"Your Money, Your Future" with Financial Educator, Carmen Johnson

Welcome to Your Money, Your Future. I am Carmen Johnson, your Financial Educator and the Founder and CEO of the Katie Able Foundation. Today on Your Money, Your Future... Bring back the family.

This week’s financial tip is about the importance of family. Let's go back in our minds to when we were kids. Think back we ate as a family, we gathered around the TV to watch our favorite shows as a family, we even had household meetings as a family. Somehow we've gotten away from all of that. Your challenge this week is to take your family back to that time.

Let’s start with family financial meetings twice a month where you sit down and go over all the bills and create a household budget. Involve your children. Let them place the bills in alphabetical order and then write them in a spreadsheet.

Explain to them what type of bills they are one by one and how to read them and what bills your family may be able to cut back on. Ask them what they can do to make your family financially stronger. Ask your kids what they are will to cut back on in this hard times. Don't be surprised if they already know how to do some of these things.

Keep it fun by assigning roles. Make one of your children the light captain - in charge of making sure that the lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms. Another child can be the coupon captain- in charge of clipping coupons in the paper and searching for them online, finding the best grocery store deals.

Together, the children can monitor the household budget and make sure that we as a family stay on track. Bring back the kids, bring back the parents, bring back together our families.

Until next week this is Your money, Your future, I am Carmen Johnson, your Financial Educator and the Founder and CEO of the Katie Able Foundation.

Please check us out at Katieablefoundation.org and remember,

Do something to justify your Existence, TOGETHER we can create the future!


Ms. Carmen Johnson

Katie Able Foundation
Founder/CEO
www.katieablefoundation.org
301-352-5855 work

Do something to justify your Existence, TOGETHER we can create the future!

"Transforming Jangling Disharmony Into Community Empowerment”

SCLC SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHAPTER
3905 91ST AVENUE SPRINGDALE, MARYLAND 20774

Theme:
Transforming Jangling Disharmony Into Community Empowerment”

First in a Series of Educational Forums


Date: February 15, 2011
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: Kettering Community Center
11801 Chesterton Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774


• Help determine the future of all our Children.
• Learn about the budget process.
• Learn how you can help make a difference.

Aren’t our Children worth it?

Forums Sponsored by:
SCLC, Advocates for Children and Youth & Kettering Civic Federation
For additional Information:
Dr. Jarvis Johnson: jjohnson@acy.org
Kettering Civic Federation (voicemail): 301-218-0258

Former Director of PGCPS Parent Liaison Program to Head Up Department of Communications for Alexandria City Public Schools

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Morton Sherman is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly L. Alexander to the position of director of community/school partnerships and communications.

"Ms. Alexander has a unique combination of community relations and communications experience that will be essential to successfully engaging the public in the transformation taking place in Alexandria City Public Schools," Dr. Sherman said.

She will assist the superintendent in the development, integration and implementation of the division's public/media relations, business partnerships and community outreach programs as a member of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach team. Ms. Alexander has nearly 20 years of communications experience, with expertise in media relations and public relations. She has led communications efforts for both nonprofit and corporate communications teams.

Ms. Alexander most recently served as the community outreach officer for Prince George's County Public Schools, where she initially began as the public information officer. During her six-year tenure, she developed and implemented strategies for internal and external communications between all stakeholders regarding parental engagement in schools. She created award-winning public awareness and marketing campaigns for this large urban school district, including The Communicator Award of Distinction for Media Placement (2005), The Communicator Award Honorable Mention (2005) for the 2004 PGCPS Annual Report and The MarComm Creative Award (2006) for the YES-Be cool, go to school! Public Awareness Campaign. Ms. Alexander created the district's successful "Everything You Need to Succeed" marketing campaign to highlight educational opportunities and student successes. She supervised more than 100 Parent Liaisons helping to engage thousands of parents each year in educational workshops, school events and classroom observations.

Prior to working in education, Ms. Alexander supported the corporate communications efforts of the National American Red Cross as a media relations manager and associate. She oversaw the national media launch of several life-saving programs and a myriad of national media tours and interviews at the American Red Cross. She also worked in community affairs for Prudential HealthCare of the Mid-Atlantic and in media relations for The George Washington University Medical Center.

Ms. Alexander earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism at The George Washington University.

STATEMENT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT REGARDING THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED FY2012 BUDGET

The Governor’s proposed budget could leave Prince George’s County Public Schools with an additional 2.4% deficit of $20.8 million for FY2012. A cut of this magnitude would leave us with a total projected deficit of $85 million, which would have a devastating impact on our students, our staff, and our schools.

