(May 2023) Homeownership is a significant milestone for many families, providing stability, security, and a sense of pride. However, navigating the home-buying process can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to it.
Our beginning of the year survey showed us that our families wanted to learn more about home buying and the opportunity to own a home in the communities we work and live in. David Daniel, the Family and Community Engagement Manager in Boston, said.
“KIPP partnered with Rockland Trust Bank to offer informative home-buying workshops. This collaboration aimed to empower our Boston and Lynn families, ensuring they had the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions regarding their homeownership dreams.”
In our pursuit to provide comprehensive support to our families, KIPP reached out to real estate agents in the Boston area to identify a suitable partner for our home-buying initiative. Rockland Trust Bank emerged as a perfect fit due to its deep understanding of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island housing markets. Megan E Kenyon, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer, and Celsa Moreno-Barker, Vice President Residential Loan Officer, led the workshops, offering their expertise and guidance to our families. (We must note that at the time of this blog post, Megan is no longer an employee of Rockland Trust Bank.)
One of the key considerations during the planning process was ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our families, we organized the workshops in both English and Spanish. This allowed us to accommodate a broader range of participants and ensured that language barriers did not hinder their ability to learn and engage effectively. We also prioritized flexibility by providing the workshops online via Zoom, enabling families to attend from the comfort of their homes.
The home-buying workshops facilitated by Rockland Trust Bank provided valuable insights into the intricacies of the home-buying process. Participants had the opportunity to learn about key aspects, including mortgage options, budgeting, down payments, and credit scores. With the expertise of Megan E Kenyon and Celsa Moreno-Barker, families were guided through the complexities, gaining clarity on the steps required to make informed decisions aligned with their lifestyles and budgets.
The collaboration between KIPP and Rockland Trust Bank showcased a shared commitment to community engagement and empowerment. Rockland Trust Bank’s dedication to giving back to the community through charitable programs, community initiatives, and outreach resonated with our values at KIPP. By working together, we emphasized the importance of community organizations actively participating in the growth and well-being of our school community.
Homeownership represents an important goal for many families, and the journey to achieving it can be smoother with the proper knowledge and support. KIPP’s partnership with Rockland Trust Bank enabled us to offer informative home-buying workshops, empowering our families with the tools and resources necessary to navigate the process confidently. By bridging the gap between educational institutions and community organizations, we strengthened the bond within our community and helped our families take meaningful steps toward their dreams of homeownership. We are grateful for Rockland Trust Bank’s expertise and commitment to our families, and we hope that our KIPP community will continue to leverage their services as they embark on their homeownership journeys. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families.
