By R. Oliver | The first in a series of an 8-week workshop “Financial Literacy for Kids and Mental Health Awareness” kicked off this past weekend at the Highlands Branch Library. It is being presented by The Al Denson Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to empower the lives of young men and women through education and athletics, while providing students and families information on enriching educational and vocational programs focusing on academic preparedness, financial literacy and mental health.

The inaugural symposium was led by Wanda Williams, M.Ed., a school counselor with the Duval County Public Schools and financial educator Deanna DeVaughn Johnes, The interactive session for students and parents discussed various topics including Dreams, Goals, Values, Time Value of Money, Budgets, Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress, Mental Health Toolbox, and Resources for Teens in case of crisis.”

One of the parents, Ms. Naquan Walker, when asked why she wanted her 13 year-old son to attend, replied, “It’s the perfect time to introduce and reinforce the information that we’ve tried to teach him at home and I am also learning more about these topics.”  Its not too late to participate in the program, to register and for more info visit http://www.aldensonfoundation.org.