Client Stories: Maria Rojas, Changing Lives One at a Time
Maria Rojas stood on the sidewalk, hugging her three children, Rudy, 20, Steven, 17, and Stephanie, 16, as tears streamed down her cheeks. “They are tears of joy,” she said.
After a long and arduous journey, Maria's unwavering determination finally bore fruit. She received her United States residency card, a testament to her resilience and the indomitable strength of her spirit. This significant milestone now allows her to travel freely to her native Mexico, a journey that was once a distant dream.
With a transformative $5,000 loan from Inclusive Action, Maria embarked on a new chapter of her life. This loan was not just a financial catalyst, but a lifeline that allowed her to start her own business as a street vendor in Highland Park. As a single mother, this opportunity provided her with the means to provide for her children and build a better future.
“The more I work, the more I earn,” said Maria, her voice filled with gratitude towards her community that had not only patronized her business but also supported her in her journey towards self-sufficiency.
Yet, Inclusive Action was more than a lending institution for Maria. It was a bridge that connected her to Angel Lalama, an immigration attorney in Los Angeles, who played a pivotal role in helping her fulfill her dream of obtaining a residency card. Inclusive Action not only provided financial support but also connected Maria with the right resources. The community is not one-dimensional and has many needs. We are here to fill them.
“It was an honor to help her,” said Angel.
Angel said Maria had gone to an unscrupulous lawyer who had taken all her money but had done nothing for her. Unfortunately, this happens. “I took the case to right that wrong,” said Angel, who works pro bono depending on the case. “Immigration is one of the many issues street vendors face.” The process took a year but was well worth the wait for Maria.
“The role Inclusive Action plays is essential and builds trust in the Latino community. They not only provide loans but also connect borrowers with the right resources when needed,” said Angel.
As an immigration attorney in L.A., Angel sees how much need there is for services and honest brokers. Inclusive Action, for instance, has responded to this need by partnering with immigration attorneys like Angel to provide free legal advice to borrowers.
For Maria, her life is going in the right direction, and she encourages anyone who either needs a loan or access to resources, to reach out to Inclusive Action..
“I’m grateful to my friend Carmen who told me about the organization. They help you right away.”