When people are supported with the right tools and community, they thrive – and, often, give back. Meet Sharycel, a determined mother, educator, and community leader building a stronger future with help from JPNDC. 

Sharycel first connected with JPNDC at the Rafael Hernandez School, a bilingual public school with deep roots in Boston’s Latino community. The Friends of the Hernandez (FOH) is one of the many partners where JPNDC mobility coaches travel to provide on-site workshops and reach people in community settings.

That’s how she met Joanne, JPNDC’s Associate Director of Economic Mobility Services. Their first financial coaching session grew into an ongoing relationship that continues to shape Sharycel’s life in meaningful ways. 

“Joanne made everything easier to understand,” Sharycel says. “I’m working toward buying a home and getting a car, and she broke it down step by step.” 

Financial coaching opened her eyes, she says, to how her small spending habits were adding up. Now she is saving and prioritizing her goals. 

What’s more, she shares what she’s learned. “I teach parents from the Hernandez community, and I created a small section on finances,” she said. “Everyone was surprised by how much they were spending without realizing it. I laughed because that was exactly how I felt.” 

Sharycel’s love for helping others shines through. Her teaching role evolved from her participation in FOH’s innovative Primeras Maestras (First Teachers) program, which turns parents’ linguistic and child-rearing skills into tools for economic stability by training them as dual language educators. As the Assistant Manager of FOH’s adult education offerings, she helps fellow parents learn English, Spanish, computer skills, and classroom support. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to her 10-year-old son who attends the same school. In her free time, she enjoys painting, crafting, and making miniature clay figurines. One of her dreams is to turn her creativity into a business to build a better future for her family. 

“I am not all the way there yet, but every time I talk to Joanne, I learn something new,” she said. “JPNDC feels like family. I always recommend it to anyone who needs support.” 

Do you know someone working toward financial goals or looking for guidance? JPNDC can help. Contact us at prosperityservices@jpndc.org.