The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh kicked off its financial empowerment workshops at the Homewood YWCA July 22.

Approximately 20-plus participants were in attendance for the first workshop under the heading “Making the Commitment to Your Future.”

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP

The facilitator for this particular workshop was Tara Ellison-Jones, who focused on four areas: How to set achievable wealth-building goals, making better spending choices, planning and implementing a variety of budgeting techniques and how to find money in your budget specifically earmarked for saving.

Melinda L. Sinkule M.Ed., director of the Asset Development Initiative for the YWCA greater Pittsburgh, expressed satisfaction with the turnout this year, and wishes more people would take advantage of their services that help women with low- and moderate-incomes achieve their dreams of becoming business owners.

These workshops will be held every Tuesday for the next three weeks. Some of the participants are part of a group that is actively preparing to buy a house in the near future, while others are interested in learning what it takes to start a small business. Walk-ins are accepted for the next series. The cost for the workshop is $5 per session. Workshops begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and including breaks will end at approximately 8 p.m.

Making the commitment to your future is a constant changing process that must be monitored closely. Adjustments are inevitable. The workshop teaches diligence and perseverance, through mistakes and disappointments, taking the attitude that never giving up on your dreams will be the driving force to success.

Utilizing the programs that are available will greatly improve your chances of achieving your goals and supplying you with the knowledge and tools to maintain continued success.