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It’s a relationship that will last a lifetime. The connection with money is also one that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS), the Jackie Joyner-Kersee (JJK) Foundation and the Associated Bank in East St. Louis want to help people nurture and develop into a tool that brings peace, comfort and joy. 

The 10^th annual financial literacy commencement ceremony was held Wednesday, May 17 at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis. The financial literacy course made possible by the JJK Head Start/Early Head Start Center, the JJK Foundation and the Associated Bank, graduated eight students. 

“Financial literacy is extremely important,” said Olympic legend and gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. “The least we can do is to collaborate with SIUE and Associated Bank to help build financial literacy in our community. We are here working with SIUE and the community. We consider ourselves family, and with family you share.” 

A $1,000 check was presented to each graduate to spend for themselves and to set up a savings account for their children attending the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Center. Each graduate will also have access to a personal banker from Associated Bank, according to Marcia Oliver, JJK Head Start Center coordinator. Anonymous donors provided the funding for the 10-week course.  

“This class taught me how to manage my money and not to spend it on what I don’t need,” said graduate Dominic Butler, who many times came to class after finishing dialysis. “I did what I had to do to make a better life for me and my child.” 

“My goal is to pay off my credit cards, build my credit and own my own home,” said graduate Amelia Grey. “That’s my five-year plan.” Grey and Butler are the parents of two-year-old, Ah’Melah, at the JJK Head Start Center. 

Two former program graduates encouraged the Class of 2023 with what they learned and the progress they have made. 

Kassidi Dansberry, Class of 2022, is working two jobs and hopes to sign for a house in six months. “The change starts with you. I’m almost out of debt,” said Dansberry, who works as medical assistant and is an assistant manager at a Family Dollar store. “Working two jobs have been stressful, but it’s taught me that I’ve got to get it done. I’m using everything they taught me and running with it.” Dansberry’s four-year-old daughter, Kensley, is in JJK Head Start. 

Giovanni Sykes, Class of 2019 and the first male graduate of the program, is a program manager for the JJK Foundation. “My experience was wonderful. Now, my life has done a 180,” said Sykes. “I wasn’t sure that I wanted to participate at first, but Mrs. Oliver was very persistent.” Sykes’ son, Giovanni Jr., was in Head Start when he was four years old.   

“The program will be what opens the door to so many other things,” Oliver told the graduates. “Don’t stop and don’t give up. We are here as family to change and build lives. Money is a powerful thing. It can be our friend or foe. In the end, it’s how you handle it.” 

“If you have challenges once you leave, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help,” said Joyner-Kersee. “We care about you. We are family. We are willing to keep helping. And when you make lemonade from your lemons, don’t just drink it – remember to share it with others.” 

The graduating class included:

• Amelia Gray
• Courtney Mosley
• Vencine Bush
• Crystal Clark
• Dawn Reed
• Dominic Butler
• Ramel Prince
• Tiffany Sconyers

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in 12 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and five collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities.  

The Jackie-Joyner Kersee Foundation – Jackie Joyner-Kersee is committed to ensuring that all children have access to high quality after-school programs, safe recreational places within their communities, and caring adults to help them achieve their dreams. Jackie launched the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in Los Angeles and moved it to East St. Louis in 1995. Inspired by the closing of her neighborhood community center, Jackie grew the Foundation by raising over $12 million to expand programming and built a comprehensive youth and sports. 

Photos:
Olympic legend and gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee has helped support the Financial Literacy program for the past 10 years. 

(TOP): L-R – Joyner-Kersee, Loretta Holmes, Associated Bank senior branch manager; graduate Crystal Clark and son Brian Anthony Johnson; Marcia Oliver, JJK Head Start Center coordinator; Tracy Session, Associated Bank district manager; and Mark Mossenbacker, of the JJK Foundation Board of Directors. (BOTTOM): L-r – Holmes, Session, Joyner-Kersee, graduate Courtney Mosley and her twin girls, Oliver and Mossenbacker.