Our Impact

We’re here to help you succeed

Did you know a family that owns assets also has the means to survive economic hardship today and provide security for tomorrow? By investing in single moms, WANDA multiplies the effect of its program by improving the happiness, security, and success of not just single moms, but of their children.

Since WANDA’s founding:

WANDA clients have collectively invested over $1 million in assets

WANDA clients have invested in homes, college educations, retirement savings, and new businesses

Clients on average increase incomes up to $10,000 and boost credit scores by 100 points

The retention rate in the three-year program is 87%. Clients report higher levels of personal confidence and financial stability

What we have learned most of all, is that WANDA graduates learn to invest in themselves and wish to pass along what they’ve learned and earned to their children. Indeed, more than 65% of the children of clients have started their own savings accounts.

“I came into WANDA wanting to help my kids, but I realized through the program that I had to invest in myself. I used my savings for my own education. I am proud to say I am a second year nursing student and will graduate next May. I am excited for my future and for my kids’ futures.”
Daisy Salmeron

2012 WANDA graduate

Success Stories

Alumna Spotlight: Corinna Chan

Corinna Chan's journey with WANDA has been one of perseverance and transformation. Originally a member of cohort 13, financial difficulties made it impossible for Corinna to save for several months, forcing her to drop out of the program. However, she refused to...

Alumna Spotlight: Blanca Medina

A huge congratulations to one of our amazing Alumnas Blanca Medina for recently facilitating WANDA’s new Financial Literacy class focused on budgeting.  We are thrilled to announce that she will be the lead facilitator for our next partnership cohort with...

DiversityInc Profiles WANDA Mom, Charisse

WANDA alumna Charisse Fontes shares her story in this DiversityInc article, "Race, Homelessness and the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility." Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3YWZ3u5 "When Fontes was homeless, she was determined to improve...

Alumna Spotlight: Charisse Fontes

At the end of last year, one of our very own alumna Charisse Fontes had a full circle moment as she taught one of WANDA’s most popular seminars, “The Value of Traditions.” The seminar allows our moms to explore what makes a tradition and how they have opportunities...

WANDA Graduate Esmeralda Rubi Garcia – Profile of Success

“I have volunteered in so many different nonprofit organizations over the last 7 years. To be frank I’m not sure where exactly or who directed me to WANDA but, what I do know is that it has been a huge blessing. I wanted to join WANDA because they offered so many...

Susana Jimenez: Tenacity and resourcefulness pays off

Congratulations to Susana and her family! This summer Susana’s offer on a house in Bay Point was accepted, her WANDA matching funds were wired to the lender, and she closed on her home in late August. She’ll move into her new home with her two sons in October....