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Family Financial Literacy Series
“Make your money work for you!” |
Microsoft Awards SCJ Technology Enriched Communities Grant
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SCJ ANNUAL DINNER |
Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc., in its continuing efforts for the advancement of the Latino community, has partnered with leading financial institutions in developing the Family Financial Literacy Series (FFLS). The series provides comprehensive financial literacy education to participants in order to increase their money management skills, and help them make better financial choices and decisions for their families and their future. The series is scheduled to begin on September 25, 2003.
The Family Financial Literacy Series is a series of seminars open to the community as an opportunity to expand their financial skills. The program consists of four sessions that will provide a framework for continued learning. The first seminar will offer basic financial literacy topics, such as, opening and managing checking and savings accounts, and basic budgeting. Each subsequent seminar will cover increasingly complex topics, including, homeownership, insurance, investments and entrepreneurship. Presentations will be made in both English and Spanish and are of no cost to participants.
The Business Leadership Council began researching the possibility of developing a program to satisfy the growing need and demand for sound financial literacy in the Latino community. This vision is now becoming a reality as the program initiation draws close. Aside from financial support, the sponsors, including, Household International, Bank One, Citibank, TCF Bank, and State Farm Insurance and Financial Services, are sending experts to lead FFLS sessions, and will have representatives available at interactive informational booths, where program participants will receive information from the specific financial institutions.
SCJ and FFLS sponsors welcome the community to participate in this exciting and innovative series.
For more information on this initiative, please contact Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc at 773-247-0707, ext. 240. |
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Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc., in its continuing efforts for the advancement of the Latino community, has partnered with leading financial institutions in developing the Family Financial Literacy Series (FFLS). The series provides comprehensive financial literacy education to participants in order to increase their money management skills, and help them make better financial choices and decisions for their families and their future. The series is scheduled to begin on September 25, 2003.
The Family Financial Literacy Series is a series of seminars open to the community as an opportunity to expand their financial skills. The program consists of four sessions that will provide a framework for continued learning. The first seminar will offer basic financial literacy topics, such as, opening and managing checking and savings accounts, and basic budgeting. Each subsequent seminar will cover increasingly complex topics, including, homeownership, insurance, investments and entrepreneurship. Presentations will be made in both English and Spanish and are of no cost to participants.
The Business Leadership Council began researching the possibility of developing a program to satisfy the growing need and demand for sound financial literacy in the Latino community. This vision is now becoming a reality as the program initiation draws close. Aside from financial support, the sponsors, including, Household International, Bank One, Citibank, TCF Bank, and State Farm Insurance and Financial Services, are sending experts to lead FFLS sessions, and will have representatives available at interactive informational booths, where program participants will receive information from the specific financial institutions.
SCJ and FFLS sponsors welcome the community to participate in this exciting and innovative series.
For more information on this initiative, please contact Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc at 773-247-0707, ext. 240.
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On Tuesday May 13, 2003, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. celebrated its success by paying tribute to the accomplishments of SCJ alumni and by welcoming SCJ's future at the organization's Annual Dinner, held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. This year's dinner Chairman was PepsiCo Beverages and Foods Chairman and CEO, Gary M. Rodkin. The highlight of the evening was a testimonial given by SCJ alumna Michelle Quintana, Senior Systems Analyst at Quaker/PepsiCo, who received a standing ovation. She thanked SCJ for providing her with a solid foundation for her career. Upon completion of SCJ's Office Technology Training program, Michelle was selected to participate in the SCJ/Quaker Internship program. Michelle continued to expand her technical capabilities, and has been promoted several times within the company. In addition, Michelle is currently working on her bachelor's degree at DeVry University while raising her five-year-old son.
Scott, C. Smith, President and Publisher of the Chicago Tribune, received the Corporate Leader Award for his outstanding work as the 2002 Dinner Chairman and ongoing leadership and support of SCJ. The dinner’s master of ceremonies was Phil Ponce, anchor and managing editor-WTTW 11-and co-chaired by Joseph J. Ahern, CBS 2 Chicago, William F. Aldinger, Household International, Emily L. Barr, ABC 7 Chicago, Gery J. Chico, Altheimer & Gray, Bert Medina, Univision/Telefutura Chicago, Robert S. Morrison, (retired) Quaker/PepsiCo Beverages & Foods, John W. Rowe, Exelon Corporation, Scott C. Smith, Chicago Tribune Company, John Vitanovec, WGM-TV Chicago and Larry J. Wert, NBC 5 Chicago.
