Next Step™ Workshops
The Next Step™ Workshops at Mid Central Community Action provide employment coaching, job readiness training, and financial education opportunities to help anyone in the community to build sustainable career success, smart money habits, establish great credit, and savings to gain financial independence, and homeownership.
Registration is open for 2026!
All workshops are available by registration only
March - Homebuyers Club
Workshops include: Money Matters, Working with a Lender, Working with a Realtor, and Closing - What to Expect. Participants MUST register and attend all four of the Next Step™ Homebuyer's Club workshops. Upon completion, each participant will receive a $50 gift card and a certificate of completion.
Next Step™ - Money Matters
March 2, 2026 | 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This interactive workshop teaches participants the importance of budgeting, how to create a personalized budget based on income, debt, expenses, and the fundamentals of credit. Learn why credit matters, how to build or rebuild it, and what factors impact your credit score. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability.
Next Step™ - Working with a Lender
March 9, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches the mortgage loan application process, key lender terminology, and the necessary documents to submit to a loan officer. Gain a clear understanding of how income, credit, and debt-to-income ratios impact mortgage qualification. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the homebuying process with confidence!
Next Step™ - Working with a Realtor
March 16, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches participants about a realtor’s responsibilities, effective negotiation strategies, and the key differences between a purchase agreement and a sales contract. Gain insights on how to communicate your property needs to a realtor, ensuring a smooth and informed home search experience.
Next Step™ - Closing - What to Expect
March 23, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches participants how to understand the Closing Disclosure, break down closing costs, and review key documents like the Mortgage Note, Affidavits, and Deed. We provide examples and guidance to help you navigate the final steps of homeownership with confidence.
April
Next Step™ - Money Matters
April 6, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
This interactive workshop teaches participants the importance of budgeting, how to create a personalized budget based on income, debt, expenses, and the fundamentals of credit. Learn why credit matters, how to build or rebuild it, and what factors impact your credit score. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability.
Next Step™ - Preparing for Disaster
April 13, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Preparing for Disaster is an engaging, hands-on workshop designed to help residents understand the natural hazards most likely to impact their communities—and learn practical steps to stay safe before, during, and after an emergency. Participants will explore common threats in Illinois, including tornadoes, severe storms, floods, extreme heat, and winter weather, while gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively.
Next Step™ - Fair Housing
April 15, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Fair Housing 101 is an informative, accessible workshop designed to help community members understand their rights and responsibilities under federal and Illinois fair housing laws. Participants will learn what fair housing means, which protections exist for renters and homebuyers, and how to recognize discrimination in the housing process.
Next Step™ - Financial Capability Month Celebration
April 27, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
More information to come!
May - Homebuyers Club
Workshops include: Money Matters, Working with a Lender, Working with a Realtor, and Closing - What to Expect. Participants MUST register and attend all four of the Next Step™ Homebuyer's Club workshops. Upon completion, each participant will receive a $50 gift card and a certificate of completion.
Next Step™ - Money Matters
May 4, 2026 | 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This interactive workshop teaches participants the importance of budgeting, how to create a personalized budget based on income, debt, expenses, and the fundamentals of credit. Learn why credit matters, how to build or rebuild it, and what factors impact your credit score. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability.
Next Step™ - Working with a Lender
May 11, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches the mortgage loan application process, key lender terminology, and the necessary documents to submit to a loan officer. Gain a clear understanding of how income, credit, and debt-to-income ratios impact mortgage qualification. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the homebuying process with confidence!
Next Step™ - Working with a Realtor
May 18, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches participants about a realtor’s responsibilities, effective negotiation strategies, and the key differences between a purchase agreement and a sales contract. Gain insights on how to communicate your property needs to a realtor, ensuring a smooth and informed home search experience.
Next Step™ - Closing - What to Expect
May 26, 2026 | 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
This workshop teaches participants how to understand the Closing Disclosure, break down closing costs, and review key documents like the Mortgage Note, Affidavits, and Deed. We provide examples and guidance to help you navigate the final steps of homeownership with confidence.