Idaho Community Action is working on a range of issues: immigration reform, payday lending, creating a volunteer run bilingual community radio station in the Magic Valley, just to name a few. Here is the story of how their work impacted the life of one member:

Ayde Savvedra is a disabled single mother of two. ICAN met Ayde in Caldwell while canvassing her neighborhood on the payday lending issue. Ayde was excited to hear about ICAN and the work it does. She shared her story of how she used a payday lender and became trapped in debt. She also shared her values around the importance of immigration reform. On that first meeting at her door, Ayde committed to working with ICAN.

Ayde Savvadra and her kids delivering petitions to Caldwell City Hall in support of the city ordinance limiting payday lenders.

Ayde began by gathering petition signatures against payday lending in her neighborhood. She volunteered to do data entry at the ICAN office. She brought her children to deliver petitions to the City Clerk in Caldwell and has been attending regular meetings. Ayde also turned out for a series of immigration actions at Raul Labrador’s office. With a few new leadership development skills, Ayde felt comfortable stepping outside, and set up a meeting with the Mayor of Caldwell to volunteer in the city to create a welcoming community for immigrants. Ayde is a star who inspires us all.