Our Daily Bread Program Brings Financial Skills to Latino Families

Our Daily Bread sponsored a budgeting class April 30 to help members of the Fairfax Latino community build their financial independence by learning basic budgeting skills. The event helped area families overcome cultural, educational and language barriers that often prevent them from achieving financial solvency.More than 350 families attended the event, which was cosponsored by Commerce Bank and the Hispanic Committee of Virginia (HCV).

The class, taught by a certified housing counselor and HCV instructor, helped attendees understand budgeting and credit reports, and also covered homeowner’s rights and responsibilities.

“Many of my families don’t understand that you cannot just walk away from a house and its mortgage when money gets tight,” said Ana Bauserman, a Fairfax High School parent liaison who helped organize the event. “They need to be educated.”

ODB Acting Executive Director Lisa Whetzel said the class helped the community meet an immediate need. “We're thrilled with the positive response to this class,” Whetzel said, “because it is a proactive measure to help a valuable and fragile population within our community build self-sufficiency.”

While adults learned about budgeting, children participated in the CommerceWOW!Zone, a fun, one-of-a-kind financial literacy program developed by Commerce Bank. Attendees also enjoyed a dinner catered by Guapos Restaurant, compliments of Commerce Bank.

“We’re proud not only to provide a valuable and much-needed service, but also serve as a link between these families and the greater Fairfax community,” Whetzel said.

For more information about the event, please contact Lisa Whetzel, exdir@odbfairfax.org.