BSP programs help LA sisters
BSP programs have helped Los Angeles sisters, Vilma and Karla
Originally from El Salvador, Karla moved to the U.S. in 1993. She is the mother of three children: a 31-year-old, and also 24-year-old twins. Since arriving in the U.S., Karla has worked as a property service worker (janitor) during the night shifts. She currently resides with her family in Los Angeles.
Karla learned about BSP programs through her sister Vilma, who, along with her husband, has been participating in BSP's Financial Capabilities programs for years. Making an average of $36,000 per year, many workers in low-wage industries live paycheck to paycheck without emergency or retirement savings.
BSP’s Financial Capabilities program offers training and 1-on-1 coaching to help workers meet their financial goals and achieve economic stability.
Karla learned from her sister, Vilma how helpful it is to utilize BSP's tax preparation services. As an accredited VITA site, BSP can file taxes, ITIN applications and renewals, assist with the creation of payment plans, and educate around ways to save refunds, free of charge.
Karla shared, “Every class I’ve attended has helped me feel more informed. I’ve learned about saving accounts like Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so I can plan for my retirement.”
“Previously, I only got some information from TikTok, but now I feel more confident getting accurate information from BSP and the credit unions they partner with.”
Recently, both Karla and Vilma have also both joined BSP's Cafecitos classes, which are offered to engage BSP program participants to successfully lay the foundation for ongoing support and engagement, empowering workers to voice their concerns and seek resources.
"I feel empowered to make informed decisions. I would recommend BSP classes to my coworkers, and I actively invite them because I always feel welcomed and learn something new when I come to these classes,” said Karla.