BEDFORD CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT KICKS OFF
4TH ANNUAL HOME BUYERS SEMINAR SERIES
By Keith L. Forest

Bedford Central Community Development kicked off its 4th Annual Home Buyers Seminar Series. The comprehensive 16 week program which provides the tools needed to turn qualified potential home shoppers into financially astute home owners took place at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church. During the opening ceremony Nannearl Blackshear, Communications Associate, Brooklyn Borough President Office, joined Bedford Central Community Development Executive Director Wayne Devonish in presenting Home Buyer Seminar Series graduate Maxine Bernard with a financial grant and citation for successfully completing the program and purchasing a home. Program alumnae Josetta Penston, who owns a home in Brooklyn and Yolanda McFadden, who know calls Newark, NJ, were also in attendance encouraging the new recruits to stick to the program.

The goal of the workshops, which are taught by a team of seasoned professionals, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in debt management while placing them on a managed savings program in an effort to help them secure prequalification for a low-interest rate loan. In addition, participants received home maintenance training and are able to network with housing professionals. Each graduate receives a certificate upon completion. “This program helps get them into a home in a structured and safe manner that ensures success,” states Mr. Devonish.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) is a non-profit agency that aspires to strengthen the lower and middle income populations in the Central Brooklyn areas. This specific population continues to endure tremendous adversities and often lack the resource and opportunities afforded to more affluent New York neighborhoods. Bedford Central Community Development Corporation recognizes the importance of empowering these neighborhoods in the hopes of fueling the local economy and fostering relationships within the community, participants of (BCCDC) programs and funders. (BCCDC) aims to combat the stereotypical phenomenon by assisting individuals with tangible assistance on realizing their dreams and ultimately living to their fullest potential.


Pictured Left to Right: Home Owners, Yolanda McFadden & Josetta Peniston; joined Executive Director, Wayne Devonish (Center) and Brooklyn Borough President Representative, Nannearl Blackshear (Right) in presenting homeowner, Maxine Bernard (second right) with a grant and citation.