Because of her favorable experience as a volunteer at a Juvenile Services (JS) Life Skills class, Cadey Dick encourages others to share a little time and expertise with JS clients.
Dick, who is Bank of the Plains assistant vice president/branch manager/loan officer, recently led a one-hour Introduction-to-Banking class for six clients at the JS office, 1800 12th, Great Bend.
“We discussed different types of accounts and their features,” Dick said. “Topics included interest earnings in savings accounts and certificates of deposit, and the importance of credit – what it affects and how to build it.
“In addition, we talked about the importance of keeping money safe and insured in a bank account, not in your desk drawer.”
Dick noted that students “asked questions that led to good discussions. We talked about their future careers and different ways credit and banking can help support that next step.
“They all were engaged in the conversation. One person even asked if I followed Dave Ramsey’s financial rule of thumb.”
The importance of budgeting was another topic. “It was noted that the expense of eating out and using food-delivery services can add up quickly,” she explained. “Budgeting is a great way to start planning for the future.”
Dick decided to volunteer for Life Skills as a way to invest in young people and support the community.
“A financial education is not usually something young people think about,” Dick said. “Sharing this knowledge early might help make the journey easier.
“Learning how to manage money at an early age helps build financial responsibility,” she continued. “Equipping them with these tools will help them manage their finances effectively, live within their means and save for the future.”
One 18-year-old student in Dick’s class said “I really liked the class; it was enjoyable. I would recommend it to others.”
Another client participated in the Purchasing & Maintaining a Vehicle class with Tim Nollette, Marmie’s Automotive service manager, as the instructor.
“The classes get you to thinking about how you act,” the teenager said. “I liked the automotive class and it got me to thinking about being a mechanic in the future.”
Life Skills information
Life Skills classes began last year and so far, six courses have been offered. In addition to the two mentioned, the classes were: Renter’s Rights, presented by Jack Bowman, JS program advocate; Writing for the Workplace by Justin Brown at Barton Community College; Clothing Care by Karisa Cowan, principal of Lincoln Elementary in Hoisington; and CPR and First Aid by Dean Nuss of Kansas CPR Training.
“We truly appreciate every volunteer,” Bowman said. “I am impressed with their knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile for young people.”
It is not all work and no play at Life Skills. For example, a fishing class is scheduled for Veterans Lake with Travis Riley, fisheries biologist for the Ellsworth District of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.
“Travis has the equipment and can discuss safety, licensure and other topics,” Bowman noted. “We want to offer other recreational classes in the future too. Leisure pursuits are so important to a balanced life.”
General course categories are domestic issues, car maintenance, finances, relationships, employment, citizenship, time management, problem solving and self-care.
“Think back to when you first left home: what were the challenges you faced?” Bowman commented. “If something pops into your head, our clients will benefit from your experience. Most people genuinely want to help our youth but may not know how to begin. We provide a venue for them to make that connection.”
For more information, contact Bowman by calling 620-793-1930. “We want to offer as many opportunities as we can to spark the imaginations of young people who are looking to the future.”
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
