Building Stronger Communities Through Family, Inclusion, and Education

May was an exciting month for Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (ICHDE)—and a great example of what happens when education, family, and inclusivity come together. On May 6th, ICHDE hosted its Bilingual Virtual Family Financial Workshop, a groundbreaking event designed to support families on their journey toward homeownership. 

This workshop was sponsored by Fulton Bank and in partnership with Cape Henlopen School District. The webinar was an opportunity for families from all walks of life to learn together, ask questions, and feel empowered—regardless of their background or financial knowledge. As Tracy Spriggs, Director of ICHDE’s HomeOwnership Center (HOC), noted, “It was a very interactive class, and we’re so excited about Fulton Bank’s commitment to reaching Delaware’s Spanish-speaking families. This is the first of many bilingual workshops we hope to offer together.”

Empowering Families Through Education 

The Virtual Family Financial Workshop was intentionally designed to be interactive and family-friendly. Participants gained access to comprehensive resources and engaging breakout sessions, including: 

• First-time homebuyer programs – Clear information about available opportunities and requirements 

• Homeownership readiness guidance – Practical steps to prepare for the home-buying journey 

• Financial literacy activities for children – Fun, accessible learning that promotes early financial education 

The classes were held simultaneously—one in English and one in Spanish—so families could learn in the language they felt most comfortable with. These sessions aimed to demystify the homebuying process, making it approachable even for those just starting their homeownership journey. 

Breaking Down Language Barriers 

In line with ICHDE’s mission of serving diverse communities, the event was fully bilingual, offered in both English and Spanish. 

The collaborative teaching approach featured Clare Crossan and Sara Altagracia from Fulton Bank partnering with Tracy Spriggs and Eva Ramos from ICHDE. Together, they delivered parallel sessions that reached a total of 35 graduates in one evening—19 Spanish-speaking attendees and 16 English-speaking participants—demonstrating remarkable community engagement and growth. 

Taking the Fear Out of First Steps 

For many families, buying a home can feel overwhelming. Between financial uncertainty and knowledge gaps, it’s easy to feel stuck. However, with support from ICHDE’s experienced HomeOwnership Center counselors, participants learned that expertise isn’t required to begin—just the willingness to take that first step. 

The HOC team shows families that they can take those first steps toward buying a home. “Homeownership is possible,” said ICHDE’s Eva Ramos, “we’re here to help you get there.” 

This collaboration between Fulton Bank, ICHDE, and Cape Henlopen School District created a hands-on experience that addressed real questions about the home-buying process, providing practical support for families ready to move forward. 

Looking Ahead 

The success of the Virtual Family Financial Workshop marks a meaningful step in ICHDE’s ongoing mission to uplift and educate families across Delaware. As the organization continues to expand its reach and offerings, the focus remains consistent: building stronger, more inclusive communities through empowerment, access, and support. 

If you missed this workshop, don’t worry—more opportunities are on the horizon. Stay connected with Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware through ichde.org and follow ICHDE on Instagram and Facebook for updates on upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to get involved. 

Because when we come together—across languages, cultures, and experiences—we create the kind of community where everyone can thrive. May’s workshop demonstrated the true impact of collaboration, inclusion, and education. As we move through 2025, ICHDE remains committed to empowering families and building stronger communities—one step at a time. 

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