Financial Literacy Courses Available to Families, Employees

Dec. 12, 2011 ~ The Olathe Public Schools has teamed up with El Centro, Syverson & Company LLC, and Mission Southside to provide free financial literacy training for district families in need and employees.

"Financial Survival Guide" is offered at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays in the North Lindenwood Support Center, 315 N. Lindenwood, Olathe. Beginning Jan. 11, there will be a 6 p.m. Wednesday class. Reservations can be made by calling (913) 780-8233. Spanish presentations are available by calling (913) 780-7979.

"We noticed an increase in requests for community resources from our district families," Community Liaison Heather Schoonover said. "Requests for help from Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and the Wimmer Student Care Fund were on the rise."

Deb Madden, executive assistant to the superintendent, assists with many of those requests and knows community resources don't always match the financial needs of district families.

"Preparing children for their future starts at home and we are pleased to offer our families some of the tools needed for their financial security," she said.

Two unique sessions are presented on alternating weeks through May. Participants learn budgeting basics and how to access community financial resources. They may join at any time but are encouraged to attend both unique sessions.

Kim Sill, Head Start director, is an advocate of the financial training.

"Many families have not had any training or experience in budgeting their money," she said. "Some don't even have a bank account and are using payday loan establishments and other places that charge a fee just to cash a check.

"One of the goals is to get families connected with a bank and to start saving."