Community briefs
CAPNM announces class for February
Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) is presenting in‐person Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved homebuyer education classes at its Kalispell location on Main Street. The class is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $75 per household; however, scholarships are available. All registration materials with payment must be received no later than 4 p.m on Jan. 27, 2023.
After the intake packet is received, a one-on-one HUD required counseling session must be scheduled and completed before you may receive your certificate after attending the class. Normally, this session takes place prior to the class being held. The counseling session schedule is very flexible. Registrants may elect to have it over the phone or in-person; it takes approximately one hour. Clients are encouraged to complete the one-on-one by Jan. 31.
During class registrants will meet and be able to interact with several area lenders and other professionals such as realtors, insurance agents, home inspectors and more.
Completion of this class and the one-on-one counseling session is one of the key elements to qualifying for various loan products and down payment assistance programs. USDA, VA, MBOH, FHA, NWMT and other loans and down payment assistance require this class for all first-time home buyers. The sooner the class is taken the more benefit it has to the individual.
CAPNM is a private, nonprofit organization with the ability to pursue federal, state, private, and local funding sources with the overall mission: “to provide services and advocacy to improve lives and strengthen our communities.”
Registration packets are available by contacting sbriggs@capnwmt.org or visiting the website at www.capnm.net and clicking on “workshops” and then “homebuyer education.” All intake packets must be completed and returned no later than 4 p.m. on Jan. 27, to CAPNM at 214 Main St. in Kalispell, via email to sbriggs@capwmnt.org (PDF attachments please) or via fax to 406-565-4834, or mailed to Sara Briggs, CAPNM, P.O. Box 88, Kalispell, MT 59903. Fees can be paid in person (prior to day of service) or by mail, cash or check only. The cost is $75 per household. However, partial scholarships are available by contacting Sara Briggs.
Spring semester at FVCC begins Jan. 17
Flathead Valley Community College’s (FVCC) spring semester begins Jan. 17.
Whether beginning at FVCC for transfer to any four-year university, pursuing a career and technical program, or earning a certificate to quickly enter the workforce, now is the time to think about all the possibilities available at FVCC.
The semester kicks off with a week full of activities for students called the “Week of Welcome” Jan. 17- 20. Fun events occur at different times throughout the week for students to learn about student services, get their questions answered at the “ask me” tent, talk about campus life over a free breakfast, or have some fun with other students at a campus sledding event.
“We’re excited to welcome students of all ages back to campus for the start of spring semester,” says FVCC dean of students Kelly Murphy. “With the planned ‘Week of Welcome’ activities in addition to faculty and staff here and ready to guide students, no question is too big or too small. We’re here to help.”
The dedicated FVCC student services like advising, career services, tutoring, health and wellness and more are available to help students achieve their dreams. FVCC advisors can explain the many options available and work with potential students.
An additional support for spring 2023 comes in the form of CARES grants designed to assist enrolled students experiencing a financial hardship as a result of the pandemic to pay for basic necessities including housing, food and health care costs.
With a short, free application, degree-seeking students enrolled in nine or more credits are eligible for funding based on the number of credits they are taking and their financial aid status. Limited funds are still available and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spring semester is a better time than ever to join FVCC on campus, online, or a mix of both to explore and develop within degree and certificate programs, customized transfer programs, and community education. Whether students are already enrolled in spring classes or future students are interested in applying for admission, FVCC is here to help.
Registration is open now and classes begin Jan. 17. Find more information at fvcc.edu.