GREENFIELD — Saving as little as $1 per week can lead to eventual financial independence. This was among the lessons learned by young members of the Starlight Girls Club when they visited Greenfield Savings Bank last week.

The Starlight Girls Club, a program that began in 2018 through the Family Center at Montague Catholic Social Ministries, introduces disadvantaged girls to different career paths and creates a foundation in science and math. Although the Starlight Girls Club experienced a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the club is now operational again with 15 participants. Funding is provided by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments through a grant from the New England Rural Health Association.

In addition to programs at Montague Catholic Social Ministries, participating children go on field trips to learn from professionals and museums as far away as Cambridge. One such field trip was last week’s presentation and tour led by female finance professionals at Greenfield Savings Bank’s main branch.

“You can all be role models to your children,” Shandra Richardson, the bank’s senior vice president and senior operations officer, told the group of young girls swiveling in the conference room’s large office chairs on Friday afternoon.

Richardson explained she studied fashion marketing in college before she ended up working at the bank. While she did not end up in the career she intended, she said learning about math, economics and public speaking made her well-suited for a variety of workplace positions.

“Getting an education can be helpful in many different ways,” Richardson continued. “You never know what opportunity you will come across.”

One of the main goals of the Starlight Girls Club is to build children’s self-esteem to help them get into college and live financially independent lives.

Another speaker on the field trip, Vice President and Senior Technical Program and Compliance Manager Panna Royal shared her personal story to help the children understand the value of financial independence. She explained that she was financially cut off from her immigrant parents at the age of 20 when she told them she didn’t want to pursue a career as a doctor.

“It took me five years to breathe easily,” Royal said.

She said she had no clue how much she depended on her parents, but being forced to work and care for herself expanded her horizons and gave her opportunities she wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.

Also at the table was Greenfield Savings Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Investigator Michelle Ozdarski. After attending Greenfield Community College and starting as a teller at the bank, she worked her way up, being promoted regularly, to the position she is in today.

One of the valuable takeaways from the field trip was the importance of saving money and accruing interest.

“Starting early is important,” Richardson said of creating a savings account. “That will prepare you for college.”

The speakers also emphasized the importance of education. Many said they were able to have their employers pay for their education after undergrad, which helped them excel in their careers and live financially independent lives.

“We are sitting with you because we believe in all of you,” Richardson told the girls.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

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