Kishwaukee United Way and NIU’s Financial Literacy Collaborative will host a series of free financial literacy events in DeKalb County as they launch their fourth annual financial literacy and asset building efforts by hosting Money Smart Week – DeKalb County April 18-25, 2015.
Three years ago, outreach efforts were made to bring financial educational tools and community resources to families in our area. Local engagement began by supporting income tax preparation for low-income individuals, and those efforts continue to remain a part of the committee’s efforts. In 2013, the group became a part of the Federal Reserve Bank’s national Money Smart Week initiative and added 18 financial literacy sessions to the outreach effort. In 2014, the group hosted 60 sessions and events engaging over 1,400 local participants. Plans are now underway for another great year this April.
Money Smart Week – DeKalb County plans to collaborate with dozens of organizations across DeKalb County including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. Free programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance from establishing a budget to first-time home buying to estate planning, couponing and much more.
Businesses and organizations involved in Money Smart Week are referred to as “Partners.” A Money Smart Partner is an organization that actively participates during Money Smart Week . There are several ways to join in this partnership: businesses or individuals can offer to present a workshop, provide a program venue for sessions, serve on the steering committee, or be a financial supporter to help market their business and Money Smart events in a local media calendar insert. Or, if a company or organization is planning any type of financial outreach or education during the April 18-25, they welcome them to contact them to include the event on their calendar of events to help with their participation, and be a part of the larger effort.
Individuals or organizations interested in becoming a Money Smart Week Partner are invited to an informational meeting on January 21, 2015 at 9:00 am at Kishwaukee Hospital in the Roberts Conference Center, Rooms 1 and 2. Please RSVP to Jackie DiNatale at 815.756.7522 by 1/16/15. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to get involved or would like a list of sample topics, contact Jackie, as well. Presentation topics in past years have included identity theft, budgeting, credit management, eating healthy on a budget, couponing, estate planning and others. A community shred day is also planned.
“We are excited to offer these resources to individuals in DeKalb County. It is essential that community members have the ability to make informed and responsible decisions regarding finance, credit, and debt.” says Dawn Littlefield, Executive Director. “Kishwaukee United Way is pleased to work with other community partners to coordinate these program sessions which provide tools and resources to impact lives in our area.” All sessions are free of charge, and open to all.
A complete 2015 schedule of events will be shared on the NIU Financial Literacy Collaborative website (www.moneysmartweek.niu.edu) or for more information call 815.756.7522 or email dawn@kishwaukeeunitedway.com
