Fun With Finances

They say “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and earlier this month the Partnership tenth graders put this old adage to practice. Students learned basic money management skills during a three day financial workshop hosted by the UNO student group, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, (CEO). CEO utilized a unique board game, which walked the students through many basic financial exercises. “Students had to simulate working for a paycheck, paying bills, balancing a checkbook and purchasing businesses, stocks and real estate,” explains Program Specialist, Amanda Burton.

The group had an opportunity to hear UNO college students speak about their experiences with preparing financially for college and also had a chance to listen to Union Pacific’s Chief Financial Officer, Robert Knight, talk about what it takes to manage finances for a large corporation. “This group will soon be joining the workforce and are also preparing for college. They need to be aware of these kinds of financial responsibilities,” says Burton.

The students seemed receptive to all of the financial tips and advice they were given. Adan, a Central High School tenth-grader, is now planning to open a savings account so that he can start putting away money for college. Adan says taking part in this workshop has helped him to be more conscious of what he chooses to spend his money on. “You have to always think ahead and plan how you are going to use it,” he says. Now that’s advice you can take to the bank!

MeLitta Wilson, In a Class Of Her Own

“Do as much as you can, even if you don’t “feel” like it,” advises All Our Kids alum, MeLitta Wilson. At the young age of 23, she has accomplished quite a lot, and according to Wilson, she has only just begun. Armed with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree focusing on literacy, Wilson is making strides to implement her own writing program for students. “I hope to really grow the program locally, statewide and who knows after that,” she says.

As a dedicated teacher, she works to inspire others to join in her passion for helping more kids. “I absolutely adore my job,” says Wilson. “I am not saying that it is easy by any means, but it is one of the most internally satisfying things I have ever done.” She credits All Our Kids for a lot of what she has achieved. “I am very appreciative because the program has opened many doors and it continues to contribute to my success,” she says.

In 2001, Wilson joined The Partnership’s All Our Kids program as a seventh grader at McMillan Middle School. Since that time, Wilson has stayed connected to the program as a scholarship recipient, a tutor, a volunteer and a walking testament to what youth organizations like the Partnership can do for kids. “All Our Kids has allowed me to be MeLitta,” she says. “Knowing who I am and what my aspirations are makes life enjoyable. I owe much of that internal satisfaction to All Our Kids.”

Wilson will return to school in the fall as a third grade teacher at Walnut Hill Elementary. In addition to teaching, Wilson says she will continue to tutor and also plans to become a mentor for the All Our Kids program. Eventually she would like to work in educational administration. She says she will continue working towards her goal and encourages others to do the same. “Find something you love and make it happen,” Wilson says. “Its not always easy, but it is worth it. You owe it to yourself and your future.”

A Day In The Life Of An All Our Kids Program Specialist

While most of the 8a.m.-5p.m. working world is day-dreaming about escaping from the copy-machine and computer screen to spend a little time outside this summer, All Our Kids Program Specialists are running off to exciting field trips at the Zoo, museums,and the Humane Society. It is fair to say that most of us might be a little jealous of such a luxury. Who wouldn’t prefer ice-cream and a trip to the museum over a day at the office?

Although any Program Specialist will admit that summer outings are a major perk, they will also say that field trips are only a small part of the job. “Preparation for meetings is very important,” says All Our Kids Program Specialist, Ronna Fritz. “We are also busy going to other Program Specialists’ meetings and assisting with transportation almost every day we are not leading a meeting,” she continues. In addition to the preparation for each student meeting , there is also the dreaded post-meeting paperwork. “Filing and data entry are constants after a meeting.” Fritz adds.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Program Specialist position is connecting with the students. “Planning and facilitating quality meetings and outings that engage, inspire and educate our students is the biggest of our responsibilities,” says Specialist, Nick Sasada. “Really our day is directed by asking ourselves, what can we accomplish to support our students in their academic and life skills goals.” For those students who struggle academically, the Program Specialists provide them with Intensive Case Management. “We meet with the student on a weekly basis to help them create a personalized plan to reach their goals.” Sasada says.

Most Program Specialists will say that the students are why they choose to do what they do. “Watching as a student sets their own goal and then achieves this goal is the most rewarding part of the job,” Sasada says. Fritz agrees, “The kiddos for sure! Seeing them achieve is why I’m here.”

Summer Service

Throughout the entire school year students everywhere count down the days until the most coveted time of year arrives-SUMMER! However, by this point in the season the novelty of no homework and spending all day at the pool is wearing a little thin and kids all over the city are sighing the same two words, “I’m bored!” The staff and students of The Partnership For Our Kids are vanquishing these sighs of monotony and replacing them with shovels and sacks of service!

In early June, middle school students in the Partnership’s All Our Kids program brightened up the entrance to the Salvation Army North Corp with some sturdy shrubs. “It was great to see the kids working so hard,” says All Our Kids Program Specialist, Ronna Fritz. “They were very proud of their work and never complained once!”

Program Specialist, Christina Penka believes these projects not only make a difference in the community, but also help to give the student participants a feeling of purpose. “Often we hear from the students that they do not feel as if the community values them or provides them with useful roles,” she explains. This summer Penka and a group of sixth grade students are assisting the staff and students at Kellom Elementary in the cultivation of a school-wide garden. Kellom Elementary Principal, Eric Nelson is grateful for the help and hopes that the garden will touch the whole neighborhood. “If the students begin to appreciate the outdoors, hopefully they will discuss this with their families and friends, therefore, bringing about a healthier community,” he says.

Late last month, Partnership middle school students took their service projects one step further by helping Heart Ministries with a mobile pantry. Students assisted in packing more than 300 bags of food that are given away to area families in need. Fritz explains that many of the students who helped with these summer service projects have experienced being on the receiving end of service and were so excited to have the opportunity to give back. “At the end of the day you could see such pride in their eyes,” says Fritz.

Check back for more updates on summer student projects coming soon!