We understand that tough economic times force us to seek additional ways to trim the budget, and appreciate all that our state and county leaders have done to soften the blow to public education. Over the past two years, we have closely examined the way we do business, streamlined processes, and made painful cuts to staffing and non-instructional programs throughout the district. In developing our budget for the upcoming school year, we are continuing to look for additional opportunities to reduce operating costs and work more efficiently.

My priority and responsibility to this community is to request a budget that provides our students with the support and resources they need to succeed so that we can continue the academic gains of the past several years. While our goal is to “hold the classroom harmless,” additional cuts to the budget may impact successful academic programs and resources.We are grateful for County Executive Rushern Baker’s strong support of education, and will continue to work with our county leaders, parents, staff, and community members to ensure that our students get what they need to succeed as 21st century citizens.

"Your Money,Your Future" with Financial Educator Carmen Johnson

Cutting Back

As we settle into January and we start reflecting on our past 12 months, some of us may be thinking “I believe I may have spent too much.” This is the time to do an assessment on what are some things you can cut back on: Are you eating out too much? Are you spending too much money on unnecessary things? Just think what can you cut back on. How can you make this adjustment? These are things we should consider as we live through this recession. The reality is, it probably won’t get any better. I know you hear the housing market is going to get better or the dollar will regain its value, but the fact of the matter is you need to be prepared if it does not. So let’s take the time this year to cut back on all unnecessary things. You will be surprised how much you can save.

Carmen Johnson is the Founder and CEO of the Katie Able Foundation.

To find out more about Carmen Johnson visit http://www.katieablefoundation.org/

Parent Talk Discusses Foster Care Students and Education with Dr. Anita Reed

Parent Talk will discuss the challenges facing foster care students and their care givers with Dr. Anita Reed, Mental Health Therapist with Arlington County Public Schools.

Topic: How Can Public Schools Support The Academic Achievement of Foster Care Students

Date: MONDAY, January 24, 2011

Show Time: 8:30pm-9:00pm

Call In: 914.803.4591

Anita H. Reed, Ph.D, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who specialize in the treatment of adolescents, adults, and families. She has more than 23 years of experience serving at-risk youth and families as a direct service provider and also as a developer and analyst of programs and policy. She worked for Arlington County Department of Human Services for 14 years as a program manager and supervisor of child welfare staff. Her experiences with the Department spanned the continuum of services from prevention to foster care. For the past 9 years, she has worked as a mental health therapist for Arlington County Public Schools. She has also been an adjunct professor at Catholic University’s National School of Social Services (NCSSS) for 5 years, with a specific focus on child welfare policy. Dr. Reed graduated from Vassar College with a B.A in Sociology, received her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, and completed her doctoral studies in Social Work at the National Catholic School of Social Services at Catholic University.

A conversation with Mrs. Irene Clements, President, National Foster Parent Association

Join Educational Gateway on January 10th for a conversation with Mrs. Irene Clements, President, National Foster Parent Association.

Mrs. Clements will outline the challengs facing foster care parents in their efforts to ensure a quality education for foster care children living in their home.

BIO

Irene and her husband, Billy, fostered for 27 years and adopted four children. Irene has 34 years experience working within the child protection system, both as a foster parent and as an advocate for foster families and the children they serve. Irene is also the President of the Texas Foster Family Association and is Vice President for Advocacy for Lutheran Social Service of the South, Inc.

Forest Of The Rain Productions has an exclusive interview with Dr. Charlene Dukes, President of Prince George's Community College

Forest Of The Rain Productions has an exclusive interview with Dr. Charlene Dukes, President of Prince George's Community College can be heard on The Journey Begins Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator.


BIO

Dr. Charlene M. Dukes is the eighth and first female president of Prince George’s Community College and has twenty-eight years of progressive leadership experience and administrative responsibility in higher education. With more than 40,000 students, Prince George’s Community College offers more than 200 credit and workforce development programs. She holds membership in a variety of professional organizations, including serving as a founder and lead faculty member for the Community College Student Development Leadership Institute under the auspices of the National Council on Student Development, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges; the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators through which she served on the National Academy Board; the Council of Law in Higher Education; and the Maryland Network, an affiliate of the Office of Women in Higher Education/American Council on Education. Additionally she serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council of the American Association of Community Colleges, the Lifelong Learning Commission of the American Council on Education, and the Presidents’ Round Table, an affiliate of the National Council on Black American Affairs.

From 2002 through 2006, she served on the Appointed Board of Education of Prince George’s County and chaired the Student Support, Student Appeals, and Personnel Committees. In May 2007, she accepted an appointment from Governor Martin O’Malley to serve a three-year term on the Maryland State Board of Education and was elected in July 2009 as vice-president of the Board. In October 2007, the African-American Alumni Council of the University of Pittsburgh recognized Dr. Dukes as an Outstanding Alumnus, and in 2008, she received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2009, she received the “1St Ladies Award” given by Radio One and My Sister’s Keeper Organization and the “Luminary Award” from the Prince George’s County Black Chamber of Commerce.

