Listen: On our second to last Monday, Day 42 of 50 in Meet The Need, we meet Asset Builders of America. They work promoting financial and wealth-building strategies to enhance the quality of life for low income youth, families, and communities through a spectrum of programs ( learn more about the specifics of what they do on their homepage). Robert Wynn introduces us to Asset Builders:
-I haven't heard "wealth building" or "financial literacy" too many times thus far in Meet The Need – as it is a campaign focusing on basic and human needs, these terms aren't the typical parlance. So, I asked Robert to place their work at Asset Builders into the picture of need:
-In the population at large, many of the financial concepts Asset Builders teaches may be a bit foreign. So, working with youth in low income communities, they often times find their message requires some time to sink in:
-Robert shares the story of a young man who isn't necessarily at the top of his class, but has been reached by Asset Builders through their Millionaire's Club:
-I really liked this – when Robert started sharing the story of a young woman that is a success story for them, I almost immediately recognized the details. Turns out he was telling me about KaJaiyaiu Hopkins, who we met this summer during our Safe Streets Healthy Kids campaign ( you can get to know her a little better here). I really enjoyed spending a little time with her – even though she's in eighth grade, she was one of the sharpest and most articulate young people I've come across. Robert reflects on this remarkably talented, mature young woman:
-Want to get involved with Assets Builders? You can share your professional experience with the young people in their Millionaire's Club:
This year, we ask you to adopt one or two organizations that connect with you. Want to get involved with Asset Builders of America? Donate, volunteer, or check out their work yourself. And you can start with their website.