(NEWARK, NJ) -- United Community Corporation is bringing financial stability workshops directly to residents of Newark. This three-part series, taking place throughout summer, will tackle financial, employment and home buying to educate the city’s residents and prepare them to strive towards self-sufficiency with a financially stable life.

The series is running in collaboration with the office of Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr.

“Our expectation is for our clients to gain the knowledge and skills they need to manage money effectively,” UCC Housing Assistance Program Manager Tabatha Perez said. “After this three-part series, they'll be better equipped to reach their financial goals and achieve financial stability while also knowing the grants available to them for their first time home buying experience.”

The first part of the series will take place on Saturday, June 11 at the Newark Housing Authority’s The Waterfront community center (2 Grafton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104) from 11:00am - 1:00pm and is being run in partnership with JPMorgan/Chase. 

The seminar will dive into financial literacy while being led by JPMorgan/Chase Community Manager, Community & Business Development Melissa Prashad. Attendees can expect to learn how to save money, distinguish the difference between wants and needs, manage a budget, pay their bills, pay for college, buy a home and plan for retirement.

Interested attendees can register online here: http://jpmc.surveymonkey.com/r/YSCXYNM.

“The community has been extremely receptive to me,” said Prashad. “I’ve been doing this my entire career and have been laser-focused on this the last six months. I’ve met with students, adults and seniors to help them work towards their dreams whether that iis retiring, buying their first home, saving for a downpayment, or even saving for their first vacation. Whatever is important to them, I want to help them accomplish it by teaching them how to be financially secure.”

The second part of the series will be centered around Employment Readiness and will take place on a date to be determined in July. The series’ final workshop will be dedicated to first-time home buyers and will take place on a date to be determined in August.

Perez and her Housing Assistance team will be on-site for all three classes providing assistance and information about various programs dedicated to helping clients pay back rent or mortgage arrears, helping those facing eviction through an eviction prevention program funded by the NJDCA, and helping those without homes find permanent housing. 

“I was inspired to start this series because I have seen the need for rental assistance increase,” Perez said. “While providing our clients with housing assistance, I’ve noticed that rent is on the rise.  Most of our clients are paying mortgage rates on rental properties. Due to this and other factors, is key for us to provide this class to our clients as it gears them to become more self-sufficient.”

It is recommended that attendees participate in all three parts of the series but it is not mandatory. To find out more information call: 973-629-7885.