The Urban League of Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, FL) once again was able to make the American dream come true for one of our clients – a woman with three children who was homeless before reaching out to us through our First Time Homebuyer program. 

Florence Garcia is a Hispanic single mother with three daughters ages 11, 8 and 2. 

She came to the Urban League of Palm Beach County for our homebuyers’ workshop education in 2020 to get help obtaining her first home. 

At the time, Florence was paying a monthly rent of $1,136, with the nonprofit Adopt-A-Family assisting her with paying half of that rent. 

A counselor did a full assessment of her financial situation and deemed her mortgage ready. 

She worked with Community Land Trust (CLT) to get pre-approved with FINEMARK National Bank and Trust for a loan at 97% Client Loan to Value (CLTV) in the amount of $153,589.  

Written By: Portia Ballard Espy

President & CEO, Mississippi Urban League (Jackson, MS)

Mississippi is the only state in the nation without an equal pay law. 

This considering women in the state make up half the workforce and are the majority of breadwinners in more than half of families, and share the role in a quarter of households. Nearly 60% live below the poverty level.

Catch up on the gems! Did you miss the virtual extravaganza of the year? Tune in now to watch the replay of our four day conference. | We’re over the moon. Dr. Sian Proctor is the epitome of #BlackGirlMagic! Here's how she’s trying to make space just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive. | On booster shots. The FDA has authorized Pfizer booster doses for certain groups of people, including those 65 and older. Here’s what you need to know. | Let’s talk climate change. Catch the replay of our #JusticeNOW Instagram Live series as we discuss the impact climate change has on our communities. | Mark your calendar. Our virtual Equal Opportunity Dinner is back in a couple of few weeks! Here's a snippet of what we have in store, stay tuned for more. | What is virtual equity? Don't miss our free webinar on how to overcome unconscious bias and micro-aggressions in the virtual world. | Take a listen! Tune in to our latest episode to learn about resources available to new, seasoned, and future small business owners.

Discover how to overcome unconscious bias and micro-aggressions in the virtual world.

When: Wednesday, October 6th, 2021

Time: 12 pm EST

To register for this event, click here

The Urban League of Rochester or ULR (Rochester, NY) seeks to change the economic power dynamic in the local community with its latest business development program, PowerShift: Building Small Business.

PowerShift — hosted under ULR’s Business Development Division — offers local business owners a platform to share their story, services and products. Five businesses were identified for the first round of this program: Charletta Broome and Jnicolle Glover, owners of Urban Euphoria LLC; Tonia and Marquis Butler, owners of Honey B Home & Essentials LLC; Monique Chatman, owner of The Groom Room Men’s Spa & Lounge; Shamar Floyd, owner of Diamon Renee Academy & Dance Studio; and Terrell Mclean, owner of Bubby’s BBQ.

A Norfolk nonprofit received $2.5 million to go towards a program that will provide below-market-rate first mortgage financing for first-time house buyers. 

The Urban League of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, VA) supports financial self-reliance through housing and employment services. The group received this funding from the Virginia Housing Development Authority's Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) program, known as SPARC. 

“We are excited to serve as valued community partners with Virginia Housing to help members of the Hampton Roads community become First-Time Homebuyers,” said Gil Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads. “Homeownership is a foundational step for families to build wealth."

The Akron Urban League (Akron, OH) is hosting a diversity career fair Oct. 14.

The event, at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include face-to-face interviews with businesses and organizations with job openings. Masks will be required as part of COVID-19 safety protocols.

The career fair is free but job seekers are asked to register ahead of time by going to www.akronurbanleague.org.

The career fair will allow job seekers to network with recruiters and hiring managers, will allow for on-site interviews, provide free resume evaluations, and provide other resources.