At 13 years old, Saanvi Gullapalli began teaching financial literacy classes to her peers at her school. Then she donated the funds she raised from classes to her local Salvation Army.

The idea behind Saanvi Finance Academy began in conversation with her friends at school. Saanvi was fortunate that she had learned financial literacy, like investing, at an early age, but she discovered a lack of financial education amongst her peers. Many were interested in finance but lacked accessible, fun, engaging ways to learn it. “I noticed a big gap in financial literacy especially in my school and for people around me,” she shared. “Even though there was a fee, students were still very interested in participating because they saw the value of learning about money and investing at a young age,” she said. She charges $25 for each class.

Her weekend classes, for fifth through tenth graders, help students build financial responsibility, confidence, and decision-making skills. Her curriculum includes basic lessons on stocks, bonds, indexes, and other investment rules. She guides students through various processes like how to open and operate your own stock account. “My curriculum was just tailored for people who didn’t know a lot about stocks and investing but were just interested in it,” she explained. She wants to make the lessons engaging and relatable. Initially nervous teaching older kids as an eighth grader, she worried about whether students would listen, engage, and understand. But she felt rewarded when she saw students smiling. “Once I saw the smiles on their faces when they were understanding the content, that brought me the most satisfaction,” she explained. “It’s never too early to help others.”

Community service and charitable giving are privileges anyone can participate in, regardless of age. Saanvi knew this, and so, she decided to donate the funds raised to The Salvation Army Irving Corps Community Center in north Texas. Although she had no prior experience volunteering or donating to The Salvation Army, she had learned about the organization’s impact through a service day at school. After one year of her classes, she donated the total of $3,000 as a way to give back to families in need during the holiday season.  “The total might not be able to do much, but it can at least help.”

Saanvi plans to expand her classes to nearby towns and cities, with all proceeds continuing to be donated to charitable organizations. On the importance of financial literacy and investing, she encourages her peers to jump in. “It’s never too early to start investing. Many people think that investing is for older people, but there’s numerous benefits of investing when younger.”

@SAFloridaYouth

Are you a teen or young adult who attends The Salvation Army in Florida? Check out Salvation Army Florida Youth (@safloridayouth) on Instagram! 

From inspiring stories and exciting events to faith-filled moments and behind the scenes snapshots, this page celebrates the heart and mission of young people across Florida. Follow along for encouragement and updates to how youth are growing and serving for Christ throughout Florida. 

Follow on Instagram @safloridayouth. 

Are You An Aspiring Writer?

If you’re a writer who wants to see their work be published, Peer Magazine invites you to submit your original work to our 2026 Writing Contest. 

The submission deadline is June 8. 

Click here for more information on what we are looking for and how to submit. 

Gramier Encourages You to Know Your Worth 

As a youth development professional at the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula and a before-school counselor at the YMCA, Gramier Winston wants to make an impact on today’s youth and continue to change lives outside of camp.

“I love to smile and cherish every moment I have with the people I love and shine a light on all of the darkness around me,” he said.

One of the most important lessons he’s learned is to continue being himself. “Whenever I’m feeling like I’m not enough, I just have to remind myself that I am enough, and that I’m loved and appreciated by so many people.”

He encourages those who may not feel enough to remember their worth. “Know that you are a light and that you are loved,” he said. “Continue to guide yourself down the right path and spread the word and encourage someone else you may know or maybe someone you don’t know. Remember to stay focused on the task at hand and know God has a plan and mission for your life, and don’t ever let anyone take that away from you.” 

Did You Know?

This year, the U.S. will mark 25 years since the September 11 terror attacks. The Salvation Army was the first relief agency to reach Ground Zero on the morning of September 11, 2001, reporting within a half-hour following the first plane crash at the World Trade Center site. 

40,000 Salvation Army officers, volunteers, and staff provided assistance during that time. Additionally, The Salvation Army served relief workers at the scene for nine months until operations at Ground Zero officially concluded in May 2002. This relief effort, called “Operation Compassion Under Fire” gave The Salvation Army full control of the feeding operation at Ground Zero. They served over 3.2 million meals during those months. 

They were also able to provide emotional and spiritual counseling and support to rescue and recovery personnel. 

The Salvation Army also set up a tent city outside of the Pentagon in Washington D.C. called “Camp Unity,” serving meals to volunteers and first responders for several weeks during clean-up.

Meet Danielle Delaney!

In June 2025, The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory installed the first territorial youth sergeant major, Danielle Delaney. 

In her role, she will represent young Salvationists, connect at events like Commissioning, EQUIP, and TYI, and overall, strengthen youth ministry and empower the next generation to follow Jesus. 

She talked with the Youth Down South podcast hosts about the nature of her role and why it’s significant: “The heart of the TYSM position is simple: I’m here to represent you — our youth leaders and young Salvationists across the territory.” 

To learn more about her role, listen to episode 50 of the Youth Down South podcast.