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The Wealth Cheerleader: Crystal McLean's Money Box Academy builds financial futures

"Financial literacy is just as important in life as the other basics."
—John W. Rogers Jr., American Investor

While most can remember learning how to balance a checkbook and write a check in school, comprehensive financial literacy programs have not been the priority for curricula across the country and state. This is especially true for underserved communities, such as Title 1 public schools. For some, the only education they receive about finances is through self-education and life lessons. A local nonprofit is looking to change that narrative and equip adults and youth with financial education that will create success from the beginning. Money Box Academy offers four programs, each adapted for all age groups.
17Youth Treasure Vault Program
A 4-week course designed to introduce financial concepts through creative activities, culminating in the creation of personalized "Money Boxes.”
Money Box Legacy Builders
A 6-week program for adults that covers essential skills like budgeting, saving, investing, and legacy planning.
Money Box Workshop
A one-day summit held twice a year, featuring separate tracks for parents and youth, ensuring that financial literacy education reaches the entire family.
Money Box Entrepreneur Vault
A 4-6week intensive designed to equip entrepreneurs with skills to manage both personal and business finances, paving the way to successful financial management.
Founder and board chair of MBA, Crystal McLean, is the heart, hope, and passion behind the nonprofit's mission to bring financial literacy to North Carolinians of all ages and those in underserved communities. A long-time advocate of empowering people with the information to make informed decisions that will last for generations to come, McLean not only teaches financial literacy, she lives it. A graduate of Fayetteville State University in Banking and Finance, she has worked in the financial industry for over 12 years, holding a variety of positions from teller to business lender and community development. Every position has increased her knowledge and understanding, culminating in the launch of Money Box Academy.
“Money Box Academy is a nonprofit financial literacy and empowerment organization rooted in the community. It’s more than just teaching people how to budget—it’s about helping all age groups shift their money mindset, learn practical tools, and create healthy financial habits that build [a] lasting legacy. We’re about empowerment, education, and access,” McLean said.
MBA offers a variety of services, according to McLean.
“We offer hands-on workshops, financial literacy classes, money boot camps, and community-based events. We also create culturally relevant financial resources and publish books and tools to support learners at every stage. One of our most exciting developments is the upcoming launch of our one-on-one money counseling services, which will offer personalized support to help people take real steps toward their goals,” she said.
McLean says MBA was created with the community it mind. It was created for “everyone.”
“From kids in kindergarten to our senior citizens on fixed incomes, from young adults figuring out credit to entrepreneurs building empires, we serve rural communities, justice-involved individuals re-entering society, active-duty military members, veterans, and everyday families. Money Box was created for all of us, because we all need financial knowledge and support.”
McLean emphasized the importance of opening MBA and launching it this year.
“Honestly, the time to have done this was years ago,” she said, “but we’re here now, and people are ready. People are hungry for information. They’re more open to unlearning bad habits, looking at the hard truths, and doing the work to change their story. Now is the time because people are truly listening and willing."
The next year looks promising for MBA, with McLean focusing on growing the business and expanding the academy throughout North Carolina.
“We’re expanding into other parts of the state, finalizing our online resource hub, and launching our first official chapter outside of Fayetteville. Internally, we’re tightening systems, improving fundraising efforts, and staying laser-focused on reaching those in rural and underserved areas. The mission is only just beginning.
“I’m just a local girl from Fayetteville who once struggled with money as a single mom, frustrated that no one taught me these things in school. I worked in banking and saw the same story over and over. That’s what lit the fire. What started as me writing books for youth has grown into this movement because the need kept growing. Money Box isn’t about me—it’s a God-breathed vision to serve and empower. It’s about helping people live out their purpose without financial stress, from their first piggy bank to planning legacy gifts. Whether you're a kindergartener, a business owner, or a veteran, Money Box is here for you,” she said.
McLean said she has a lot of people to thank for her success with MBA.
“First, all glory to God for this vision and His continued provision. My husband, Brandon McLean—thank you for trusting all my ‘extra’ ideas and standing beside me. My mother, Yolanda, your love and push mean everything. My mentor, Terri Tibbs, is my cheerleader and activator. Pastor Lorna Taylor—thank you for always praying and believing in me. My village: India, Angelica, Dalisha, Kasia, Leasia, Mytia, Brittany, and so many others—y’all have set up tables, created balloon columns, packed bags, and shown up every single time. I couldn’t do this without our incredible team: Directors Karizma Howard and also Instructor Sanea Vazquez, our Board Members Maria Johnson, Chris Peterkin, Tosh Comer, Rose Hedgpeth, and our advisory team—especially Sylvia Glanton, Charity Karanja, and of course, Terri Tibbs again. Our instructors, Rachel Townsend and Kendra Broughton, bring the message to life. To our city and community leaders: Derrick McArthur, Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, Councilman Malik Davis, Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy Jensen, Dr. Kenjuana McCray, Dr. Tamara Colvin, and Ricardo Murphy at the FTCC Innovation Center—thank you for championing financial literacy and giving us space to grow. First Bank and so many others—you’ve helped fuel this work. I truly don’t do this alone. And together, we’re just getting started.”
For more information on Money Box Academy, visit https://moneyboxacademy.org/.

