‘Building Blocks’ of financial ed

Published 1:15 pm Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Recently, the Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity and STEPS Inc. joined together to provide “Building Blocks for Your Future” — a series of learning opportunities.

These eight classes covered a range of topics centered on personal financial education. While the information gained would be valuable for individuals pursuing a variety of goals, the focus was building toward the dream of homeownership.

As part of the partnership agreement individuals and families enter into with Habitat, they are equipped with a series of homebuyer education courses. Beyond simply building homes, Habitat also seeks to build community. As such, the organization wanted to open the classes to people outside the Habitat program.

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Habitat reached out to STEPS and an effective partnership was formed, with STEPS offering valuable resources in the planning and implementation of the sessions. STEPS also lent its ability to advertise the classes within their large network of services. It also provided the setting as the classes were held at the STEPS Center in Farmville.

Continuing with the theme of community partnership, presenters came from a variety of local businesses and organizations. Following is a list of the classes offered and its presenter:

• Personal Budgeting — Rhonda Arnold, Citizens Bank and Trust

• Credit Reports — Cheryl Gee, Benchmark Community Bank

• Housing Laws — Tessie Bacon, private attorney

• Types of Loans — Kim Helms, Benchmark Community Bank

• Personal Insurance — Edgar Jones, State Farm

• Home Maintenance — Charlotte Green, Green Properties

• Being a Good Neighbor — Officer Chris Hudson, Farmville Police Department

• Financial Pitfalls and Predatory Lending — Jayne Johnson, Farmville Habitat

“All those who attended were enthusiastic and eager to learn,” Farmville Habitat’s Sam Rabon said.

Participants who came to every class received a certificate of completion of the Homeownership Education Program from the Virginia Housing Development Authority, which is required by certain lenders.