Thao

Thao and her husband moved to the U.S. in 2007 in hopes of providing a better life for their 3-year old daughter. Although she is still learning the English language, Thao went to work right away as a waitress. It hasn’t been easy for her to work, take care of her daughter, and adjust to the American way of life. But Thao is determined to build a future for herself and her family. Her goal is to become a hairdresser and one day have her own salon, but she doesn’t yet have the savings to enroll in cosmetology school. Referred by Opportunity Fund's partner - Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County - Thao  joined the IDA Savings program and learned how to better manage her family’s finances and put aside money so that she can enroll in school one day.

Today, Thao is saving every month. And now, with her savings growing in the bank, Thao knows that it will not be long before she can complete her training, receive her license, and start her hairdressing business. And that will be just the beginning. Because Thao plans to keep saving, for her future and for her daughter’s future.