University of St. Francis Student Clubs Reach Out to Kids of All Ages!

Joliet, IL – October 17, 2011 – At the University of St. Francis, there is a student group named FREE (Financial Research and Education through Experience) which - is reaching out to students of all ages to spread important news of financial literacy. The student club has visited 4 business classes at Joliet West High School in October, visits weekly with students at the Warren Sharpe Community Center and is combining with another student group this fall to increase its connection with youth of all ages in Joliet.

FREE and the Brother 2 Brother (B2B) organization, two student-led organizations at the University of St. Francis, together with their members are very much aware of the important role of raising the awareness of financial literacy among kids of all ages 6-16. These two student groups will reach out again as they combine with - the Warren Sharpe Community Center -in assisting students of low-income and at-risk families on the south side of Joliet.

FREE and B2B have organized a “Fun With Finance” event to be held November 9th, 2011 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Warren Sharpe Community Center. At this event, University of St. Francis students will - provide fun financial activities for the youth of all ages who attend this after school center.
Samantha Cepl, FREE Vice President said “FREE is committed to helping kids locally with personal finance because a key to helping at-risk youth overcome their struggles is to provide an outlet for children to become involved educationally and feel valued.” She continued, “FREE’s goal is to equip youth with the right skills to be able to make clear choices when it comes to personal finance.”

“I see Warren Sharpe as a great opportunity for implementing our outreach efforts because I was once an a-risk kid growing up on the south side of Joliet where no one made me aware of the importance of education but now I am currently educating myself at the University of St. Francis,” said Joseph Robinson, the Community Outreach Officer for FREE.

About the Warren Sharpe Community Center

Warren-Sharpe Community Center is a nonprofit, community-based organization offering social service programs and assistance to low-income, at-risk families on the south side of Joliet. The Center has a special commitment to serving youth, and engages in several innovative programs targeting at-risk pre-school students, grade school students and teens, as well as youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Warren-Sharpe opened its doors to Joliet's south side in 1991, with a mission to become a community resource, and a commitment to cultivating neighborhood solutions to neighborhood problems. This drive to create a safe, nurturing place for children and youth in the midst of a failing neighborhood was spearheaded by the late Kathleen Bolden, Don Weir, Fr. Dick Bennett, and many other visionaries. From its inception, the Center was supported by United Way of Will County, the Caterpillar Foundation, the City of Joliet, and a long list of local civic organizations and churches.
About Financial Research and Education through Experience (FREE)

Financial Research and Education through Experience (FREE) seeks to broaden the learning curriculum through extraordinary experiential learning opportunities by engaging students to interact more with faculty, USF alumni, professionals in the business field and the community.
About Brother 2 Brother

Brother 2 Brother is a not for profit 501(c) (3) organization comprised of men who are dedicated to reaching, touching and changing the lives of families in need. B2B desires to impact more lives by showing God’s Love through the covenant relationships and consistent giving. All funs used to maintain this organization are obtained though fundraising events and the donations of caring people.