The first graduating class of Budget Buddies, a nonprofit that provides low-income women with financial training, received their diplomas Thursday at Lowell-based Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s headquarters at 1 Tremont Place.

The pilot program, with eight women from the Chelmsford Housing Authority and Lowell Transitional Living Center, began in September with clients attending monthly workshops given by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, according to a statement. Subjects included budgeting, banking and credit.

"The educational support provided by Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union has been a huge factor in the success of our pilot," said Budget Buddies Executive Director Anita Saville.

Finance coaches helped the woman pay down credit card debt, reduce monthly expenses, resolve tax issues, seek debt consolidation loans, and create savings plans.