Always Look On The Bright Side
Don Jose, originally from Mexico, has lived a life of hard work. From a young age, as the second of eleven siblings, he learned what it meant to sacrifice for others. He washed cars, worked in the fields, did landscaping, carried tools, all to help support his parents, siblings and his own family. His motivation has always been his children, one of them, José Apolinar, is now both his work and life partner. Together, they began a new path, first cutting grass with a small machine on weekends. Then, little by little, they bought tools, sometimes with savings, sometimes in secret, trusting that their effort would pay off. Don Jose says: “Life has taught me that when you fall, you get back up… and work.”
What started as a small project grew into something more. Remodeling, concrete, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, between the two of them, they began doing it all. José brought his knowledge from Mexico and Don Jose, his lifelong experience. Today, they dream of owning their own company. But starting a business is not easy. That’s why Don Jose sought financial support. It was his son José Jr. a member for two years, who told him about LCCU. “I walked in badly dressed, as always,” Don Jose jokes with a smile, “but they treated me with patience, with advice, with kindness. And I stayed.”
Since then, Don Jose has become an active member, almost part of the team at the LCCU Charlotte Meridian branch. He comes every week walking, by car, or someone brings him. He sits down, talks, shares photos of his grandson, and discusses his plans. For the staff, he is more than a member. He is family. “Here I don’t just keep my savings,” Don Jose says. “Here I trust.” And that trust goes both ways. Because in his words, his example, and his story, there is something that inspires everyone who knows him. Don Jose continues working every day. He believes it is never too late to start, to save, or to dream. He repeats this to the young people he works with, teaching them to value time, money, and opportunity. “If you can save five dollars, do it. And if you can invest later, even better. But first, you have to learn to save.”
Today, Don Jose has a small house, a little piece of land, tools, and savings. But more than that, he has hope. He has seen his children graduate, also become hard workers, and grow. And now, he stands alongside his son José Jr. in this new shared dream. “The bad things in life, you have to take them for good,” he says. “Because if I hadn’t gone through hard times… I wouldn’t be where I am today.” And thanks to members like him, LCCU can also dreams bigger, with new products, new accounts for entrepreneurs, and new opportunities for those, like Don Jose and his son, who are working to build a better future together.