An Ariva Client Story

When Elena Victoria arrived in New York City with her husband and daughter, their relocation from Argentina was not what they had expected. They imagined a different city, a different kind of new beginning—but when they moved to the Bronx, they knew no one, had no credit, no employment, and no roadmap. At least not yet. 

“Life in New York City was hard,” Elena recalls. “We moved here from Argentina thinking we had saved enough money, but the reality here was different. “ 

For the first few months, Elena and her family lived in a single room, depended on food banks, borrowed money, and waited for work permits. Just as her daughter was about to celebrate her sixth birthday, the turning point came: an introduction to Ariva through a local food assistance organization. Free financial counseling assistance with Daysi, Sidy, and Elizabeth, a few of Ariva’s financial counselors, opened the door to resources—and to hope. 

Taking Advantage of Free Financial Guidance

“Daysi didn’t just hand me a list of things to do; she gave me and my family guidance based on our personal circumstances. She taught us how to build credit, look for work, and fix our immigration status. That first meeting was like being handed a compass [to New York City’s financial system],” says Elena. 

That compass was more than technical free financial help—it was one-to-one, confidential, and centered in care. 

“What surprised me the most about working with Ariva wasn’t the information—it was their empathy,” Elena says. “They weren’t just financial professionals behind desks. They were people who checked in, who remembered us and our story. Sometimes it felt like, ‘They believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.’”

With every visit with Daysi, Elena and her family strengthened their financial skills—from filling out forms to building financial goals. They started dreaming again, too, about their new careers, launching a business, and permanent residency. Even setbacks, like a missed credit card payment that lowered Elena’s credit score, became lessons rooted in the practical guidance she received from Daysi. 

“We still go over our notes when we need to re-center and focus on our financial goals again,” Elena shares. 

Gratitude and Giving Back: Elena’s Next Chapter

Two years filled with hardship, growth, and resilience have led Elena to a place of clarity—not just about how far she has come, but about the path she now feels called to walk.

“We’ve learned so much,” she reflects. “Not just in theory, but by doing—by living each challenge, stumbling, and getting back up.” 

From the earliest days of navigating unfamiliar systems and cultural norms to building credit and filing documents she once couldn’t understand, Elena has transformed confusion into confidence.

“Ariva is a lighthouse in the middle of the storm. If you see a sign that says ‘Ariva,’ walk in. You’ll find people who care and guide you with heart, knowledge, and resources.” 

What comes next? Giving back. For Elena, her financial journey in the United States has created a deeper sense of purpose:

“Now I want to give back. I imagine there’s another woman out there like me, feeling lost who needs free financial help. I want to volunteer, to show them it’s possible.”

Elena wants to teach her daughter about empathy, service, and strength. “If one day she sees someone struggling, I want her to know it’s her turn to help “shine a light” when they can’t see the way.” 

Thank you to Elena and her family for sharing their story with us and our community. Don’t feel alone in your financial journey again. Our trusted financial counseling team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Learn more about our services, including debt counseling nyc, free tax preparation nyc, and our Ready to Rent program.

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