“A Home of Your Own” Workshop Series Coming to Joplin in September

"A Home of Your Own!" is a series of six workshops that will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 11 and running through Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Royal Heights United Methodist Church, 1612 Euclid, Joplin.

The workshops are being provided by the Joplin Area Long-Term Recovery’s Unmet Needs Committee and the Joplin Area Fuller Center for Housing.

The free workshops are open to the public. The classes are designed to share information helpful to those interested in becoming first-time homeowners. These classes will also qualify for sweat equity hours for various organizations working to provide new homes in the Joplin area.

“This series is being offered to help new homeowners better understand what’s involved when owning a home,” said Janet LaFon, a family financial education specialist with University of Missouri Extension and a member of the Joplin Area Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC). “Topics will include buying a home, home ownership, home maintenance, making the most of your money, protecting your family and family communication.”

Participants can choose to attend one, two or up to all six of the workshops at no cost. Advanced registration is needed within one week prior to the workshop a participant wants to attend. For more information or to register, call the Joplin Area Fuller Center for Housing, 417-553-5383.

“We’re excited to be able to partner with the Joplin Area Long Term Recovery Committee to provide these workshops in the Joplin area. We feel they will be a huge benefit for many of the new homeowners,” said Dixie Starmer, Joplin Area Fuller Center for Housing.