Building Financial Foundations: Early Education with Child Development, Inc. and Local Banks
At Schuylkill Community Action (SCA), we’re passionate about promoting financial literacy from an early age. Partnering with Child Development, Inc., which operates centers in Pottsville, Mahanoy City, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah, Fountain Springs, St. Clair, and Tamaqua, allows us to provide essential financial education directly to preschool-aged students, many from low to moderate-income families.
Thanks to the generous support from Truist, Santander, Wells Fargo, and M&T Banks, our program has expanded its reach and impact. These partnerships not only provide vital funding but also offer enriching experiences such as educational bank tours and interactive lessons on basic money skills conducted right in the Child Development centers.
Truist and Santander bankers regularly join our sessions at the centers to lead lessons on money management and coin recognition. In April, a representative from Mid Penn Bank collaborated with our financial education coach for a special session at the St. Clair Center for Child Development, engaging preschool students in similar interactive lessons.
During this past quarter, students from the Schuylkill Haven Center for Child Development visited Santander Bank in May, while students from one of the Pottsville Centers visited Truist Bank in June. At both banks, they enjoyed special tours of branch operations, engaged in activities focused on US currency, and received a bag of shredded currency from the Federal Reserve, valued at approximately $100 per child during each visit.
We deeply appreciate the active involvement of our local banks and Child Development, Inc. in our program. Their dedication to financial education highlights their investment in the growth and development of young learners in our community.
Empowering Youth through Summer Programs
This summer, we re-launched the Summer BLAST (Better Lives Always Start Today) Program in partnership with Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol. Designed for children in grades K-6, BLAST runs alongside summer lunch programs in Pottsville, Mahanoy City, Frackville, and Tamaqua. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, educational workshops, team sports, mindfulness sessions, and special guest visits, including yoga instruction.
Additionally, we’ve teamed up with the Reading District Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) for the My Work program. This initiative provides high school students with valuable work experience across our community. Three students have already made significant contributions at SCA, from painting rooms to assisting at food pantries and more.
These partnerships exemplify our commitment to empowering youth through enriching programs and meaningful employment opportunities.
As the winter season comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who participated in our weatherization programs from November 1, 2023, to April 5, 2024. Through the LIHEAP Crisis Program, our weatherization team repaired malfunctioning or failing heating units for 154 households, ensuring they stayed warm during the winter months. Additionally, our LIHEAP Clean & Tune program improved system longevity for 39 households, reducing utility costs and promoting sustainability.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the return of the LIHEAP Crisis Cooling Program, starting on May 1st, 2024. This program will provide assistance to households facing cooling emergencies during the summer months by providing air conditioners and fans to those in need. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate and help support our community’s comfort and safety.
Recognizing Leadership Development in Our Staff
We are excited to acknowledge the accomplishments of two SCA employees who graduated from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development Program. Lynn Rosa, Housing Counselor, and Denise Walton, Weatherization Assistant, completed the ten-session course focused on community leadership.
Lynn and Denise gained valuable insights into community issues like Workforce Development, Health & Wellness, and Government Relations. Their dedication to helping people and changing lives reflects our organization’s core values.
We are proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to our mission. Investing in future leaders is essential for building a better Schuylkill County.
A Message from the Executive Director
At Schuylkill Community Action, we believe in collaboration to drive positive change. This quarter, we highlight our expanded focus on youth and the partnerships that make our initiatives possible. Our Financial Education Program with Child Development, Inc. and local banks, is making great strides by providing financial literacy education to early education students. By teaching young children the basics of money management, we are laying a foundation for their future stability and success.
We are also proud to announce our inaugural participation in the My Work program with OVR and YAP, offering high school students meaningful work experiences and skill development. Additionally, our Summer BLAST program with Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol provides elementary school students with enriching activities that promote learning and growth during summer months.
These partnerships embody the adage, “It takes a village.” Together, we advance our mission and make a tangible difference in our community, building a brighter future for all.
David Young
Executive Director, Schuylkill Community Action
