses on the market, Sonia discovered exactly the right house for her family, the one she had wanted for so long. Said Sonia, “I knew this home with NEW was meant to be.”
She started the home buying processes and six months later, Sonia and her family moved into the home of her dreams. “I want to show my most sincere gratitude to NEW,” said Sonia. “Everyone at NEW went above and beyond their duties to help me. I have much respect for everyone at NEW.” And we at NEW have much respect for first time homeowners like Sonia, who don’t give up but instead seek out the help they need to achieve their goals.
First Time Homeowners Start with "Practically Nothing"
Marco Vazquez and son Anthony (4) receive the keys from NEW Homeownership Counselor Jorge Leiva while Marco's mother Manuela, Jenifer (12) Claudia Hernandez holding baby Allison and Claudia Lizette (17) look on.
Marco Vasquez said he and Claudia Hernandez had never before considered they could be homeowners until NEW’s Smart Consumer Program planted the seeds of possibility. Realizing they had to change their spending habits and learn how to save, the couple developed a strict budget and cut expenses. With coaching and support from NEW, Marco and Claudia negotiated and lowered their debts. They met with a financial counselor, reviewed their credit history and opened a United Way IDA - Individual Development Account. Within two years they reached a new level of financial stability -- a great personal milestone!
Encouraged by their own progress, Claudia and Marco attended a First Time Home Buyer (FTHB) education workshop and learned everything they could to prepare themselves. They met with a NEW housing counselor who assessed their home buying readiness and guided them through the entire home purchase process. With help from their NEW housing counselor, Claudia and Marco took advantage of several FTHB programs including mortgage pre-qualification and loan pre-approval. As a result, they secured United Way funds to match their savings through the IDA program and down payment assistance through a special City of Los Angeles program. It was a long road, no doubt about it, but Marco and Claudia stayed the course and it paid off.
Four years after moving into Tierra del Sol with, as Marco declared, “practicamente nada” [practically nothing], the Vazquez-Hernandez family moved again. But this time around, Claudia, Marco and their children were filled with pride and a well-earned sense of accomplishment as they moved into the very first home they could call their own.
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