SLAYTON – Do you remember trying to run a household for the first time? Insurance, vehicles, kids, medical expenses, banking and maintaining a budget were a mystery. Our high school students are facing this challenge and need help to prepare, so it is time for a Reality Check!
Reality Check is a program developed by school systems and will be adapted for use in Murray County schools. High school seniors from MCC and Fulda school districts will attend an interactive program on May 4 that assigns them an income, then sends them out to choose insurance, transportation, medical, finance options and more. It’s the live-action version of the game of Life!
The students go from booth to booth during the event at the MCC gym to pick what fits into their budget. They will make decisions regarding how much they can spend on entertainment, will learn what they will need to pay for daycare and groceries, and be challenged by how to handle life’s unexpected surprises when it comes to operating their household without going broke.
This program – a first time event in the area – is being organized by various local businesses and entities, including MinnWest Bank, Murray County 4-H, Murray County EDA, the Slayton Public Library, and the MCC and Fulda school districts.
We need volunteers! To run booths, to help the students with a checkbook register, to explain options regarding insurance, finances, housing, household needs such as furnishing and clothing, and to assist with everything life can throw at a family.
We’re also looking for donations – little rewards the students can earn if they don’t break their own bank. Gift cards, t-shirts, any kind of small items our students can earn based on how much money they have by the end of their own Reality Check.
An organizational meeting will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 at the meeting room in the Murray County Courts building. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.
Volunteers or donors are asked to contact Reality Check Committee members Kim Hause at 507-836-1144 or hausek@umn.edu, Justine Wettschreck at 507-836-6023 or jwettschreck@co.murray.mn.us or Kim DeLong at kim_delong@ mcc.mntm.org.
