Twelve Women Finish Financial Class

posted 12/8/22 -- Twelve Lorain County women gained critical knowledge and support in LCCAA’s most recent financial class as part of the agency’s By Car program.

“I was so impressed with their willingness to want the knowledge,” said Jasmine Hamilton, one of two staff members who taught the class. “We tried to have an open dialogue to make them more comfortable and see what they could learn from each other.”

By Car matches earned income to help participants purchase a reliable used car to get to work or school. This year, LCCAA has partnered with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County which allowed for a higher match ceiling and added a year’s worth of insurance as a program benefit. The financial class is required for completion of the program.

“They are all so excited to get their cars,” said Shaniya Rowell who teamed up with Hamilton to teach the class. “They enjoyed the class and were all happy and smiling afterwards.”

Rowell and Hamilton said the women in the class ranged in age from high school students to women in mid-life and mid-career. Topics covered in the class include everything from credit to savings to investments. In this group, paying for college was also discussed at length, Rowell said.

Rowell is in college herself studying communications at Cuyahoga Community College. Her current public speaking class made leading this group an opportunity she jumped at. Hamilton, who is new to LCCAA, also has a communications degree and a background teaching in Toledo City Schools. The two plan to continue to work together on the class.

“You never know where it will take you,” Rowell said of her new responsibilities.

The next class is already scheduled for eight more participants. Five of the recent graduates have completed their savings and are currently searching for the right cars for them, Rowell said.

For more information on the By Car program, click here.