The Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity recently offered a series of classes to the community to help people build solid financial futures, a press release from the organization cited.

These Homeowner Education Workshops included seven two-hour classes that will help people prepare for homeownership, officials stated in the release. This course is required of all Habitat Partner Families and is also open to the community at large.

The release noted that for those not currently considering homeownership, the classes provided information on good financial practices.

Each class was led by an area expert in the field, officials highlighted in the release. Rhonda Arnold from Citizens Bank & Trust Company opened the series with personal finance. Jennifer Benton and Sylvia Watford, both of the Virginia Credit Union, led the next two classes on savings and spending plans and understanding credit. Pam Fortune from Virginia Legal Aid offered insight on housing laws and landlord-tenant rights.

The next topic covered basic home maintenance, led by Matt Ridout of Habitat for Humanity, the release continued. Gary Elder of Elder & Watkins, PC informed the participants about closing on home loans. Bryan Davis of Thomas Insurance Agency in Dillwyn spoke on insurance needs. The final class was dedicated to participants developing their personal budgets.

Officials noted in the release that following the classes, all participants were scheduled to meet with Habitat staff to review their assignment of tracking all expenses for one month and using that to create a savings and spending plan.

Twenty-three area residents took part in these workshops, the release cited. Those who attended all the classes and had the final budget meeting with Habitat staff received a certificate of completion. This certificate is required by many first-time homeownership programs that offer affordable home loans.

The release concluded by noting that in addition to the time and expertise donated by all of the presenters, area churches and businesses helped make the event possible. Farmville United Methodist Church served as the weekly venue and provided child care during the classes. Meals were provided for participants by the following generous groups: Farmville United Methodist Church, New Life Church, Little Caesars, Heritage Baptist Church, Faith Bible Fellowship and Johns Memorial Episcopal Church.