Olivia Garza joined the Family Self-Sufficiency program on September 1, 2013. Olivia’s main goal was to become self-sufficient by achieving economic independence through attaining employment. Through hard work and dedication, Olivia completed all the goals she set for herself. She earned her RDA in June of 2014 and began to work as a registered dental assistant in February of 2017 at Pacific Dental Services in Shafter, California. Her second goal was accomplished early in 2017 when she became TANF free.

Olivia achieved additional goals through budget and credit counseling by taking eleven courses on My Financial Academy. She completed all the mandatory courses including, Debt Management, Understanding and Managing your Credit Score, and many more to help her build her credit and manage her finances. Olivia also attended the Wells Fargo Home Ownership workshop on April 3, 2018 to help guide her start in the process of purchasing a home.

Olivia’s graduation date from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program was set to be on June 30, 2018. Her date was extended to June 30, 2019 due to a maternity leave period to give her time to return to work and show job retention. Olivia was able to fulfill all her requirements, and achieve the goals she set for herself. She is now in the process of becoming a first-time home owner and has continued her employment with Pacific Dental Services.