United, Alma is Homeward Bound
A devoted mother, Alma Pinpin wants her four year-old son Chale to have every opportunity in the world.
So much so, she and husband Vince left their home in the Philippines and moved halfway around the world to Winnipeg nearly three years ago.
A marketing professional in the Philippines, Vince couldn't compete for the same work here without upgrading his skills. He took jobs in a call centre, as a bed assembler and even selling knives door to door - while Alma stayed home to look after Chale.
Home for the family since arriving in Canada has been a small apartment off St. Anne's Road.
So when a friend told Alma about a program that could help the family save for a down payment on a house, she jumped at the opportunity.
Alma enrolled in a matched savings program through the AssetBuilders Partnership (ABP) in 2007. The ABP is a collaboration between partners in the community, SEED Winnipeg and Assiniboine Credit Union, mobilized by United Way of Winnipeg.
"Asset-building programs have been around for some time helping Winnipeggers like Alma and her family work toward financial stability," says Andrew Douglas, program director for SEED Winnipeg .
"United Way was able to bring together the people and resources behind these programs to form a single partnership," he explains.
Asset-building helps participants regain a sense of control in their lives by teaching vital financial, employment and life skills. The ABP also offers savings incentives by matching participants' contributions. In only one year, Alma and Vince saved enough for the down payment on their very first home.
"I'm so happy," beams Alma. "I have my own kitchen and my husband has his own garage, and we can decorate however we like."
"Most importantly, Chale has a yard and lots of room to run and jump around," Alma says. "This house is our dream come true."
Through United Way and the AssetBuilders' Partnership, Alma and her family have truly found a home in Winnipeg.