"We have grown immensely since our beginnings at an 18th street storefront in Pilsen," said Mary Gonzalez-Koenig , SCJ President, Founder and CEO. "The credit of more than three decades of growth and success of Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. lies in the spirit and determination of its students, staff and board."
The Annual Dinner is the largest fundraising event held by SCJ each year. The funds raised are used to support the programs and services at SCJ enhancing the lives of Latinos: personally, professionally and academically.
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| Highlighting Leadership: SCJ Board of Directors |
Student Success:Q & A |
Reality Check Lunch |
The SCJ Board of Directors' commitment has been instrumental in the organization's success throughout it’s history. The Board of Directors is comprised of executive level professionals from diverse business sectors of the Chicago land area. These sectors include law, communications, accounting, energy delivery and health, among other fields. Assir R. DaSilva, Vice President of Diversity at Exelon Corporation, is currently Chairman of the Board and has been a member of the Board for over 20 years.
Specific responsibilities of the Board include defining and upholding the mission of Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc; overseeing and ensuring the implementation of goals and objectives for the organization, evaluating and monitoring the progress of all SCJ programs and services; assisting in the development of programs and services that promote the purpose of SCJ; approving budgets and monitoring finances; and ensuring that the organization maintains and has adequate resources to operate. The SCJ Board also serves as a valuable source relating to SCJ's employment services through their affiliations with top companies and corporations.
SCJ Board members always go above and beyond their responsibilities and take a very active part in the workings of SCJ. "SCJ is very fortunate to have Board Members who are caring leaders, talented and totally committed to our mission and to the Latino community. Throughout the years, these skilled men and women have given of themselves to make SCJ the premier organization it is today. The public may not know them individually, however, collectively they have helped change lives and inspire success for many," explains Mary Gonzalez- Koenig, SCJ President & CEO. |
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Raquel De Luna graduated this summer from the SCJ Office Technology Training Program (OTT). She is currently working at State Farm Insurance as a Customer Insurance Representative.
Q: How has the training you received through the OTT program helped you achieve your goals?
A: The training I received was incredible! SCJ provided me with the knowledge and education that I needed and I have really used my new skills. Through the OTT program, I learned Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs. I also learned how to communicate with other people. These skills are necessary for my job because I have to keep track of important client information.
Q: What is your current employment position?
A: I am a Customer Insurance Representative at State Farm Insurance. I work with clients by answering their questions and concerns and give quotes on auto, homeowners, life and renters insurance. I also keep track of customer payments. State Farm is also training me in sales.
Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: I plan to stay with State Farm, increase my skills, and continue to grow with the company.
Q: What was your situation before you came to SCJ?
A: I was unemployed and only had my GED. It was very hard to find employment because I didn’t have experience or marketable skills.
Q: How would you describe what SCJ means to you?
A: Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. gave me knowledge and education that will stay with me wherever I go in life. |
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| Cynthia Hernandez of Communications Education, Inc., whose motto is "communicate with an open hand and heart", describes to students that it is important to set goals. What is the difference between a goal and a task? "A goal has to fulfill certain requirements. It has to be specific, measurable, attainable, and reachable." |
CINCO de MAYO PARADE
Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. staff and students participated in the Chicago Cinco De Mayo (celebration of the famous Mexican battle of Puebla) parade, organized by the Cermak Chamber of Commerce. The participants secured a float, sponsored by Sears and proudly represented SCJ as they marched through the streets. They passed out SCJ literature, while waving the Mexican and American flags. It was an excellent time for the students to participate as a group in a community activity. This is a very important tradition for Mexicans and people of Mexican descent, as are a majority of SCJ students. SCJ hopes that next year will bring more students and more participants in the parade. |
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