Photo Caption: (l. - r.): Helen Steblecki, director of community relations for Citibank in New Jersey, Michelle Presson, chief of staff, office of U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett, Denise Durham Williams, national director of community relations, Citbank, Lyn Rumage, director of development and communications, Children's Aid and Family Services, Assemblywoman Joan M. Voss, and Peter Dugas, Manager of Public and Legislative Affairs, CCFI Fund of U.S. Treasury pose for a picture at the third annual
Get Smart About Credit Day. |
(Paramus , NJ) October 20, 2006 - The adolescents living in Children's Aid and Family Services group homes recently participated in Get Smart About Credit Day, a national financial education campaign sponsored by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation (ABAEF).
"Most of the children in the agency's care have never had an adult in their lives to teach them the invaluable lessons of financial responsibility," says Liz Mason, executive vice president, Children's Aid and Family Services. "I'm grateful to Citibank and the ABAEF for reaching out to the young members of our community."
Peter Dugas, manager of public and legislative affairs for the U.S. Treasury Departments Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, and Denise Durham Williams, national director of community relations for Citibank, led the workshop, which was held at the agency's flagship location at 200 Robin Road, in Paramus.
On the third annual Get Smart About Credit Day, more than 1,000 bankers volunteered across the country to visit colleges, high schools, youth groups and continuing education classes and teach students how to use credit wisely. Some topics discussed included how to responsibly use a credit card and establish good credit history; basic account maintenance, interest rates and finance charges; how to prevent identity theft, and overspending.
"Citigroup is pleased to team up with the ABAEF to make a difference in our community and teach credit lessons that will help young people build better lives for themselves," said Denise Durham Williams, National Director of Community Relations for Citibank. "No matter your age, understanding how to use credit wisely is incredibly important and we hope to empower students and young adults by providing the information and tools they need to set and reach their financial goals."
Citibank, a member of Citigroup, has been actively involved in Get Smart About Credit Day since it began in 2003. As part of the national event, nearly 500 Citigroup representatives have taught Get Smart lessons to 11,193 adults across the country.
The ABAEF promotes financial education by connecting bankers and young people. The Foundation's annual financial education events, National Teach Children to Save Day and Get Smart About Credit Day, have helped nearly 40,000 bankers teach money skills to almost 2 million young people.
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has more than 100 years of experience in building futures for children, families, and communities. Its mission is to help children, families, and communities to heal, to learn, and to grow. For more information, visit www.cafsnj.org.
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