Beverly Hoppie Beverly Hoppie leads BNT’s financial education and housing programs, including homeownership, landlord certification, fair housing, and foreclosure prevention. A former banking and finance professional with over 30 years of experience, she has directed BNT’s educational efforts since 2007. Beverly delivers more than 100 classes and workshops annually—serving over 1,350 students and 500 additional workshop participants each year—making her one of the most active HUD-certified educators in Connecticut.
Empowerment Resource Academy (ERA) Classes - All Classes are FREE
Our classes give you the knowledge and tools to take control of your financial future—whether you’re working toward homeownership, building credit, or creating a budget. But true success comes when you pair that learning with action, and that’s where our one-on-one counseling can make all the difference.
Pre-Purchase Certificate Class
Thinking about buying your first home? This class walks you through every step—from mortgage pre-approval to making an offer and closing—so you can make informed decisions. It includes a free one-on-one counseling session and a Certificate of Completion that may satisfy your lender’s education requirement.
Financial Fitness, Budgeting & Credit Class
This class helps you take control of your finances by understanding your income, spending habits, and financial goals. You’ll learn how to create a budget, build savings, manage credit, and reduce debt, all with tools and strategies that promote long-term financial wellness.
Home Retention (Foreclosure Prevention) Counseling Class
If you’re behind on mortgage payments or struggling to keep up, this class gives you the foundation to understand your options and protect your home. In just two hours, you’ll learn about the foreclosure process in Connecticut, how mediation works, ways to avoid scams, and programs that may help you stay in your home. We highly recommend follow-up counseling, which greatly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
Landlord / Tenant Certificate Class
This ERA class prepares future 2-4 family homeowners for successful property ownership and tenancy. Learn the legal and financial responsibilities of being a landlord, how to find and keep good tenants, and key topics like leases, fair market rents, discrimination laws, and security deposits. Perfect for anyone planning to live in and rent out part of their property.
Rental Counseling Workshop
Learn about Housing Choice and Portable Housing Subsidy Certificates, how to conduct a successful housing search, and key Fair Housing laws. This class also covers rental assistance programs and housing resources available in Connecticut, guidance on budgeting and financial planning for your family, and sources of funding for security deposits.
eHome America 8-hour Homebuyer Education Certificate Course
For added convenience, you can now complete your 8-hour Homebuyer Education Certificate online through eHome America. The course fee is $99.00.
Don’t stop with the class.
The real progress happens after the class, when you sit down one-on-one with a counselor to build a plan tailored to your goals. Whether you’re working toward homeownership or just trying to make ends meet more comfortably, our counselors are here to guide you through budgeting, savings, credit repair, and all of life’s financial curveballs. It’s free, personal, and the best way to turn what you learned into real change.