By Chelsea Vance | The Selma Times-Journal

A free four-week financial course aims to help people who are struggling with managing money or making a budget.

Communities of Transformation, the Dallas County Family Resource Center and Memorial United Methodist Church have partnered with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to host the course on Monday evenings at Memorial United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall, which is located at 2159 Broad Street.

Jan Justice, a social worker for the Dallas County Family Resource Center, said the courses are a great way to help people who are in need of guidance when it comes to finances.

“The goal is to try to help those who are struggling and want to improve their situation in life,” Justice said.

The courses will be held Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:15-8 p.m. Childcare is available and meals are offered. Those who plan to come for the meal should be there at 5:30 p.m. and call Justice ahead of time at (334) 874-7785.

Each week will focus on a different topic related to making sound decisions about money. Some of the topics include building a spending plan, understanding credit history, improving credit scores, learning about banking services and managing a checking account.

“Everybody can improve their financial management. I think it’s amazing to see such collaboration across the community,” Justice said.

She said at least 10 groups are helping with the courses by donating food and materials.

Another curriculum will be introduced in March. The Awaken Program is a 12-week series that explores a holistic approach on living. The course will use the wellness wheel as a main reference while examining spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, physical, environmental and financial health.

Sharlean Briggs of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will be the instructor for all courses. For more information, contact Justice at jan.frc@gmail.com or (334) 874-7785.