financial literacy
financial literacy at lily missions center
Empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the world of finance and create lasting, generational wealth.
the foundation
Pastor Hines' journey into financial literacy began when a simple act of curiosity set him on a path to financial independence. While in college, his roommate discarded a letter about signing up for a mutual fund. Pastor Hines, however, decided to open an account, contributing funds from his work picking up cans after football games. He and Leontyne were able to add $25 a month to the account. This small yet powerful decision laid the groundwork for their future, helping them purchase their first home— a home they continue to live in today!
From this experience, Pastor Hines developed a passion for teaching others how to build financial stability, regardless of their starting point. His belief is simple: “You can make it where you are planted if you take care of your seed.” Over the last 40 years, he has dedicated himself to teaching financial literacy, focusing on getting out of debt, basic budgeting, and the importance of saving and investing. Through this program, we aim to equip individuals with the skills to break the chains of debt and build sustainable wealth for the future.
Children, Teens & Adults
Our Financial Literacy Program is designed to address the financial needs and challenges of every age group, from young children to teenagers and adults. We focus on evidence-based, age-appropriate teaching, creating an environment where participants of all ages can learn, practice, and apply financial principles.
for Kids
We begin by introducing young children to fundamental concepts like negotiation and the value of money. In the After-School Program, each child is given a “bank” and is paid based on their attitudes, work completion, and school performance. This hands-on approach helps them understand the link between their actions and rewards. They also set financial goals, which encourages them to visualize their future and start planning early. For example, children are asked to determine how much a goal will cost them, fostering a mindset of savings and budgeting from an early age.
for teens
Our program expands as participants grow older. In partnership with Jackson High and local businesses, we offer an exciting opportunity for sophomores to work four days a week while attending financial literacy classes on the fifth day. In these classes, students learn about important financial tools such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, and how to manage finances across three distinct categories: taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free income. This exposure helps them understand the full spectrum of personal finance and prepares them to make informed decisions about their future.
One key lesson we emphasize with teens is the importance of generational wealth. We teach them that understanding and managing money is not just about short-term gains, but about creating a long-term legacy. As part of this process, we focus on breaking the bondage of debt by encouraging them to adopt a simple but effective principle: “If you want to get out of the hole, stop digging!” We help students recognize the importance of spending wisely, avoiding unnecessary debt, and planning for their financial future.
for Adults
Adults in the community are encouraged to participate in the program to understand and embrace responsible financial practices. Pastor Hines leads by example, sharing their financial journey with transparency to help others learn. This openness about his and Sister Hines' financial journey builds trust and encourages participants to feel comfortable discussing their own challenges and goals. We focus on three fundamental principles: Give, Save, and Invest — in that order. By teaching these principles, we emphasize that growing wealth takes time and intentionality. The program helps participants understand how to leverage these strategies to escape the cycle of poverty and debt.
more than money
Our work is not only about teaching financial skills; it’s about creating opportunities for families to close the financial gap and develop the tools necessary for lasting financial freedom.
We believe that knowledge is power, and by arming individuals with a deep understanding of financial principles, we can help them make better decisions, build wealth, and achieve economic independence. Our program’s long-standing success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our community, volunteers, and Pastor Hines' leadership.
