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Active Program

Financial Literacy

Free workshops in Haitian Creole and English on budgeting, banking, credit, homeownership, small business, and more — so every family in our community can build a stronger financial future.

Free

No cost to attend

3 Counties

Lee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie

Kreyòl & English

Both languages

All Welcome

No income requirements

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Many Haitian and immigrant families in South Florida navigate the US financial system without the knowledge or guidance needed to make it work for them. Language barriers, distrust of institutions, and a lack of culturally relevant financial education leave families vulnerable to predatory lenders, unmanageable debt, and missed opportunities for homeownership and business growth.

AHVED's Financial Literacy program meets families where they are — with workshops delivered in Haitian Creole and English, using real-life examples and practical tools they can use immediately. We don't just explain the system; we show people how to work it to their advantage.

All workshops are taught in Haitian Creole and English.

Written materials, worksheets, and handouts are available in both languages so participants can follow along fully and take home what they learned.

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Workshop Topics

Each workshop is a standalone session — you can attend one topic or all of them. Topics are offered in rotation at each location.

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Budgeting & Saving

How to track income and expenses, build a household budget, set savings goals, and break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.

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Banking Basics

Opening and using checking and savings accounts, understanding fees, making deposits and withdrawals, wire transfers, and avoiding predatory financial services.

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Credit Building & Repair

What a credit score is, how it affects your life, how to build credit from scratch, and steps to repair a damaged credit history.

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Home Buying & Mortgage

The home buying process step by step — pre-approval, down payment assistance programs, understanding mortgage terms, closing costs, and working with a realtor.

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Small Business Basics

Starting a business in Florida, registering a business entity, separating personal and business finances, and accessing small business resources and microloans.

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Tax Filing Basics

Understanding W-2s and 1099s, free tax filing resources (VITA), deadlines, refunds, EITC eligibility, and what to do if you have not filed in prior years.

Who Should Attend

  • Adults who are unbanked or underbanked and want to enter the financial system
  • First-time homebuyers navigating the mortgage and purchase process
  • Entrepreneurs starting or growing a small business
  • Anyone who wants to build or repair their credit score
  • Families looking to save, reduce debt, and plan for the future
  • Workers wanting to understand their pay, taxes, and benefits

All are welcome. No income requirement, no documentation, and no prior financial knowledge needed to attend.

Languages & Format

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Available in Both Languages

Every workshop is conducted in Haitian Creole and English. Facilitators are bilingual and can address questions in either language.

All printed materials, worksheets, and handouts are available in both Haitian Creole and English so you can follow along and refer back to what you learned.

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Workshop Formats

  • In-person group workshops — the most common format; open to any adult who wants to attend
  • Group sessions at community sites — hosted at churches, community centers, and partner organizations
  • One-on-one coaching — available for individuals with specific needs, such as preparing to buy a home or start a business
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Where Workshops Are Held

AHVED Financial Literacy workshops are available in three counties across South Florida. Contact AHVED for the current workshop schedule and location in your area.

Fort Myers

Lee County

Contact AHVED for current schedule and location.

Lake Worth

Palm Beach County

Contact AHVED for current schedule and location.

Fort Pierce

St. Lucie County

Contact AHVED for current schedule and location.

How to Attend a Workshop

  1. 1Contact AHVED to learn about upcoming workshops in your county
  2. 2Choose the topic that matters most to you — or attend all of them
  3. 3Show up — walk-ins are welcome, no registration fee required
  4. 4For one-on-one coaching, contact us directly to schedule an appointment
No documentation or ID required. Workshops are free and open to any adult in the community regardless of immigration status or income level.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Free workshops in Haitian Creole and English — budgeting, banking, credit, home buying, and more. No cost, no paperwork, no judgment.

Available in Fort Myers, Lake Worth, and Fort Pierce.