On Tuesday evening, S.C. Johnson hosted a Community Interest Program called “Financial Fitness” in partner with the Racine Coalition for Financial Fitness and Family Service of Racine. The program helped to address our community’s need for financial education at all ages, and included presentations on topics such as budgeting, credit scores, taxes, home buying, and property taxes.
The event consisted of an hour-long program, as well as a resource fair before and after to highlight some of the organizations involved with the Racine Coalition for Financial Fitness. Educators Credit Union, Racine County Workforce Development Center, Green Path Debt Solutions, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program are just a handful of the organizations that were present. Representatives provided one-on-one assistance to attendees who had any questions regarding their financial needs.
Bev Baker of Racine County UW-Extension began the program by giving a brief history and overview of the Racine Coalition for Financial Fitness. The coalition began in 2010 when Bev, Wally Rendon, and Debbi Embry saw a dire need for Racine residents to develop a more trusting relationship with financial institutions. There are three core components of the coalition: financial education and outreach, a banking initiative that encourages residents to open up bank accounts, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Stefanie Molinaro, AmeriCorps VISTA at Family Service of Racine, is managing the coalition for a year as a part of the UW-Parkside AmeriCorps VISTA Project.
Wally Rendon of Educators Credit Union stressed the importance of keeping track of expenses by budgeting, and making smart decisions when it comes to using credit. Racine County Treasurer Jane Nikolai reminded attendees that property taxes must be included in homeowners’ monthly budgets. Donna Maldonado of Housing Resources, Inc. promoted all of the ways that her organization can not only help residents attain homes, but ensure that new homeowners keep the homes they worked so hard to get. Cheryl Montgomery of Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency presented on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and informed the audience of the tax credits they may be eligible for.
Overall, the event was a huge success! We are thankful for everyone who contributed to make this happen.
The event consisted of an hour-long program, as well as a resource fair before and after to highlight some of the organizations involved with the Racine Coalition for Financial Fitness. Educators Credit Union, Racine County Workforce Development Center, Green Path Debt Solutions, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program are just a handful of the organizations that were present. Representatives provided one-on-one assistance to attendees who had any questions regarding their financial needs.
Bev Baker of Racine County UW-Extension began the program by giving a brief history and overview of the Racine Coalition for Financial Fitness. The coalition began in 2010 when Bev, Wally Rendon, and Debbi Embry saw a dire need for Racine residents to develop a more trusting relationship with financial institutions. There are three core components of the coalition: financial education and outreach, a banking initiative that encourages residents to open up bank accounts, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Stefanie Molinaro, AmeriCorps VISTA at Family Service of Racine, is managing the coalition for a year as a part of the UW-Parkside AmeriCorps VISTA Project.
Wally Rendon of Educators Credit Union stressed the importance of keeping track of expenses by budgeting, and making smart decisions when it comes to using credit. Racine County Treasurer Jane Nikolai reminded attendees that property taxes must be included in homeowners’ monthly budgets. Donna Maldonado of Housing Resources, Inc. promoted all of the ways that her organization can not only help residents attain homes, but ensure that new homeowners keep the homes they worked so hard to get. Cheryl Montgomery of Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency presented on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and informed the audience of the tax credits they may be eligible for.
Overall, the event was a huge success! We are thankful for everyone who contributed to make this happen.
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