Way Finders

Thank you to TD and NALCAB for their grant funding to support our program focused on empowering Latino communities. This initiative will provide financial education and resources to help build sustainable pathways for homeownership and generational wealth in underserved Latino neighborhoods. #CommunityDevelopment #LatinoEmpowerment #FinancialInclusion

“Please listen carefully as options have changed” When you next give a call to Way Finders at 413-233-1500, pay close attention to the message as our menu options changed today. Our new phone tree uses a more client-focused approach: The most popular reasons for calls to Way finders lead the menu, followed by many other options. We look forward to receiving your calls Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

The biggest investment most people will ever make in life? A home purchase! Calling all local homeowners/investors! Don’t miss our Homeowner Workshop and Celebration, where we’ll cover how to maintain and protect your new home. It’s a fun-filled session of interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters. Held in person on Saturday, March 15, from 9 am to 1 pm. Everyone who attends will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Free and open to the public. Register in advance: https://lnkd.in/e6su-gnB Note: Satisfies the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Post-Purchase workshop requirement.

Interested in raising your credit—and your confidence in managing your personal finances? Our Credit Success Workshop touches upon all sorts of topics. Delivered with compassion and expertise—and without judgement! Held at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center on Thursday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eH_4WQYT

Big news! Way Finders has been awarded a generous grant from Berkshire Bank to help 900+ people with homeownership and financial education over the next year. Our HUD-certified, bilingual team will guide residents through budgeting, credit, and buying a home. Thank you, Berkshire Bank, for your amazing support! #Homeownership #FinancialEducation #WayFinders #BerkshireBank

Looking for the opportunity to make a lasting impact in our communities? We’re looking for an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member to expand digital inclusion in our communities. Digital technology is woven through so much of life today. We use tech for our social connection, civic engagement, education, healthcare access, and job applications. To name a few! But many in our communities don’t have the access or experience to take advantage of this technology. You’ll help residents gain the ability use these important digital tools. VISTA is a one-year position that includes a stipend, health insurance and more. Learn more and apply by 3/14 here: https://lnkd.in/eyPzYdqZ

Speaking of Way Finders’ Credit Success Workshop. There’s one just next week! Come as you are. And learn how to get where you want to go. Powered by financial info and inspiration, delivered by our team of HUD-certified experts. - Thursday, March 13, at the Springfield Housing Center - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eH_4WQYT To keep the learning going—and get customized input from an expert—participants of the workshop can schedule to meet one-on-one with a HUD-certified counselor. You may also receive a free “tri-merge soft-pull” credit report (valued at $39.99).

The best thing about credit, per Way Finders’ Homeownership Specialist Arcides Nieves? “It can be improved! It’s going to show your history, but we all have a history. I tell people, ‘Remember, you’re on top of this story. You create the pages. You may not know how the story will end, but I could probably play a role in it.’” As he did recently with a woman who had been turned down many times for rental housing due to her credit. While living in shelter, she attended Way Finders’ Credit Success workshop and later connected with Nieves for one-on-one counseling. Their sessions were life-changing for her—as she was able to grow in knowledge and hope and improve her credit, which led to a place to call home. Read more. https://lnkd.in/evBUrfwf

The number of graduates of Way Finders’ First-time Homebuyer Workshop who purchased homes in FY2024? ?? 179! ?? Join us. To join them! Held as a virtual workshop on three Wednesdays this month (March 12, 19, 26) from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Designed to help you find, finance, purchase, and maintain a home. The cost is $50 per household. To register: https://lnkd.in/eH_4WQYT

A heartfelt thank you to KeyBank for visiting Way Finders and bringing their generous donation in support of our Home Education and Community Engagement programs. Your partnership is essential in empowering families and fostering leadership within our community. Pictured are Key Bank's Gregory Mularski, Analisha Michanczyk, Tracy Menges and Way Finders' Chief Development Officer, John D. Bidwell #CommunityLeadership #EconomicStability #Thankful