The Latino Dream
When Aurelio Ambrosio arrived in Charlotte, he came with big dreams, hands full of hard work, and a heart full of hope. Originally from the state of Puebla, Mexico, Aurelio began his journey working in a restaurant. But it wasn’t long before he discovered a new opportunity, landscaping. With the help of a friend, he learned the trade and gradually planted the seeds of what is now his own landscaping business, where he now works side by side with his sons.
Aurelio’s story with LCCU began thanks to a realtor who pointed him in the right direction as he was trying to achieve one of his biggest dreams: owning a home. “He told me, let’s go to LCCU, they’ll help you with the loan,” Aurelio recalls. And that’s exactly what happened. With the support of Verónica, a loan officer he remembers fondly, he was able to obtain a mortgage loan using his ITIN, at a time when other institutions requiredfar more documentation. “It was easy,” says Aurelio, highlighting how the Credit Union not only understood his situation, but believed in him. The experience was more than just a financial transaction. It was the beginning of a lasting relationship with an institution that, according to him, has been key to his personal and professional growth. “With the house, the business, putting my money to work… all of that has helped me a lot.”
But not everything has been easy. During one of the hardest times in his life, Aurelio lost everything. “They stole everything from me,” he shares. “I wanted to give up, but then I told myself, no, I have to keep going.” With determination, and the support of his family and the Credit Union, Aurelio got back on his feet. “That’s what I tell my kids… the Latino dream. If you dream it, you have to work for it and make it happen.”
Over the years, he also participated in financial education classes offered by the Credit Union at the South Blvd branch. “Sometimes we just don’t know, we have no idea, but they have the tools, the knowledge to tell you: do this, try that… and that’s how you move forward.” The lessons stuck with him. Today, Aurelio continues building his business, proud of what he’s achieved and grateful for the people who have supported him along the way. He speaks fondly of the Charlotte Meridian team and other Credit Union staff, praising their charisma, patience, and willingness to help. “There are excellent people at LCCU. They tell you, ‘Don’t stress, we’re here to solve it.’ That’s not easy to find.”
Although he’s already achieved many goals, Aurelio keeps dreaming. He plans to buy another home, this time, for his children. And he knows exactly where to turn if he needs help: “If they want to get ahead, they should go to the Latino Credit Union. From experience, I can tell you… they just might succeed.” After nearly two decades in Charlotte, Aurelio still lives in the same home he was able to buy thanks to Verónica and the Credit Union. That house is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of hard work, resilience, and community. “Look how far we’ve come,” he says proudly. And there’s no doubt, Aurelio has come a long way.