JCAL to partner with Emigrant Bank for 4-Part Webinar Series:

Financial Literacy: Wealth Building Through Homeownership

October 11, 2025 (New York)—Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) has announced a new partnership with Emigrant Bank to provide free financial literacy webinars for potential homebuyers in Southeast Queens and throughout the borough.

Each of the free webinars in the Financial Literacy: Wealth Building Through Homeownership series focus on a different facet of the homebuying process. Webinars take place Wednesdays—November 12, 2025, and February 11, March 11, and April 8, 2026—on Zoom.

Financial Literacy: Wealth Building Through Homeownership will be led by Juliann Giuffre, Community Lending Coordinator, and Greg Diaz, Community Lending Officer, for Emigrant Mortgage, a Division of Emigrant Bank. Giuffre and Diaz are eager to impart fundamental information pertinent to first-time homebuying.

“On behalf of JCAL’s artists and our Southeast Queens community, we express deep appreciation to Emigrant Bank for generously supporting this year’s programs,” said Executive Director Leonard Jacobs in a statement. “The ability to add four robust financial literacy seminars to our season—all to help our fellow local residents, friends, and colleagues prepare for homeownership—is a great gift to our community.”

Financial Literacy: Wealth Building Through Homeownership

Webinar 1:

Preparing for Homeownership: Credit Report & Scores and Budgeting for Success

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7-830pm via Zoom

This presentation will explain the importance of understanding and managing credit. It will break down how credit reports are structured, including the criteria used to calculate credit scores, as well as what to do if there are errors. It will also provide tips on how to manage and maintain good credit. The presentation will provide tips on how to budget and plan for everyday expenses as well as steps to become financially ready to purchase a home.

Webinar 2:

Mortgage 101 and the Pre-Approval Process

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 7-830pm via Zoom

This webinar will break down the complex world of mortgages into easy-to-understand terms. It will walk you through the steps to homeownership and cover how to build the right team of professionals for guidance on the homeownership journey. The webinar will also share information on mortgage pre-approval by demystifying the process to provide attendees with the confidence to start on the path to homeownership.

Webinar 3:

Journey to Homeownership: Overview of First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs & Grants Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 7-830pm via Zoom

This webinar will explore the current first-time homebuyer mortgage programs that are available in today’s market. Learn about First-Time Homebuyer Grants, including down payment assistance and closing cost credits that are available. Learn who offers these grants and how to qualify, as well as details on the process and timing for obtaining them.

Webinar 4:

Ready to Shop? Join Us to Learn How to Find the Ideal Property for your First Home and What to Expect Next

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7-8:30pm via Zoom

This webinar will review wants vs. needs when it comes to deciding what attendees’ “ideal home” would be. It will discuss Rent vs. Buy pros and cons. Learn from a local realtor who will help navigate the home-buying process. The webinar will cover the vital roles that home inspectors and attorneys play in ensuring a successful homebuying process.