Local service groups teach kids value of a dollar
Erika Jung
Issue date: 11/27/07 Section: Campus News
John Hope Settlement House is collaborating with Making Connections Providence to create the Money Smart Kids Clubs Program, a free, after-school financial literacy program that will begin in January.
Students in grades K-12 will be bussed to weekly, one-hour sessions at five local sites, said Rick Keller, coordinator of the Family Economic Success initiative of John Hope Settlement House, a local non-profit organization that helps families in poor financial situations. "The focus is very much hands-on," Keller said.
Making Connections Providence is a ten-year, resident-driven initiative focused on three main Providence neighborhoods - South Providence, Elmwood and the West End, said Claudia Decesare, assistant director of health and development for the Swearer Center for Public Service. It is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a $3-billion organization dedicated to helping children at risk. The foundation's nationwide efforts also include initiatives in Denver, Milwaukee, Seattle, San Antonio and Hartford, Conn.
"What we're trying to do is build the capacity and the self-confidence of low income families in dealing with finances. Without much money it's a very difficult thing," Keller said. "If you reach the kids, you reach the parents."
In a sample lesson, instructors might ask students to complete small chores at home in exchange for payment from their parents. Instructors would then discuss with students plans for using their earnings, Decesare said.
The Money Smart Kids Club's curriculum was developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and will be taught by members of John Hope Settlement House and Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services. Brown student volunteers also have the opportunity to get involved through the Swearer Center.
"Brown, through the Swearer Center, is making a relationship with Making Connections Providence on many levels. Students would work with John Hope Settlement House staff who are running this program and learn the curriculum to teach these kids," Decesare said.
Students in grades K-12 will be bussed to weekly, one-hour sessions at five local sites, said Rick Keller, coordinator of the Family Economic Success initiative of John Hope Settlement House, a local non-profit organization that helps families in poor financial situations. "The focus is very much hands-on," Keller said.
Making Connections Providence is a ten-year, resident-driven initiative focused on three main Providence neighborhoods - South Providence, Elmwood and the West End, said Claudia Decesare, assistant director of health and development for the Swearer Center for Public Service. It is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a $3-billion organization dedicated to helping children at risk. The foundation's nationwide efforts also include initiatives in Denver, Milwaukee, Seattle, San Antonio and Hartford, Conn.
"What we're trying to do is build the capacity and the self-confidence of low income families in dealing with finances. Without much money it's a very difficult thing," Keller said. "If you reach the kids, you reach the parents."
In a sample lesson, instructors might ask students to complete small chores at home in exchange for payment from their parents. Instructors would then discuss with students plans for using their earnings, Decesare said.
The Money Smart Kids Club's curriculum was developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and will be taught by members of John Hope Settlement House and Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services. Brown student volunteers also have the opportunity to get involved through the Swearer Center.
"Brown, through the Swearer Center, is making a relationship with Making Connections Providence on many levels. Students would work with John Hope Settlement House staff who are running this program and learn the curriculum to teach these kids," Decesare said.