Financial Literacy Class
When I was first hired, I was a bit nervous about after hours work. I am not sure why but I was! I had
never worked nonprofit before and this was my first foray working outside of the home since before my
kiddos were born. So yes, I was just nervous about everything. LOL! Leah was so supportive and reassuring
throughout the entire hiring process.
One of the few after hours projects I have is the financial literacy class with Shane Winter of Winter
Financial services. Shane is a likable fellow and I love that he is open about his journey into the financial
world. He had a rough start into finances and openly shared his financial struggles as a young man. Now
Shane is on a mission to make sure that others do not go through the same struggles that he did. He has
a great program that he uses during the classes; I know that the refugees appreciate the care in which he
explains each new concept. Shane is careful to ask questions to assess comprehension. He keeps the
class light and tries to make sure that everyone is engaged.
Each class it is fun to see the refugees participate more and more. This past Monday, it warmed my heart
to see the two young men joke with each other but also help the other if one was struggling to communicate
a concept to Shane. I loved that they felt comfortable enough to be relaxed and enjoy humor.
I have loved the chance to get to know the two ladies who participate in the class. I feel like we have become
friends and they have allowed me to “practice” new programs with them as their trust in me grew. Once I help
them with the new program, I am able to document and share my experiences with other staff members so that
we can implement the new programs across the organization. These sweet ladies are so kind and supportive
as I learn “the ropes”. I would have never had the opportunity to get to know them as much if I had not
participated in the financial literacy class.
My small role is one of support. I take notes and then supply my notes each week so that our friends have the
information to review. My notes are also part of capacity building because I will make tutorials at some point in
the future. Perhaps the notes can be used to teach another class, this time run by a volunteer?
For now, Shane’s class is made possible in part by a grant that was secured before I even came on
board. We have five participants and each one will get a savings account “seeded” after a certain time
period. After another set time period, the participants will get a second amount in their savings account.
Once again, I feel like City of Refuge has made another step toward making a difference in people’s lives.
I feel like these amazing people have made a difference in my life even though I was hired to make a
difference in their lives!
All opinions expressed here are solely mine and are not a reflection of the opinions of the Americorp
VISTA program or of City of Refuge in Columbia, MO.
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