Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times

Pictured: Al Roker, Deborah Roberts and Elmo

Credit: Gil Vaknin

In today’s economic climate, approximately two out of three middle class families are at high risk of sustaining or losing their economic security. Moreover, increases in job loss and income cuts have made families struggle with basic costs like housing, medical care, transportation, food, clothing, and child care.  Too often, parents are being forced to make difficult decisions that affect their children’s well-being.
 
In response to these recent changes in family economics, Sesame Street presents Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times, airing Wednesday, September 9 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV (DT21.1/cable1011/cable11). This hour-long special, hosted by Al Roker, Deborah Roberts and Elmo, aims to help families with children, ages two to eight, experiencing difficult economic circumstances by offering strategies and tips that can lead to positive outcomes for their children’s physical and emotional well-being during this tough economic climate.
 
Immediately following this broadcast at 9 p.m. WXXI-TV airs Your Life, Your Money. With compelling real-life stories of young people finding their way through a variety of economic challenges, this program delivers basic financial advice in a simple and comprehensible manner. Hosted by Donald Faison (“Scrubs,” “Clueless”) and featuring insights from hip-hop icon Russell Simmons and R&B/pop singer D.Woods (Danity Kane), Your Life, Your Money provides relatable information on everything from banking and credit to investments, budgeting, insurance and self-employment. The program also features practical advice from personal finance experts.