The free educational courses will focus on financial aid and student loans, small business finance, credit repair, home and auto financing, and retirement savings. These one hour workshops will be offered at multiple times throughout the day. Children are encouraged to join their parents and a “Kids’ Money Matters” program will be offered throughout the day.
“Focus: HOPE is committed to providing the community with services and opportunities that will have a lasting impact,” said Focus: HOPE CEO William F. Jones, Jr. “Participating in events like Money Smart week is one of the many ways our organization works to help individuals gain financial independence.”
In addition to Money Smart events, Focus: HOPE will host a returning citizens’ expo at the Center for Advanced Technologies from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with legal professionals for one-on-one consultation. Resume assistance and mock interview training will also be offered.
Those interested in attending the financial education seminars at Focus: HOPE on April 25 are encouraged to pre-register by contacting Esteria Rogan at 313.494.4923 oresteria.rogan@focushope.edu. Online registration is available at www.focushope.edu/MSW15registration. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered to those who attend. Local partners for this event include Best Bank, First Merit Bank, Flagstar Bank, the National Lawyers Guild and the Public Service Credit Union.
“Flagstar is celebrating the second year of our partnership with Focus: HOPE and Money Smart,” said Flagstar Bank Vice President of Community Reinvestment Jack Schwab. “These financial foundation workshops will bring valuable opportunities for area residents to learn new financial skills for their future.”
Best Bank Business Development Manager Reggie Stewart said, “We believe that financial education and nonprofit partnerships are critical components of a successful community. Individuals desiring to become self-sufficient must understand their finances in order to build a successful future, so we partner with nonprofit organizations that offer programs designed to help consumers make sound financial decisions. Our goal is to help our customers become well versed in maintaining a financially healthy lifestyle.”
Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign to promote financial education across all age groups. Launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the program is now active in more than 45 states through national partnerships with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Cooperative Extension, and American Library Association. To learn about additional Money Smart Week programs in the area visit:www.moneysmartweek.org.
