Treasure Your Peace

About

Program Description

Residents will participate in a financial wellness program focused on financial anxiety, mental health, and access to nutritious food. Residents will learn about CalFresh, a food assistance program for eligible individuals, and campus resources that support students experiencing financial difficulties. They will also decorate small wooden boxes using paint, gems, and stickers, personalizing them as savings boxes or affirmation boxes filled with positive messages and self-care reminders. This activity will encourage residents to explore budgeting strategies, recognize the importance of mental and physical wellness, and learn about resources available to support them throughout college.

Learning Outcomes

• Residents will identify at least two campus or community resources that can support students experiencing financial difficulties or food insecurity, including CalFresh and relevant campus support services.

• Residents will identify at least two budgeting strategies or practical ways to manage financial stress, such as prioritizing essential expenses, setting realistic savings goals, or seeking financial assistance when needed.

• Residents will recognize at least two ways financial stress and difficulty accessing nutritious food can affect mental and physical well-being.

This program supports the Critical Thinking learning domain by encouraging residents to consider how they manage limited financial resources, prioritize essential expenses, and make informed decisions about their needs. Residents will be introduced to budgeting strategies, savings habits, and available assistance programs to help them evaluate their options when facing financial challenges.

The program also supports the Equity & Inclusion learning domain by exploring how privilege and oppression can influence access to financial stability, nutritious food, and other basic needs. Residents will learn that financial difficulties can be affected by factors beyond individual choices, including differences in access to resources, family support, and financial opportunities. Introducing residents to CalFresh and campus support services will help increase awareness of assistance available to eligible students and encourage residents to seek support without stigma. Through the craft and educational discussion, residents will be encouraged to recognize the importance of equitable access to basic needs and understand how community resources can help support students from different financial backgrounds.