News Articles Program in Solano County for foster youth wins award
Program in Solano County for foster youth wins award
The Reporter (Vacaville)
October 24, 2011
Money Matters -- a pioneering financial literacy initiative to help foster youth to be money wiser now and as adults -- has earned a 2011 California State Association of Counties Challenge Award.
"The winners are the foster youth who are getting a strong financial foundation that will last them a lifetime, but today's recognition goes to the community partners who came together to make this innovative idea a reality," said Supervisor Mike Reagan, chair of the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
The partners in creating the Money Matters program are Solano County Health and Social Services, Travis Credit Union, United Way of the Bay Area, Solano County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), First Place for Youth and the Youth Action Team.
The Money Matters program started in 2010 to provide Solano County foster youth, ages 16 and 17, with personal financial tools. In addition, the program helps avert an unfortunate reality facing foster youth as adults. Without a sound foundation in money management, many foster youth fail to complete post high school education, find or maintain adequate housing, maintain good credit, or make positive financial decisions.
"These are essential tools for being successful in today's society, and Money Matters gives our foster youth a better foundation for success," said Linda Orrante, Health and Social Services deputy director for Child Welfare Services.
The program consists of three major components -- 16 hours of classroom instruction, a special savings account and financial mentors. To date, 55 foster youth have participated in the Money Matters program.
This is not the only accolade the Money Matters program has earned. Travis Credit Union has earned four awards for its role in promoting personal financial education among youth: the 2010 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award, the National Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, California Youth Financial Education Award and the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation Beacon Award.
"I am very proud of this program" said Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, president and chief executive officer of Travis Credit Union. "Our partnership with Solano County Health and Social Services, CASA, United Way, First Place for Youth and the Youth Action Team was developed because we believe that if we can better transition foster youth, our communities will be healthier."