Debbie Brewster
Setting a new standard for community service and financial literacy education, Debbie Brewster has been providing the DeForest School District with her passion and drive to help others for almost 30 years.
Voted by the DeForest Area Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year in 2008, Brewster has implemented a number of programs focusing on Business Education and Financial Management for both students and adults. As the liaison between the community and local business, she is constantly working to expand her programs to deliver the best learning experience.
What started as a joint effort to find a way to better the community, quickly expanded to into a number of helpful programs for both students and adults. "We all sat down and made a list of what we thought would be best for the community," says Brewster, "and financial literacy quickly rose to the top. Then we asked ourselves what we can do to improve and help as many people as possible."
Every May, over 200 DeForest high school seniors get an eye opening introduction to the adult world by taking part in "Reality Day," a daylong, interactive workshop. Designed to help young adults prepare for life after high school or college, students learn how to manage financial resources and living expenses, while making choices about career paths, product purchases, and life goals. When asked about reaching out to students, Brewster replied, “The best way to engage is to make it real for them, they actually enjoy it and participate. By making it real, it works."
"It’s amazing how seriously they take it," commented High School Planning Committee member, Judi Walsh, "and find they still have a lot to learn."
Facing the challenges of providing the best services possible with limited time and resources, Brewster wears many hats in her role as Coordinator of School/Community resources. Managing public and media relations, publications, and business/industry collaboration to name a few; everyday presents an opportunity in finding new and innovative ways to improve her community. "The first thing is to find how to get the need across," said Brewster on being proactive. "Sometimes people don’t see what they need until it’s right in front of them and we’re here to help that."
As a participant in Wisconsin’s statewide annual "Money Smart" week, Brewster assists in the organization of events and seminars sponsored by area businesses and organizations to promote personal financial education throughout the County. With topics ranging from starting a business to planning for retirement, the weeklong event has become something the community looks forward to every year.
Continuing her focus on adult financial literacy, Brewster’s latest project is an effort to supply community assistance in today’s shifting economy by organizing continuing employment education for adults focusing on resume building and placement assistance.
Practical Money Skills commends Debbie Brewster, the DeForest Area School District, and the DeForest Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing contributions to financial literacy and dedication to their community.
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