What a hit! On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Credit Union (KCCU) and Kansas City Royals infielder Nicky Lopez celebrated the graduating class of this summer’s inaugural session of “Catch Success” — a financial literacy program designed to help Kansas City youth learn money management skills.

Catch Success is a weekly enrichment series within the Y’s Launch Pad, a 12-week program at the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter Community Center, 3800 E Linwood Blvd. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, Lopez and KCCU presented each of the 40+ graduates with a custom backpack with school supplies for the upcoming school year, along with a certificate to open a complimentary $25 savings account at Kansas City Credit Union to provide them a head start on their financial futures.

In celebration of the successful 2022 Summer Catch Success session, Lopez and KCCU presented the Linwood YMCA with a $10,000 donation check to help continue Catch Success, Launch Pad and other programming at the Linwood YMCA. Combined with a similar donation in June, $20,000 has now been raised toward Lopez and KCCU’s goal of $50,000 for programming at the Y.

“This has been a great summer for the YMCA and the kids that were part of Catch Success,” Andre Sigler, Associate Executive Director of the Linwood YMCA, said. “When athletes like Nicky Lopez and organizations like Kansas City Credit Union step up to help influence the future success of young people in Kansas City, we all win. ‘Catch Success’ is not just a name, it has been a hands-on part of our weekly Launch Pad programming at the Linwood Y. The KCCU team has worked with the YMCA team to design a program that is both fun and interesting to kids – one that we think it will have real results. And the fact that Nicky Lopez has joined us for several sessions is another huge win. The kids have loved it!”

In addition to the check presentation, Lopez talked to the graduates about what they learned this summer and also took time to play kickball.

“It’s not easy for anyone, kids or adults, to manage their money," Lopez said. "If no one teaches you how to open an account, or how to save for the future, or about credit and debt and the rest, it’s easy to fail. Even as professional athletes we have to learn to prepare now for our long-term financial future. I’m just really proud of what we’ve accomplished with this first group of kids. My goal is to make Catch Success an ongoing part of programming at the Y. Generational wealth starts with one small step — saving — and ongoing good habits. I believe this
program has the potential to make a real difference in these kid’s lives.”

Catch Success is a partnership between KCCU and the YMCA’s Launch Pad, a program where students in grades 6 through 12 spend their summer in an environment of academic support and recreational activities. As part of five-day-a-week enrichment activities, KCCU staff members visited the Linwood Y weekly to interactively teach the kids about managing money and professionalism.

During the program, the kids learned about budgeting their money for both short- and long-term purchases, how interest is accrued by saving over time, how to save for emergencies, how to plan for future financial success. Lopez joined the weekly program, working with the kids to help get them excited about financial success – along with some time for wiffle ball, basketball and more.

Another home run for Catch Success is a commitment by Kansas City Credit Union to donate up to $50,000 to the Y. For every 200 new accounts opened at KCCU, Kansas City Credit Union and Lopez will donate an additional $10,000 – up to an expected total of $50,000 – for Launch Pad and other enrichment programs at the Linwood Y.