From Kalisha’s Desk—April Edition

April is National Financial Literacy Month! Throughout April and beyond, Youth Emergency Services (YES) is proud to highlight the vital role financial literacy plays in ending youth homelessness.

Understanding and managing finances is essential to empowering young people as they work toward independent, stable futures. For youth experiencing homelessness or transitioning out of crisis, learning how to budget, save, and plan for expenses can be life-changing. That’s why YES integrates financial education into every stage of our continuum of care.

YES case managers work one-on-one with youth to develop personalized financial plans, build credit awareness, and practice basic money management. We also offer life skills coursework covering topics like banking, employment readiness, and housing costs—helping youth make informed financial decisions. Most recently, YES welcomed representatives from First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) to lead financial literacy sessions during our weekly program meetings!

By equipping youth with these essential skills, we help break the cycle of homelessness and pave the way to long-term stability. Financial literacy builds confidence and independence—ensuring the youth we serve have the tools, knowledge, and support to take control of their futures and thrive.