“The initial Financial Empowerment Fund came under the Bloomberg administration,” said Jonathan Ortiz, director of the Paterson program. “Since its inception, over 20,000 people, nationwide, have been provided with financial counseling. Debt has been reduced, credit scores have improved, and more. We have helped everyone from NFL football players to those that have been homeless. I believe in fixing poverty.”
“For a long time, I drove an Uber for a living,” Ortiz added. “I’m 35 years old now, and I want to help others achieve the American dream.”
Ortiz said the Paterson center will employ three full-time counselors and services will be provided in English, Spanish and Italian. He said that adding Arabic to the list is a priority due to the high population of Paterson residents who speak the language.