Sheryl Says

When Covid hit and I started working from home, at first it was a dream come true! But then the days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. I had no idea that gardening would be a big help to the anxiety I was beginning to feel. I learned how to grow clean healthy foods and a more nourishing way to eat. Thanks to Chef Pearl, I also learned how to prepare and cook the food I grew (and more!) and because of “Dinner and a Movie” I’m learning about the injustices and poor policies that negatively impact farmers all around America.

Thanks Nicole, Jim, Chef Pearl, and Justin – because of you, my world got a lot bigger.

Katerina Shares her Story:

I reached out to Isles after learning about their lead hazard abatement work, and had Bennett Sims and his crew come out and test my home for health hazards. Sure enough, we tested positive for lead and needed to have it abated. There is a senior citizen and a young child in my home, so the lead was a big health concern. But, we have over 18 windows and two entryways and even though we already knew that the windows and doors needed to be replaces for energy efficiency, the cost was prohibitive for my low-income family.

Mr. Sims was extremely professional and helped us to understand the process and how home environmental hazard affect our health and potential for self-reliance. He assured us that the process would not be a burden and the finished product would be a welcome improvement to the lives of those of us who live there. Mr. Sims was there every steop of the way, making sure that the quality of the work was excellent and the project was well-organized. I am so impressed!

I hope that other low-income families who would be unable to afford the abatement and replacement on their own will benefit by applying for this program. It works!

-Katerina

Jim & Leilani's Story:

Last year, Jim and Leilani decided the time was right to purchase their first home. Fortunately, Jim knew just where to turn; he had utilized Isles Financial Solutions’ services years ago to improve his credit and reduce his debt. He knew that Isles also provides assistance to first-time homebuyers. In fact, he had seen these services in action as he had watched several co-workers achieve their dream of homeownership with the help of Isles. Now it was Jim’s turn.

Jim and Leilani met with Kit Patel and Patricia Berhau at Isles to review their situation and discuss the mortgage process. The couple found working on their budget to be one of the most helpful parts of the counseling. “I had no idea where my money was going. I just knew that at the end of the month, most of my money was gone and I couldn’t save a lot.” Jim credits this budget work with his ability to save more to meet the down payment and closing costs requirements for purchasing. “That was the key to me buying the home.” Isles was able to match the couple’s savings of $1,750 with a grant for $3500 through the NJ Department of Community Affairs Individual Development Account program. Jim’s advice to others looking to improve their finances and purchase a home? “Get with the Isles [counselors]. They know what they’re doing!”