A Life Reborn, a Community Strengthened
Patricia Sánchez arrived in the United States with the dream of starting over. Originally from Mexico, her professional path had been diverse: nurse, teacher, and now she was looking to build a new life in a different country. Like many immigrants, she didn’t know what to expect: new laws, new systems, new processes… and many questions. But she also arrived with something very powerful: the guidance of a family friend. A friend who knew the credit union well and, seeing the newly arrived family, told them without hesitation: “You have to go to the Latino Credit Union.” He had already brought other people there before to guide them, and he knew they would find support.
And so, without an appointment and without knowing exactly what to do, Patricia, her father, and her family arrived at the Greensboro branch. From the very first moment, they felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff explained step-by-step how to open their accounts, how to apply for an ITIN, and how to start building a safe financial life in this new country. For Patricia, who had no knowledge of how the U.S. financial system worked, that first experience was an immense relief. “It was one less burden…” she recalls. Someone took the time to answer each of her questions. Over time, her relationship with the credit union transformed her life in ways she never imagined.
In Mexico, Patricia never thought she would be able to buy her own car. But in the United States, guided by the credit union team, she obtained her first auto loan. She discovered new tools for saving, like the savings-match program, which helped her double a portion of her savings. She took financial education classes and even graduated from them, something that filled her with pride and confidence. She learned about credit history, a completely new concept for her, and one that became essential for renting her home, managing her expenses, and supporting her son’s future. Today, even he has his own linked account, a step Patricia considers fundamental for forming good habits from a young age.
“You live day to day… but if you don’t prepare, emergencies catch you off guard.” That’s why she now shares this knowledge not only with her son but with many others in the community. Patricia works as an Education and Community Outreach Coordinator at FaithAction International House and at Mustard Seed Community Health, two organizations that support immigrants and refugees. Her daily mission is to connect newly arrived families with trustworthy resources. And one of those resources is, of course, the Latino Credit Union. The same support she received when she first arrived is now what she offers to others. “It’s an honor to bring our clients to a place I know is safe, a place I know will support them.”
Patricia has become an active voice, recommending the credit union to families who, like her, arrive without understanding the country’s financial system. Because for her, the credit union is not just a place where she keeps her money. It is a financial home, a space where she is understood, guided, and supported every step of the way. And today, her story serves as a guide for many others.