Stepping Stones to Stability

Objectives:

- Empower families to manage financial and community resources effectively

• Reduce long-term reliance on holiday assistance

• Provide tools for sustainable financial planning

Target Audience:
Families relying on community support for children's holiday gifts

Program Overview:
In response to increasing dependency on holiday assistance, the Bourbon County School District partnered with the FCS Agent to launch Stepping Stones to Stability, a financial education program required for families enrolling in the 2024 Angel Tree initiative. The class focused on spending awareness, distinguishing needs from wants, and understanding personal financial habits using the MONEY Habitudes tool.

Key Data & Outcomes:

• 68 participants attended across 4 sessions (including 1 Spanish-interpreted session)

• 100% plan to evaluate wants vs. needs and reduce debt

• 96% will set responsible spending goals

• 100% reported increased awareness of spending consequences

• Angel Tree assistance dropped 62%: from 180 families in 2023 to 68 in 2024, all of whom completed the financial class

Next Steps:
The program's success has prompted interest from neighboring districts and community organizations to incorporate financial education into ongoing support programs.