Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

The Lake Trust Foundation is donating $7,500 to non-profit Money Matters for Youth to help fund an "immersive" Washington D.C. trip for youth to advocate for financial literacy programs.

Money Matters provides financial literacy education to Detroit children ages 8-18. That education may be particularly important for kids heading off to college, who often times secure a federal student loan, only to be bombarded by credit card offers as they walk through campus.

“On top of the student loans they may have to take out and have payments for, it's those credit card bills. So, to make sure they have that understanding so they be successful and financially well as they start their career after they graduate,” said Amanda Huszti-Vickers, Lake Trust Community Impact Manager and Executive Director of the Lake Trust Foundation.

“Having a bad credit score, having debt, can prevent them from having that car, or from that apartment, buying that home. It all plays together.”

According to a release, Lake Trust Foundation’s matching donation will be coupled with $2203.01 of funds raised by Money Matters’ program participants, called “young investors,” via their Pull Up for Change event held on June 1.


“At Lake Trust, we are committed to cultivating a community where everyone can thrive and assisting members in navigating the financial world is a vital part in making this possible,” said David Snodgrass, President & CEO of Lake Trust and President of the Lake Trust Foundation.

“Money Matters, which helps underserved youth including children in the foster care system, has made tremendous strides over the years, sharing financial wisdom with local youth through field trips, day camps, and hands-on learning – like the upcoming trip to Washington D.C. When we learned a financial shortfall put the educational trip in jeopardy, the Lake Trust Foundation saw an opportunity to help. We look forward to working closely with the organization to continue advancing their efforts to bolster financial literacy education for youth in our community.”

“For nearly 30 years, I’ve leveraged my expertise in financial literacy as a tool to reach our young people. Throughout this journey, I’ve taught today’s youth how to value themselves as they learn about the important role they play in their financial success,” says Gail Perry-Mason, founder of Money Matters.

“I am grateful to have the Lake Trust Foundation’s support in continuing our work and empowering the next generation to build their financial skills. Their commitment to our program will have a long-lasting impact on our young investors by providing them the necessary tools and education to help them achieve financial wellbeing and independence.”

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Photo courtesy of Lake Trust.