CFVH Foundation awarded $15,000 grant for art therapy

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has given a $15,000 grant to Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation to support group art therapy sessions for patients at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
The grant will fund therapeutic art sessions for patients in the Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, as well as cancer patients and their families at the Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center.
8“Art therapy on the adult psychiatric unit provides patients a chance to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize through a creative outlet,” said Justin Vann, recreational therapist at Cape Fear Valley Health. “Engaging in art in a nonjudgmental space allows patients to visualize how they feel without worrying about how realistic or how good their picture looks. When expectations are removed, patients truly experience the benefits of being creative and being their authentic selves.”
Sabrina Brooks, vice president of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, said the grant helps sustain a program that has demonstrated measurable benefits for patients coping with serious illness and mental health challenges.
“We are grateful to the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for their support of our art therapy program,” Brooks said. “Studies have shown art therapy can have a positive impact on both cancer patients and behavioral health patients as they undergo treatment. Art therapy provides a creative outlet that helps patients express the impact their diagnosis has on their lives. Our certified art therapist works with each patient individually to help them explore the emotions they may be feeling because of their health challenges.”
Brooks added the funding ensures patients continue to receive holistic, compassionate care alongside medical treatment.
“Because of this generous support, we can continue to offer this complementary program to the exceptional care being provided by our health care professionals,” she said. “The feedback we receive from participants demonstrates the positive impact this grant has on our patients and their well-being.”
The grant reflects the Arts Council’s commitment to improving quality of life through the arts. Founded in 1973, the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County supports individual artists, cultural organizations and arts education programs that strengthen the community. Each year, the Arts Council provides funding, advocacy and resources for dozens of projects that enrich the cultural landscape of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Government Watch: Municipal election filing open and other updates

Filing for municipal elections started July 7 and goes through July 18. Any candidates interested may file at the Board of Elections from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the last filing day on July 18, when hours are from 8 a.m. to noon.
To help candidates prepare for office, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber will be hosting a Candidates Academy on Friday, Aug. 1. This all-day event will bring many local subject matter experts to share their knowledge on the workings of our community and government and outline what elected officials need to know about policy making in our All-America City. Topics will include writing press releases, public body protocols, differences between our government’s jurisdictional boundaries, and identifying needs versus wants, as well as overviews of the downtown business district, the City’s economic outlook, crime and safety, the arts, and our public utilities.
7The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will also host a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, which will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College in Cumberland Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and gain a deeper understanding of each candidate's vision and policies. It is open to the community and free of charge. The Candidates Forum is a valuable platform for community members to become informed voters and participate in the democratic process. Find out more at www.faybiz.com.
Cumberland County
Cumberland County has onboarded 27 interns who will be working throughout various county departments such as Community Development, Engineering and Infrastructure, Human Resources, Soil and Water, Public Library, Planning and Inspections and the Sheriff’s Office for a ten-week summer internship.
This is the fourth year that the Cumberland County Ignite Internship program has been in place for high school and college students to gain experience and further insight into public service operations. The program also allows students ages 16 and up to be mentored by experienced professionals and obtain real-world skills. Sessions are year-round with the summer cohort and 6-10 week internships for college students in the fall and spring. For more information, visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cumberlandcountync
City of Fayetteville
The City of Fayetteville is asking for public input for an almost nine-acre plot of land at the corner of Blount and Gillespie Streets. The city-owned property is located near the heart of downtown and is a strategic space for long-term development.
City staff are hoping that by engaging residents and exploring public-private partnerships, the community will ensure this land is used in a way that creates opportunity, supports growth and contributes to a more vibrant and connected downtown.
If you have an idea, chime in on the online survey, which can be found at FayettevilleNC.gov/ECD. Ideas on social media have included a shaded farmer’s market with outdoor entertainment venues, a multi-use community park designed for families with pickleball courts, walking and running trails and interactive art exhibits and restrooms, a larger amphitheater for outdoor concerts and festivals, a green space park with different water features and places to picnic and a mixed use development with indoor/outdoor parks with dining and shopping along with housing on top.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation
FCEDC launched the Can Do Performance Financing Program, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and the Community Development Foundation, in January 2025, with $5 million: $2.5 million from the City of Fayetteville and $2.5 million from the State of North Carolina. The program addresses historical barriers to capital that have limited the growth of sustainable businesses within Fayetteville’s low- to moderate-income census tracts, particularly those owned by minorities, veterans, and women. The program supports many of the City’s goals, including supporting a diverse procurement pool and a viable economy. To qualify, businesses must have fifteen or fewer employees and demonstrate viable plans for job creation and capital uses. Additionally, priority consideration is extended to companies operating within the aerospace, technology, defense and cybersecurity sectors. For more information on applying, visit www.candocarolinafund.com. Applications will be accepted until July 11.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

