“Sometimes you have to wonder if there isn’t a greater plan at work,” says Children’s Choice Home Center owner Debby Price. She simply marvels now at the series of fortuitous events that led to the success of her small business. She confesses that the thought of being her own boss terrified her at first, but help from United Way’s Family Savings program, and case management from program partner The Urban League, gave her the skill and courage to “go it on her own”.

This former preschool director recalls that her life took a turn for the worse when the daycare center at which she was employed began encountering financial difficulties. “They started bouncing paychecks,” she recalls.

She quickly realized that she had to do something about her future. With the help of the Family Savings program she was able to pursue her life long dream of opening her own childcare center. Debby says that through the program she gained the discipline she needed to manage her assets, and the wherewithal she needed to utilize the resources which are available for small business owners. Furthermore, thanks to the program’s $1:$1 match, she was able to buy the tools she needed to launch her business. “Networking is the key,” Debby proudly exclaims, “and thanks to the Family Savings program I was able to get what I needed to make my dreams come true.”