Free nine-lesson program will provide financial education, child care, practical resources, and ongoing support to Grundy County residents
PAASSS is expanding its support for Grundy County families with a new opportunity designed to help residents take control of their finances and build a stronger financial future. Thanks to a $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Grundy County, PAASSS will offer Financial Peace University (FPU) at no cost to Grundy County residents. Classes are forming now and participation will be limited to 25 people.
Financial Peace University is a nine-lesson financial education program that provides practical strategies for budgeting, paying down debt, preparing for emergencies, making informed insurance decisions, saving, investing, and building wealth.
But PAASSS plans to make the experience about more than completing a financial curriculum. The program will be facilitated by a local couple who are Financial Peace University graduates themselves and have experienced firsthand the impact that gaining control of their finances can have. In addition to guiding participants through the nine lessons, they will share their own experiences and provide encouragement throughout the program.
PAASSS also plans to invite local professionals from the banking and insurance industries to join selected sessions, giving participants an opportunity to learn from and ask questions of experts in their own community. And because removing barriers is an important part of helping families participate, free child care and light snacks will be provided during the classes. Participants will also receive a one-year subscription to the EveryDollar budgeting app, allowing them to continue putting what they learn into practice beyond the classroom.
The initiative reflects all three pillars of the PAASSS 2026–2029 Strategic Plan: Educate, Collaborate, and Empower.
- Educate: Families gain practical financial knowledge and tools they can use in everyday life.
- Collaborate: PAASSS, the Community Foundation of Grundy County, local facilitators, community professionals, and families come together around a shared goal.
- Empower: Participants leave with knowledge, resources, and a plan they can use to make decisions about their own financial futures.
The program also reflects PAASSS’s broader belief that strengthening outcomes for children begins with strengthening the families and communities surrounding them.
Interested in Participating?
Financial Peace University will be offered FREE to Grundy County residents, but space is limited to 25 participants.
Classes are currently forming. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to complete the interest form as soon as possible.
Sign up for Financial Peace University: https://forms.gle/
There is no cost to participate. Free child care and light snacks will be provided, and participants will receive one year of access to the EveryDollar budgeting app.