Hurricane facts: Things to learn before storm season

Balmy temperatures and warm ocean waters make summer a very popular time of year. But the conditions that can make a day at the beach inviting also tend to fuel strong storms that peak during this time of year.
Hurricanes are not exclusive to summer, but their peak activity and formation tend to happen during late summer and early fall. This is due largely to rising ocean temperatures, which must reach 79.4 F (26.5 C) to a depth of at least 160 feet for a hurricane to develop. These temperatures are commonly reached during the summer and early fall in subtropical regions. Warm, moist air also is a hallmark of hurricane formation, which is a notable condition during the summer.
Although hurricanes occur each year, there is much about these powerful storms that the general public may not know.
19Where did the word "hurricane" originate?
The word hurricane comes from the Taino Native American word "hurucane," which means "evil spirit of the wind." This name helped make sense of the storms, which feature extremely strong winds.
Where do hurricanes begin?
Hurricanes begin as warm air over tropical areas of the ocean, building strength by drawing moisture from warm ocean waters.
What is the difference between a typhoon, hurricane or cyclone?
These names refer to the same type of storm, but vary depending on the region of the world in which the storm occurs. "Hurricane" refers to storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean.
When is hurricane season?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and extends to November 30. In the East Pacific, the season runs from May 15 to November 30.
How are hurricanes classified?
Hurricanes are classified by their strength using the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Major (intense) hurricanes fall into categories 3, 4 and 5. A category 3 hurricane begins at wind speeds of 130 miles per hour.
Which state gets the most hurricanes?
Operation Blessing says Florida has had the most hurricanes since record keeping began. The majority of Florida stretches into warm water, with the Gulf of Mexico on its western side and the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern.
Do hurricanes affect Canada?
Hurricanes occasionally affect Canada, namely on the Atlantic Ocean side of the country, says Get Prepared, an emergency preparedness site from the Government of Canada. On rare occasions, remnants of tropical cyclones in the Pacific can affect British Columbia.
What is the typical rainfall associated with a hurricane?
A typical hurricane can dump six inches to a foot of rain across a region.
When did hurricanes begin being named?
In 1953, the U.S. Weather Bureau started the process of assigning women's names to tropical storms. In 1979, men's names were added. The names used are in alphabetical order, but exclude the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z. Six lists of names exist and are rotated every six years. A name is retired from a list when the storm causes so many deaths or so much destruction that it would be insensitive to use the name again.
The World Meteorological Organization oversees the retirement of hurricane names and the selection of new ones.
What was the most active hurricane season to date?
The National Hurricane Center identified 28 storms in 2005. There were so many storms that all of the traditional storm names had been used, and the last six storms were given Greek letters. This is the storm season that spawned Hurricane Katrina, which decimated New Orleans.
How can I prepare for a hurricane?
Individuals should prepare emergency kits that contain first aid kits, extra prescription medication, nonperishable food, water, batteries and battery-powered radio, cash, diapers, baby formula, and important documents.
A household emergency plan, which may include where to evacuate, if necessary, also is a good idea.
Hurricane season can be so devastating that it benefits anyone to learn as much as possible about these strong storms.