She has participated in the Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the League for Innovation, Women in Leadership sponsored by the Office of Women in Higher Education/American Council on Education, and the National Leadership Academy sponsored the Association of Community College Trustees. She has also served as adjunct faculty at the Community College of Allegheny County in the English Department, at Prince George's Community College in Developmental Studies, and at Morgan State University in the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program.

She is a member of the board of directors of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, the Business Round Table, the Harlem Renaissance Foundation, College Summit, and a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Dukes has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an English concentration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s and Doctorate in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She resides in Glenn Dale, Maryland with her son, Maurice Dukes, a student at Howard University.

Martin Luther King Day an Inspirational Moment: By Dr. Stephen Jones

The celebration of Martin Luther King Day is a reminder of what it takes to change the world. One person invested in a deeply inspiring vision of a new way of life prevailed in the midst of adversity. Dr. King envisioned a time when everyone would be judged by the content of their character not the color of their skin. It’s ironic that more than 40 years later America still struggles with issue of race.

American’s elected President Barak Obama but this country still struggles with what his election represents. Some say we’ve made progress and others remain resistant. Even members of his own democratic party have not consistently supported President Obama. Every move that he makes is placed under a microscope. For example, his attempt to comfort Americans after the attack on Senator Gifford and others who lost their lives was twisted. It was a passionate speech which caused the audience to cheer and feel comforted. The President remained somber throughout the celebration of life. Dr. Martin Luther king would have approved. Sometimes it appears that America is a country that is looking for a way to remain divided. There is a great need to forge past political agendas and focus on decisions that are in the best interest of the country.

It is evident that Dr. Martin Luther King had many challenges during the time that he was alive. There were often competing interests that affect how fast America would change. Dr. King spent time preaching how people need to treat each other because of personal events he witnessed while living in the south. There were separate bath room facilities for people of color and they could not eat at the diner counter. Dr. King felt that these prejudices must change. In his day social action involved boycotting buses. It’s time for American’s to slow down to respond to social injustices that still occur every day.

Martin Luther King was a scholar and an educator. He taught thousands in the community to pursue more education. His leadership led to a whole generation of teachers and scientists who broke color barriers in companies all over the country. Today we can find these individuals in the executive suites of corporations all across America. There are black and Hispanic professionals who’ve started businesses and witnessed changes in society as their companies have grown.

Dr. King would be amazed at the progress that’s occurred during the 21st century. If he were alive today he would be amazed at the internet. The internet changes the speed at which people respond to an event or crisis. There are millions of responses to social issues. The ability to create a blog or tweet information has changed the way that thousands are communicating their opinion. The current technology allows millions to read about Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. The internet is accompanied by its own challenges. Last year, Ms. Shirley Sharrod was removed from the Department of Agriculture when her comment s where posted on the internet. They were deemed discriminatory. After a careful review she was cleared by hear office.

No one can deny that Dr. Martin Luther King was a man with a mission. It was a mission that was powerful that it touched the nation’s heart. When several children were killed during bombing it made it clear that the mission would not be complete without a fight. No mission that is worth fighting for is won easily. Today we must move forward with determination to make things better for everyone.

It’s important to continue to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and to acknowledge his contribution to society. Dr. King was a trailblazer in terms of demonstrating the leadership characteristics that we should all adapt. America’s cities are in desperate need of leaders who can transform they way that we communicate and live.

"Your Money,Your Future" with Financial Educator Carmen Johnson

The After the Holiday Blues

The tree has come down, the lights outside are dim and all of your relatives have gone home. However you hear a constant whining, a whimpering if you will but you can’t identify the source.

You scramble and run all around the house frantically as the soft cry turns into a loud wail. Finally! You stop and realize that the noise is coming from your wallet. That’s right, YOUR wallet. It’s been abused and misused this past holiday season.

You’ve taken it through some un-expected changes; over-spending on holiday items, using your credit card way too much and now your wallet has nothing left to give. What do you do? How can you mend your broken relationship?

Start by giving your wallet a break… Let you wallet fall in love with having money inside of it at least for a little while…

The extra money that you spent, pay it back to yourself. Subtract the amount of what you actually spent from your original budget. Whatever the difference is, that’s the amount that you should save.

Make A Vow to Your Wallet… that this will never happen again. That you won’t leave it empty or forget the loud cry it makes when it’s neglected.

Carmen Johnson is the Founder and CEO of the Katie Able Foundation.
To find out more about Carmen Johnson visit http://www.katieablefoundation.org/