On Saturday, August 19, about 25 teenagers and family members participated in the first money management class with Girls Dig Deeper Initiative (GDDI) and Bank of America at the Rosa Jackson Recreation Center.
The class was free and open to everyone. Representatives from Bank of America talked about the importance of having a plan to manage money effectively. They discussed tips and strategies to improve their finances, as well as debit and credit cards, college planning, personal banking for teens, investing, and debt management. They also held a Q+A session and reflections where parents and teens could ask further questions about what was discussed.
“Having this class was a wonderful opportunity for teens and families to talk about money and learn good money habits,” said GDDI Founder Najiva Timothee. “The engagement was great as parents were asking questions and getting the answers they need to set financial goals for now and the future.”
GDDI is working on planning another opportunity for a money management class, but no date has been selected yet. If you know any girl between the ages of 13 and 17 who wants to join GDDI’s mentoring program, they can register here.
GDDI is a girls group mentoring and youth development program in Central Georgia, which serves youth in schools and communities. GDDI has received $15,500 in grant funding from Macon Violence Prevention. In the first round of funding, they received $5,500 and in the second round this year, they received $10,000 to offer leadership development programs designed to help young girls overcome barriers such as childhood poverty, chronic absenteeism, poor academic achievement, disability, adverse childhood experiences and community violence.
About the Macon Violence Prevention Program
Macon Violence Prevention is an evidence-based, multifaceted program created to address public safety in Macon-Bibb County. Supported and funded by the consolidated government, MVP is a community-wide effort that brings together elected officials, community leaders and representatives from more than 20 agencies, organizations and departments.
The MVP program operates under the guidance of the MVP Strategic Plan, which was created in June of 2021 by community stakeholders and violent crime experts. The plan combines data and research with community feedback to identify and implement proven solutions that reduce violent crime and strengthen the community over time.