By Alicia Sawyer, Bookkeeper & Community Loan Center Liaison
At NeighborWorks Waco, I serve as the bookkeeper and Community Loan Center of the Heart of Texas liaison. In this dual role, I help ensure that our organization’s finances remain strong and transparent while also expanding access to affordable, small-dollar loans that can ease financial burdens and open doors to opportunity.
The Community Loan Center (CLC) offers affordable small-dollar loans to employees of participating employers, providing a safer way to manage unexpected expenses. Designed as an alternative to payday or auto title loans, the program stands out in several key ways.
Key Features:
- Considered a benefit offered through participating employers
- Loan amounts up to $1,000
- Repayment terms up to 12 months through payroll deduction
- Interest rate: 18% (APR 21.58%)*
- Monthly payment example: $93.35**
- No credit check
- $20 application fee
- Fast approval, with funds available within 24 hours
*Interest rate and APR are subject to change.
**Payment amount is subject to change based on rate and APR calculation.
Why It Matters:
This year alone, we have issued 1,481 loans, saving local families thousands of dollars in fees and interest. Every loan represents a step toward financial stability and peace of mind.
Benefits for Employees:
- Avoid high fees and interest
- Access emergency funds quickly
Benefits for Employers:
- Support employee financial wellness
- Reduce stress and absenteeism
- No cost to the employer
This work is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to combine practical skills with a mission-driven purpose. Every balanced account and every loan we process contributes to building stronger neighborhoods and healthier communities in Waco and the surrounding areas.
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am also active in my church, where I find a strong foundation for service and faith. My involvement there continually reminds me that the work I do is part of a larger calling to serve others and to carry out God’s work in tangible ways. That spiritual grounding gives me strength and perspective, and it inspires me to approach my role at NeighborWorks Waco with integrity, compassion, and dedication. I am grateful to be part of a team that believes in empowering people, fostering financial stability, and creating opportunities for brighter futures.
