For Rosa and her family, the journey to stability in Newark has been shaped by perseverance, faith, and the support of a community that believed in their dreams. A proud Dominican immigrant, Rosa has lived in Newark for more than eight years, working as a Home Health Aide while raising her family with her husband, Jose, a machine operator who has called Newark home for over a decade.
Together, they are parents to five children, including two young adults and three younger ones still growing and learning. Like many working families, Rosa and Jose balanced long work hours, caregiving responsibilities, and the goal of creating a safe, stable future for their children. That journey became possible with the support of La Casa de Don Pedro (LCDP).
Rosa first connected with LCDP in 2020, when she enrolled her son, Steven, in the preschool program at the Early Childhood Center on Roseville Avenue. What began as early education support quickly grew into a trusted relationship that would impact her entire family.
Through the LCDP Immigrant Resource Center, Rosa reached a lifelong milestone by becoming a U.S. citizen in May 2023. That same year, her daughter Yannia also obtained citizenship, and Rosa applied for her younger daughter Rosanna’s Certificate of Citizenship. Each step brought new opportunities, security, and confidence to the family.
In 2022, Rosa learned about LCDP’s First-Time Homebuyers Program from a social worker at the Roseville Early Childhood Center. Like many families, Rosa had tried another homeownership program before but didn’t qualify, leaving her unsure whether owning a home would ever be possible.
Everything changed when she began working with La Casa de Don Pedro’s housing support team. “It was wonderful,” Rosa said. “Milton, the counselor I worked with, was excellent. Every time I called, he found a way to make me feel at home.”
Through counseling, guidance, and encouragement, Rosa and her family stayed the course. The moment she will never forget came when she heard the words, “You qualify for this property.” Soon after, they reached a closing, turning years of effort into reality. In December 2025, Rosa and her family received the keys to their new home.
For Rosa, homeownership represents far more than four walls and a roof. “It means security, emotional and financial stability,” she shared. “It means having a safe place, building stronger bonds in the community, and feeling proud of yourself for reaching your goals. But more than anything, my greatest satisfaction is seeing my children happy.”
That feeling of safety and pride is exactly what LCDP housing programs aim to foster, creating pathways to stability that enable families to establish roots and plan for a brighter future.
“On behalf of my family,” Rosa said, “thank you to La Casa de Don Pedro and its entire team for taking me by the hand and helping me reach the goal of giving my family a stable and safe place to call home.”
Today, Rosa is excited to keep learning English through LCDP programs, while building a future rooted in stability, community, and hope. Her story shows us what is possible when families are treated with dignity, trust, and opportunity, and when a community works together to turn dreams into reality.
How LCDP’s First-Time Homebuyer Program Makes Homeownership Possible
Rosa’s path to homeownership was made possible through La Casa de Don Pedro’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to prepare families for successful and sustainable homeownership. The program recognizes that buying a home is not just a financial transaction, it is a long-term commitment that requires knowledge, preparation, and trusted guidance.
Through the program, participants complete an eight-hour homebuyer education course that covers budgeting, credit, the mortgage process, and the responsibilities of owning a home. Families also submit income documentation, review their credit history, and complete all required program forms. Most importantly, each participant receives individualized, one-on-one counseling with a HUD-certified Housing Counselor at La Casa de Don Pedro, ensuring that families receive guidance tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Upon completion of the program, participants receive a HUD-approved homebuyer education certificate issued by La Casa de Don Pedro. This certificate can be used to apply for first-time homebuyer grants offered by the municipality where the property is purchased, as well as through participating financial institutions. These grants may be applied toward down payment and/or closing costs, helping reduce one of the greatest barriers to homeownership for working families.
For Rosa and her family, this preparation led to the purchase of a two-family home in Newark. The property includes two residential units and a two-car garage, offering both stability and long-term opportunity. The home was bought with a conventional 30-year mortgage through Bank of America, demonstrating how education, counseling, and trusted partnerships can help make homeownership possible.
This milestone represents more than just a family’s success; it reflects La Casa de Don Pedro’s commitment to strengthening housing stability in Newark by providing families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to build lasting security.
Are you looking to buy your first home but aren’t sure where to start? La Casa de Don Pedro is here to help! Contact us today at mnunez@lacasadedonpedro.org.
