Roads to Success

On April 15, 2025, Roads to Success proudly welcomed Citi volunteers to our Boston Secor Cornerstone Program. This day-long collaboration brought money matters to life for over 100 community members, ranging from elementary-age youth to seniors. Through engaging performances, workshops, and meaningful conversations, Citi empowered attendees to take steps toward financial independence.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Larissa Longchamp, VP Market Manager, Northeast Community Relations at Citi, whose vision and leadership played a key role in shaping and bringing this impactful day to life.

The day kicked off with a special session for our senior community, where 20 attendees participated in a workshop on Safe Banking. Citi volunteers helped seniors understand how to protect their funds, avoid scams, and navigate digital banking tools with confidence. The workshop addressed real concerns, from unfamiliar tech to trust in online systems, and offered simple, clear strategies to build their financial safetynet. Paired with delicious refreshments, the session was both informative and heartwarming.

At 2 p.m., the energy shifted as 50 elementary school children gathered for a live performance of Sami the Squirrel and the Great Acorn Adventure, performed by IlluminArt Productions. In this charming and educational play, Sami the Squirrel learns to choose between spending, saving, sharing, or investing birthday acorns, a clever metaphor that helped kids explore the basics of financial decision-making. The performance was followed by an interactive Q&A, where Citi volunteers engaged the curious young audience in meaningful dialogue about their own ideas of saving and planning for the future.

In the late afternoon, 10 adult participants joined a workshop focused on Credit. They learned the ins and outs of credit scores, credit cards, and responsible borrowing. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity of the information and felt more confident navigating the world of credit.

Finally, our teens wrapped up the day with an enthusiastic session on Saving and Investing. With 30 participants in attendance, the workshop sparked thought-provoking discussions on building portfolios, understanding bonds versus shares, and the power of early investment. Many youth were eager to learn and share what they already knew, deepening their awareness of personal finance and their own financial goals.

“At Roads to Success, we believe that financial literacy is a cornerstone of independence to help young people make informed decisions and build brighter futures. You are never too young to begin a journey of financial empowerment,” said Sheila Duke, Chief Executive Officer, Roads to Success.

“We are committed to preparing the next generation for success in the classroom, the workplace and beyond. Special thanks to Citi for sharing their time, talent and experience.”

At Roads to Success, we’re proud to partner with organizations like Citi that share our mission of equipping young people and communities with the knowledge and confidence to thrive. Together, we’re helping build the foundation for brighter, bolder financial futures, one lesson at a time.