Sophia Mikell is a perfect example of someone who works hard and plays by the rules but struggles to pay the bills. Sophia lives with her two daughters, 21-year old Aliyah and 16-year old Alyssa, in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. She works as a car service dispatcher and plans on going back to school in the medical field. Ariva’s staff and volunteers helped Sophia get a refund of $8500, more than 40 percent of her annual salary. The refund will pay for rent and an emergency fund. Sophia told us she will also buy Aliyah a computer to celebrate her graduation from Lehman College. Sophia told us why she keeps coming back to Ariva: “You guys are friendly and helpful. It’s a warm feeling coming here.”Addressing the crowd at A Toast to Ariva, client Laura Morris shared how coming to have her taxes done at Ariva was like "seeing family" and that Ariva's financial education program helped her cut her debt in half.
–Sophia
Ariva Free Tax Preparation Client
Carla learned about Ariva through a friend three years ago. She came to Ariva once again because of the “excellent” service, and will receive a $7,600 refund. A bank teller from the Bronx, Carla will use her refund to pay eight months’ rent for herself and two children, eight-year old Jeremy and nine-month old Melanie. She also deposited $600 in her SaveUSA account and looks forward to receiving her 50 percent match. Carla added, “I love coming over here… People working here are very professional.”
–Carla
Ariva Free Tax Preparation Client
Jazmine was Ariva’s first SaveUSA client. She lives in the South Bronx and turned 22 years old the week she came to our 167th Street site. She supports her boyfriend and two children and was expecting a baby girl when she came to Ariva. Jazmine works at a sporting goods store and earned just over $9,000. When Ariva staff asked Jazmine about her savings goals, she said she wanted to put money away for her new little girl. She thought about what she could realistically save for one year and decided to put away $500 in a SaveUSA account. Jazmine was very excited to hear that if she can save the whole amount for one year, she’ll get an extra $250 for her little girl. Ariva’s dedicated staff and volunteers helped Jazmine get back more than $6,800 in a refund, including about $4,800 in the Earned Income Tax Credit.
–Jazmine
Ariva SaveUSA Client
Ariva also served Genevieve, a home health aide who supports her 20-year old daughter Chenelle and 14-year old granddaughter Flotashia. Genevieve immigrated from Antigua, became a U.S. citizen in 2003, and lives in the Bronx. She filed her return at H&R Block before, but then heard about Ariva through a friend. She earned $14,800 in 2010, and when the IRS-trained volunteers and staff filed her return, Genevieve was thrilled to learn she would receive a refund of almost $9,400, or 63 percent of her yearly income. Genevieve told us she would use the money to pay bills, tuition for her daughter and for an emergency fund. She said she is saving for “the future”. Genevieve added that she had a pleasant experience at Ariva, noting the team was “very friendly, efficient and very professional”.
–Genevieve
Quotes
I absolutely love it. I wish I could see classes like this on other topics. Now I have a clearer picture of what I need to do to have better financial behaviors. Thank you.”
–Anonymous, Ariva Financial Education Client
I like coming here – have been for the past three years. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful.”
–Leonardo, Ariva Tax Client
I really enjoyed this program. I learned a lot about how to manage my money. Thank you so much for having this!”
–Anonymous, Ariva Financial Education Client
Everyone’s friendly and nice. [Ariva] helped me get Food Stamps!”
–Carmel, Ariva Benefits Client
I am not afraid to talk to the debt collectors anymore.”
–Lindsay, Ariva Financial Education Client
Friendly environment for me… Getting my return done was like I received therapy. Everyone was patient, very efficient.”
–Gina, Ariva Tax Client
Since this program I have been able to hold my assets longer. I realize that I must make better choices about spending and savings for my future.”
–Patricia, Ariva Financial Education Client