Rozalia LaJune was working at a job that wasn’t very satisfying. Living paycheck to paycheck she was looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, to no avail.

At a crossroads in her personal and professional life and unemployed, she found out about TRAC Associates. A case manager there helped her navigate through some options and told her about Seattle Jobs Initiative. In March 2003 she enrolled in SJI’s Office Occupations program, where she learned skills she could apply successfully to the current work environment. After SJI’s graduation, Rozalia got a job at the City of Seattle.

Through SJI’s program Rozalia found a better way to lead her professional life.

“The financial literacy classes were very useful,” she says. “I didn’t realize how the money leaks I had in my daily budget prevented me from accomplishing my long-term financial goals.”

Rozalia cut out her daily morning muffins and coffee, and started bringing lunches to work. Not only did she create a strict budget, but she met with a financial mentor on a monthly basis to review her budget and seek financial guidance.

Rozalia’s self-discipline and patience paid off. In 2004, she was able to purchase a car through the Working Wheels program and by increasing her monthly payments by only $6 a month, she paid off her loan seven months ahead of schedule!

Her ultimate goal was to own a home.  Through SJI she learned about the HomeSight program. She qualified to open an Individual Development Account through the United Way of King County.  The program assists low-to moderate income individuals build financial assets. After three years of diligent work and saving, in October 2007 she moved into her very first, very own condominium.

“It required some hard work on a daily basis, but it feels great to have a stable job, that I would not have been able to get without the efforts of SJI.  It also feels great to be able to come to a home that I actually own.”

Today, Rozalia is working at the City of Seattle where she has received awards and now makes a living wage, with full benefits. In March 2009 it will be five years.  She looks forward to her next accomplishment, and is open to additional programs and career tracks.

“SJI came into my life at a crucial point and I will always be thankful.  I am a very, very lucky immigrant woman!”