Welcome to the New Century blog!

Welcome to the first post for the New Century IDA blog!  We hope to use this as a tool for communication with our community, current participants, alumni, sponsors, and anyone interested in IDA programs.  This is a new venture for the New Century IDA, so bare with us as we set up these media outlets and give you the most relevant information on finance, credit, savings, and stories from our participants, alumni, and those working behind the scenes at the New Century IDA.  We will also use this as a venue for discussion on new housing issues, and information in the world of credit and finance. 

An introduction is in order- my name is Andriana, and I joined the New Century IDA this past August as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member placed in the Forsyth County Department of Housing.  AmeriCorps*VISTA is considered the Peace Corps of the United States.  I will be here for one year pouring all my time into this wonderful organization.  A large part of the work I am doing with the New Century IDA is social media outreach, and letting the community, participants, and alumni know what's going on with the New Century IDA program.  I have already interviewed a few of our current new wave participants (individuals who just began the classes), and will be interviewing them throughout their exciting journey towards owning their own home.  These are the stories that make up the heart of the New Century IDA, these are the voices and experiences of people who are trying to make a dream for themselves and their families.  I am humbled to work for an organization that is spreading the tools needed to empower those with low and moderate income.  All people are worthy of taking hold of their life and owning a home, the New Century IDA is empowering these individuals through asset building and financial literacy so they can live out their dreams and take their piece of the American Dream.

I am not the only blogger for the New Century IDA.  You will hear from others in the organization; from our other VISTA Alexandra, who works at Experiment in Self Reliance, to directors of the nonprofits linked to the IDA program.  So please comment, question, enjoy, and discuss our postings, as well as let us know what *you* want to know, learn, and talk about!

I truly look forward to your comments and questions regarding housing and the New Century IDA.  Look out for a posting of the first interview I conducted with a lovely couple who are current participants in the IDA program.

Best,  Andriana