Family Financial Health Conference

BATTLE CREEK, Michigan, March 29, 2004—A Family Financial Health Conference and Fair on March 26-27 provided Battle Creek residents and organizational leaders with information and resources to help families get financially fit. The free event, held at McCamly Plaza Hotel, featured speakers from across the nation as well as organizations from Battle Creek that helped people with a wide variety of financial health topics. For some residents, the event could not have come at a better time, as Battle Creek, the region, and the state of Michigan continue to face challenging economic times.

Yes we can! and a group of over ten local organizations planned the event and over thirty additional organizations participated. During the day Friday, local organizations learned what other communities throughout the nation are doing to improve the financial health of their citizens. Friday night featured Jim McHale of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation who talked about the importance of making Battle Creek a community of opportunity where all citizens have access to educational and financial opportunities.

“What was great about Friday night was listening to Jim McHale. I saw people from the Kellogg Foundation in a different light – I saw the human side of them trying to help the community,” commented Rose Miller.

A fair on Saturday concluded the events. Residents attended workshops and visited resource booths to find out more about local and national services to strengthen their financial health, including credit repair advice and budget counseling, home ownership, job training and job search skills, starting a small business, how to get an Earned Income Tax Credit and tax tips. A special track of sessions for youth discussed youth savings plans, credit unions and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“What got me really hyped about the Saturday event was that the community didn’t really know what’s available to them,” said Miller. “There are so many resources for residents. And organizations were also getting an education” about local services and networking opportunities. Miller gained a lot of information for managing her personal finances and also shared information about the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, for whom she works.

To get involved in upcoming efforts to improve the financial health of our community, contact Yes we can! at 269-441-2185.

Yes we can! is a community initiative focused on bringing residents and organizations together to build healthier neighborhoods, help kids succeed in school and help create solid financial futures for adults and youth. Yes we can! is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.