North Carolina related noteworthy books from 2025

It has been almost five years since the last North Carolina Bookwatch program was produced and aired by PBS-NC. 
Some people still ask me what programs PBS NC Bookwatch would be airing if the program were still in existence. 
Below are several North Carolina related books and authors that would certainly be considered.
 
18Flaco
“The Book of Flaco: The World's Most Famous Bird” by UNC-Wilmington professor David Gessner tells the story of Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who, after 13 years confinement, escaped from Central Park Zoo on February 2, 2023, when his cage was vandalized.
According to Gessner “Within days of his release Flaco was becoming known throughout the world, and within a couple of weeks Flaco mania was cresting. In a society that seems to value fame above all else, Flaco had it...The networks all covered Flaco as did ‘Good Morning America.’”
Flaco, by the way, was hatched in North Carolina before being sent to the Central Park Zoo.
 
Carter Wrenn
Carter Wrenn is a great storyteller, though he may be better known as the late Senator Jesse Helms’s long-time aide. Now he has a book, “The Trail of the Serpent.” 
I asked where that title came from. Here is his response: “There is a poem by Irish poet Thomas Moore – it includes a line, 'Some flow'rets of Eden ye still inherit, but the trail of the Serpent is over them all.' That's where the line came from. It's at the front of the book, before the table of contents. And I mentioned it once more on the last page of the last chapter. Basically, I wrote about 'the trail of the serpent' —the devil—and 'the flowers of Eden' across 50 years of politics.”
 
Elon Musk/ Walter Isaacson
Over the past months we have learned much about Elon Musk from his activities with DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk led a charge against supposed wasteful government spending and his recent breakup with President Donald Trump. We still do not know him. Maybe it is a good time to read again with the 600-plus-page book “Elon Musk” written by Walter Isaacson.
At the end of the book Isaacson wrote the following about Musk: "Do the audaciousness and hubris that drive him to attempt epic feats excuse his bad behavior, his callousness, his recklessness? The times he's an asshole? The answer is no, of course not. One can admire a person's good traits and decry the bad ones. 
“But it's also important to understand how the strands are woven together, sometimes tightly. It can be hard to remove the dark ones without unraveling the whole cloth. As Shakespeare teaches us, all heroes have flaws, some tragic, some conquered, and those we cast as villains can be complex. Even the best people, he wrote, are ‘molded out of faults.’
“It was a pleasing concept: an impulse-control button that could diffuse Musk’s tweets as well as all of his dark impulsive actions and the demon-mode eruptions that leave rubble in his wake. But would a restrained Musk accomplish as much as a Musk unbound? 
“Is being unfiltered and untethered integral to who he is? Could you get the rockets to orbit or make the transition to electric vehicles without accepting all aspects of him, hinged and unhinged? Sometimes great innovators are risk-seeking man-children who resist potty training. They can be reckless, cringeworthy, sometimes even toxic. They can also be crazy. Crazy enough to think they can change the world.”
 
Georgann Eubanks
One of this year’s best books is by Georgann Eubanks.
In “The Fabulous Ordinary” shows Eubanks’ great skills is writing about things that might seem simple or ordinary but are too important not to explain and celebrate.
In her new book she turns her readers into fellow explorers as she shares her experiences in her book’s 15 chapters each of which describes an important natural and endangered plant or animal.
William Leuchtenburg
In his latest and final book, “Patriot Presidents,” William Leuchtenburg, with the help of his spouse, editor and writing partner, Jean Anne Leuchtenburg, sets out to narrate and explain the record of the first six presidents, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams, our founding fathers. 
The book’s opening chapter on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 analyzes how the founding fathers created a unique institution, the presidency. They were determined to authorize an effective chief executive but cautious of monarchy. The presidency that developed over the next generation was fashioned less by the clauses in the Constitution than by the way that the first presidents responded to challenges. 
A reader of Leuchtenburg’s remarkable book will treasure his wisdom, clarity, and great story-telling gifts that made him a great teacher and writer.
 
Editor’s Note: D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

 

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