Unique Little Savers
Youth Financial Literacy Program · Ages 5–12
Unique Little Savers is an interactive youth financial literacy program offered by Unique Family Services for children ages 5–12. The program introduces children to the basic principles of money management through age-appropriate lessons, stories, games, worksheets, and hands-on activities.
Participants learn:
- What money is and how it is earned
- The difference between needs and wants
- The importance of saving
- How to create a budget
- How to set and work toward a savings goal
- Smart spending and responsible financial decision-making
- Basic entrepreneurship concepts
The First $20 Savings Challenge
Children can earn $5 each week by attending, participating, completing activities, and demonstrating positive behavior. By the end of the four-week program, each child can save $20 toward a personal savings goal.
Every participant receives:
Unique Little Savers is available to daycares, schools, community organizations, youth programs, and families throughout Chicago and surrounding communities. The program concludes with a graduation celebration recognizing each child’s participation and accomplishments.
Bring Unique Little Savers to Your Location
Daycares, schools, community organizations, and youth programs: tell us about your group and how many children you would like to enroll, and our team will follow up to schedule the program at your location.
Donate to Unique Little Savers
Your gift helps provide piggy banks, learning materials, and weekly savings rewards that teach children lifelong money skills.
Empowering Communities
Unique Family Services is committed to empowering youth, young adults, and families by creating pathways to opportunity, stability, and long-term success.
Through financial literacy education, workforce readiness, career development, mentoring, life-skills training, and community outreach, UFS provides individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to build stronger futures.
From teaching children the importance of saving and making smart financial choices through Unique Little Savers, to helping individuals prepare for employment and greater independence, our programs are designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward.
We believe that when individuals are empowered, families become stronger—and stronger families build stronger communities.
Our Impact Framework
Every program we deliver is guided by clear objectives and measured by real-world outcomes for the youth and families we serve.
🎯 Program Objectives
- Promote academic achievement and graduation rates
- Develop leadership, self-confidence, and life skills
- Prevent youth violence and reduce juvenile justice involvement
- Support transition into higher education and employment
- Strengthen families and community engagement
📈 Program Outcomes
- Increased high school graduation and college enrollment
- Youth employment and long-term job retention
- Decreased risk of homelessness and justice involvement
- Improved mental health and personal well-being
- Youth-led community projects and civic engagement
Programs & Services
Our Pathways to Purpose initiative meets participants where they are — from early childhood through young adulthood.
Who We Are
Empowering Communities
Unique Family Services is committed to empowering youth, young adults, and families by creating pathways to opportunity, stability, and long-term success.
Through financial literacy education, workforce readiness, career development, mentoring, life-skills training, and community outreach, UFS provides individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to build stronger futures.
From teaching children the importance of saving and making smart financial choices through Unique Little Savers, to helping individuals prepare for employment and greater independence, our programs are designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward.
We believe that when individuals are empowered, families become stronger—and stronger families build stronger communities.
Nikki Jackson-Green, MBA
Founder & Executive Director — With more than a decade of nonprofit leadership, Nikki established UFS in 2012 to uplift youth and families across Chicagoland. Motivated by deep community roots and lived experience, she believes investing in youth means investing in a stronger tomorrow.
Committed to Transparency
Our promise is that your giving does what it's supposed to — changing lives.
Open Financials
As a registered 501(c)3, our annual reports and financial statements are publicly available. Every dollar is tracked and transparently reported.
Measurable Outcomes
We track graduation rates, job placement, housing stability, and civic engagement — then share results openly with donors, partners, and families.
Community-Centered
A group of donors cover our operating costs so 100% of your contribution funds programs that directly empower youth and families.
What People Are Saying
"Being in this program changed my life. Before, I felt like I had no options and was going nowhere. Now, I have a job, a home, and a whole different outlook on my future. Come here because they will help you — and they will never give up on you." — Program Participant, Pathways to Purpose
🛣️ Play Streets
Unique Family Services is a proud partner in the City of Chicago's Play Streets initiative — bringing free, safe, and joyful outdoor programming directly to neighborhood streets throughout the summer. Youth-led community engagement starts right here, right outside your door.
Learn About Play StreetsHelp Us Build Brighter Futures
A group of donors cover our operating costs so that 100% of your contribution goes directly toward empowering youth, supporting families, and strengthening our community.
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