Finding Confidence, One Baby Step at a Time

When Sharon (name changed) first discovered the Comprehensive Community Supports program at JFS, she carried years of anxiety about household finances.

“I am a long-time widowed single parent,” she notes. “My late husband always managed the money in our family. Since he knew so much and we were doing well, I didn’t ask. Big mistake!”

Sharon learned about CCS through her synagogue’s bulletin and was surprised to discover the program was free. Her goal was simple but daunting: to stop being afraid of managing things like taxes, school loans, and investments.

“Working with my CCS Client Support Specialist, Alicia Hernandez, has been terrific,” Sharon says. “She listens, answers questions, and provides guidance. She encourages me not to be so afraid, and to take baby steps.”

Together, they’ve tackled both the practical and emotional sides of financial wellness. “We meet bi-weekly and discuss facts and feelings. When Alicia doesn’t know something, she finds out for me. With her guidance, I have come a long way. My credit score is in a great place. I even made my first investment.”

Sharon’s mental health has improved too.

“I can’t tell you how much my day-to-day worry and stress has decreased because of CCS,” she says. “I’m using the strategies Alicia and I created together, and I am implementing them on my own.”

Today, Sharon encourages others to seek help and build their financial confidence. In fact, she has already referred a close friend to CCS.

Sharon’s parting advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes, the first baby step can change everything.