Housing, Finance, Employment: Newark Seminar Will Empower Residents

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of United Community Corporation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Greater Newark residents looking to equip themselves with the skills to make informed financial decisions, become a homeowner or attain a career path will have an opportunity to do so by way of a three-part seminar series hosted this summer by United Community Corporation (UCC).

UCC’s “House Smart Series,” a multi-part program, returns to Greater Newark, offering courses in employment readiness, home buying and financial literacy. The seminar series, which will be hosted by UCC’s Housing Assistance Department, is held in partnership with Newark Police Department (NPD) 2nd Precinct. Each of the three sessions will be hosted in Newark at the NPD’s 2nd Precinct building, located at 1 Lincoln Ave.

“Attending UCC’s three-part seminar series can help members of our community develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives,” said UCC Housing Assistance Department Director Tabatha Perez. “By investing in these areas, individuals can improve their financial stability, build wealth and achieve their long-term goals.”

The series kicks off Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. with the employment readiness session. The program features guest speakers Tina Spears, principal at Sword and Spear Consulting Group, and MaryAnne Kokidis, an educator from Amerigroup, who will be conducting mock interviews, teaching proper interview etiquette, and resume writing techniques.

The series continues Saturday, June 3 with the first-time homebuyer’s session. The program features guest speakers Khadijah Caesar of Option 1 Realty Group, and Melissa Prashad, vice president of Community Banking and Business Development at JPMorgan Chase & Co. The session aims to provide attendees with valuable information about the home buying process, including lessons about mortgage options, down payment assistance programs, home inspections, and closing costs.

The financial literacy seminar will be held Saturday, July 15, featuring a presentation by UCC’s HUD Certified Housing Counselor Damon Redmond. The program aims to educate attendees on budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt.

The seminar series would not be possible without the support and sponsorship by the Newark Police Department, United Way of Greater Newark, Chase, Option 1 Realty Group and Amerigroup.

Be sure to check UCC’s website at uccnewark.org or call 973-629-7885 for more information and updates on the seminar series.

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