La Plaza’s Bridges Programming Provides Pathway to Financial Stability

Jhonn and Lina came to La Plaza by way of the BY construction program. After moving to the US from Columbia, both were unemployed and vying to work in the construction industry. However, they wanted to do more than work. Jhonn and Lina had dreams of starting their own construction business. Joining a BY Construction program offered through La Plaza, they received a mix of classroom and hands-on learning including training in basic safety, construction math, hand and power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging and communication skills.

Before the BY Construction program, Jhonn was earning $15/hour. After graduation and becoming OSHA and NCCER Certified, he opened his construction company -Well Done Services, LLC -and is now earning $20/hour.

Through coaching and connection with La Plaza, Jhonn joined the Indy Chamber, which helped his eligibility for small business loans. Jhonn is currently completing several projects and growing his clientele. While Jhonn is working to get his business off the ground, Lina is focused on learning English to improve client and business communication, and working in childcare to financially support their family. Working with La Plaza and Indy Reads for one semester, she was able to attain a Level 5 reading and writing level and improved her listening and speaking from Level 3 to 4. Over the next five years, this power couple plans to become fluent in English, hire additional employees, and expand their business to start remodeling and selling homes – all while raising their eight-year-old son.

Stories like Jhonn and Lina’s are what make the work of La Plaza and other Indianapolis Bridges sites so special. La Plaza is one of seven neighborhood-based agencies that belong to the Indianapolis Bridges to Career Opportunities (Bridges) Network. Building on LISC’s digital skilling, coaching and navigation work within our Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) model, Bridges is a LISC program that provides a pathway to financial stability for individuals who are facing the highest systemic obstacles to opportunity in our economy. Established in 2016, the Indianapolis Bridges Network helps hundreds of families each year achieve financial success by taking the reins of their economic and professional lives.