"The community engagement workshops were compelling. They helped us understand our neighborhood's potential and gave us tools to actively shape our community's future. "

Sarah Kim

Local Small Business Owner

""Before the CLT workshop, I didn't understand how community land trusts actually work. I thought it was too good to be true - affordable homeownership that stays affordable forever? The workshop broke down exactly how you own the house while the community owns the land. They showed us real numbers from families from other cities that developed the CLT model and how much equity they've built. We could do the same thing here in Columbia SC, if everyone could come together for the communities they live in. , *— Keisha Williams, Workshop Participant*"

Keisha Williams

Community Land Trust -Workshop

""The CDC workshop opened my eyes to how community development actually happens in our neighborhood. I learned about tax increment financing, how to read city budgets, and what questions to ask when developers come to community meetings. Last month when a developer proposed a new apartment complex, I knew exactly what affordable housing requirements to push for. Knowledge is power, and this workshop gave me the tools to advocate for my community." *— Marcus Thompson, Community Advocate*"

Marcus Thompson

Community Advocate "Wealth Building"

""I had no idea what a CDFI was before this workshop, but now I understand how community development financial institutions can help people like me access credit and capital. The workshop connected me with a CDFI that offered a small business loan with better terms than any traditional bank would give me. Six months later, my home repair business is up and running, and I'm hiring two neighbors. CDFIs invest in the community, not just profit." *— Angela Rodriguez, Small Business Owner*"

Angela Rodriguez

"Community Stake Holder"

""The South State Bank workshop was the most practical financial education I've ever received. They didn't just talk about banking - they walked us through opening the right accounts, understanding fees, and building relationships with loan officers. The banker who led the session gave me her direct number and helped me open a savings account specifically for my house down payment. Three months later, when I was ready to apply for pre-approval, she already knew my financial situation and made the process smooth." *— David Chen, Future Homeowner*"

David Chen

Future CLT Homeowner

""My father died without a will and it took two years and $8,000 in legal fees to settle her estate. The will and estate planning workshop taught me how to protect my family from going through that same nightmare. The lawyer showed us step-by-step how to write a simple will, set up a trust, and designate beneficiaries on all our accounts. I walked out with a complete will and the peace of mind that my children won't have to fight over what I leave them." *— Patricia Johnson, Workshop Graduate*"

Patricia Johnson

Workshop Graduate

""The financial literacy workshop taught me practical skills I use every week. I learned how to track my spending, build a budget that actually works, and understand my credit report. The biggest game-changer was learning about the debt snowball method - I paid off $4,000 in credit card debt in eight months using their strategy. My credit score went from 580 to 720, and now I qualify for the CLT homeownership program. This workshop literally changed my financial future." *— Carmen Martinez, Program Graduate*"

Carmen Martinez

Program Graduate

""The political education workshop gave me the tools to actually influence decisions that affect my neighborhood. I learned how the city council works, how to research my representatives' voting records, and how to organize my neighbors around local issues. When the city proposed closing our community center, I used the advocacy strategies from the workshop to mobilize 200 residents to attend the council meeting. We not only saved the center, but got additional funding for new programs. Democracy works when you know how to work it." *— Robert Washington, Community Organizer*"

Robert Washington

Community Organizer

""When they told me about the S.M.A.R.T Local 399 Sheet Metal Union I thought it was too good to be true. Professional MIG and TIG welding certification right here in our community? The instructors taught us proper safety, how to read blueprints, and hands-on welding techniques over three weekends. I went from never touching a welder to passing my certification test. Now I'm working union industrial jobs making $40 an hour with full benefits. That mobile trailer didn't just come to our community - it brought opportunity directly to our doorstep." *— James Mitchell, Certified Welder*"

James Mitchell

Certified Union Welder