BE A MUSHROOM Foundation and Money…

Oct. 16, 2024

Empowering communities through financial education to improve economic outcomes of low-income residents in Chandler

CHANDLER, Ariz. - The BE A MUSHROOM (BAM) Foundation, led by former NFL player Jerome Daniels MCAA, PHD Candidate and co-founder wife Lisa Daniels MSN-ED, RN, have teamed up with Money Vehicle, LLC, to launch a groundbreaking initiative called "Road to Riches" aimed at enhancing financial literacy in communities across Arizona and the nation. Both organizations will now partner with Chandler Public Housing Authority to address the critical need for standardized financial education-benefitting Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing residents in Arizona.

The Challenge
Personal finance education is a critical component for HCV participants and public housing residents enrolled in the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS). Chandler Public Housing Authority offers the FSS program to help individuals and families move forward and achieve self-sufficiency-reducing or eliminating the need for public assistance. Introducing this initiative to the FSS program and to all those in housing assistance programs would greatly positively impact their lives. There is currently a significant gap in the availability of standardized curriculum and training in financial literacy. Recognizing this challenge, Daniels and former NFL colleague Jedidiah Collins, along with Money Vehicle, are working to provide financial literacy resources that meet the specific needs of communities.

The Solution
The BE A MUSHROOM Foundation and Money Vehicle have developed a Financial Literacy Blended Learning Curriculum designed to be implemented in strategic communities throughout Arizona and beyond such as the City of Chandler Public Housing Authority. This comprehensive curriculum provides materials aligned with both state and national standards, including textbooks with text-to-speech capabilities, co-teacher video content, facilitator slides for in-class discussion, an owner's manual workbook, a capstone character project, and a weekly podcast.

"The 'Road to Riches' initiative is about more than meeting requirements-it's about breaking the cycle of financial insecurity in our communities. Partnering with the BE A MUSHROOM Foundation, we are committed to delivering financial education that is accessible, practical, and tailored to the unique needs of families striving for stability," said Jedidiah Collins CFP ^®, founder, Money Vehicle. "Collaborating with Jerome Daniels and co-founder wife Lisa Daniels and the BE A MUSHROOM Foundation has been an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to understand money and build a secure financial future. This initiative is a powerful step towards achieving that goal, and I am honored to be part of this mission to empower communities across Arizona and beyond."

Implementation and Future Plans
The "Road to Riches" initiative will begin its rollout in November 2024, focusing on distributing financial literacy content to support city and state initiatives aimed at preparing families for financial literacy requirements. The program will expand and maintain access to the Money Vehicle curriculum beyond 2025, ensuring continued support and growth in financial education.

"Our communities deserve every opportunity for financial empowerment. We are excited to work alongside The BAM Foundation and Money Vehicle to advance financial literacy, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to overcome financial challenges and build sustainable wealth," said Leah Powell, director, the City of Chandler Neighborhood Resources Department. "Their commitment is unwavering, making impactful change a reality and standing as true partners in lifting our communities towards a more financially secure future."

About BE A MUSHROOM Foundation
The BE A MUSHROOM Foundation, co-founded by Jerome Daniels and his wife Lisa Daniels, is dedicated to uplifting communities by providing essential resources and education that promote financial stability and empowerment. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, the Foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and enable individuals and families to achieve lasting financial independence.

About Money Vehicle
Money Vehicle, LLC specializes in delivering practical and accessible financial literacy education. With a mission to empower individuals of all ages with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, Money Vehicle provides comprehensive curricula that align with current educational standards and real-world needs. For more information, visit Money Vehicle.

About Chandler Public Housing Authority
The Chandler Public Housing Authority is administered by the City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, which oversees and manages a portfolio of Public Housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher. The Division also operates and links to other supportive services for those living in affordable and federally subsidized housing programs. Its primary focus is to provide affordable rental housing for low-income households. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently recognized Chandler Public Housing Authority as a high-performing Public Housing Authority. For more information, visit Chandler Affordable Housing.

Media contacts:
Jerome Daniels, MCAA, PHD Candidate
BE A MUSHROOM (BAM) Foundation, Founder
602-768-3394

Jedidiah Collins CFP ^®
Money Vehicle, Founder
509-336-9166

Stephanie Romero
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2231