My name is Sarah Janda and I am the new Program Manager for Financial Beginnings.  I am so excited to be a part of the Financial Beginnings team. I have always been passionate about education and helping people. It’s that passion, which inspired me to become part of the Financial Beginnings team.  I have spent the past 10 years in social services, specifically in employment and training.  Most recently, I worked for a vocational training program and that is where I first became familiar with Financial Beginnings.  I utilized Financial Beginnings’ programs regularly for a youth transition class I taught.  The students always learned so much, as did I, from the very knowledgeable volunteers Financial Beginnings provided!

Over the years, I realized I was not only passionate about employment and training, but also financial education.  I also saw firsthand the importance and need for both, especially with youth.  I noticed while I was helping youth find employment, getting a job was not a magical solution that would suddenly make their lives better.  For many youth gaining employment brought a whole new set of responsibilities they had never encountered before, such as rent, transportation, food, insurance and much more.  However, many of them had no idea how to manage their money and, for the first time in their lives, they were now expected to be self-sufficient.  I knew as much as it would be a struggle for them I always encouraged them to save money, even if it was only $5 from each paycheck.  Some of them would laugh and talk about how they were going to buy a flat screen TV, a new car, etc.  While others assured me that they did not want to end up in debt like their friends and family and intended on saving as much as they could.   Now as an employee of Financial Beginnings, I look forward to hearing many more stories of success that would not be possible without the support and dedication of the volunteers, educators, and partners.