On Tuesday, April 6, three local State Farm agents presented Youth & Family Services (YFS) with a check for $5,000 to support financial literacy programming offered by the organization.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation that will be used to help children and families served by YFS,” shared Connie Olson, YFS’ Chief Development Officer.

To be a true catalyst of change and help bridge generations of families out of poverty, YFS works to provide intentional economic literacy opportunities designed to motivate low- to moderate-income families to move out of poverty. Olson explains, “We know that learning economics helps children and families understand our history, government and culture. It also helps us learn to make decisions about their personal and shared resources, to understand work and careers, and to develop the habit of analytical thinking. Economic principles do not just deal with money and jobs; they are at the core of decisions we make every day — decisions our children will use to shape their lives.”

The grant was awarded by the State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship program after YFS submitted an application and received an additional recommendation for the grant from Rapid CityState Farm agent, Scott Carlson. “At State Farm, we make it our business to be a good neighbor and are committed to building safer, stronger, and better educated communities,” stated Carlson. “State Farm is proud to support Youth & Family Services. For years, Rapid City agents have supported YFS as volunteers and through personal donations. This grant will specifically be used to assist in the area of YFS’ financial literacy programming and aligns directly with State Farm’s Community Development focus.”

Pictured in photo from left to right: John Julius, YFS Chief Executive Officer; Scott Carlson, State Farm Insurance Agent; Dave Raml, State Farm Insurance Agent; Mike Smith, YFS Chief Operations Officer; Doug Markworth, State Farm Agent; Amanda Moriarty, YFS Child Development Center Director; Connie Olson, YFS Chief Development Officer; Justin Freeman, Community Outreach and Events Coordinator. Children pictured are enrolled in YFS’ Child Development Center.