Twin Falls School District Aims to Support Vulnerable Students Through Holiday Donations
As the season of giving approaches, the Twin Falls School District is reaching out to the community to garner support for its vulnerable student population. With the holiday season typically associated with generosity, donations made during this time can significantly impact the lives of students facing housing insecurity.
Jenny Herzog, the district’s At-Risk Coordinator, reported that there are currently 309 students who meet the federal definition of homelessness within the Twin Falls School District. These individuals often belong to families confronting housing challenges, which may include residing in motels or temporarily staying with friends. In some instances, students face the added burden of separation from their families, adding to their already precarious living conditions.
Despite a decrease from 396 homeless students identified in May, Herzog emphasized that data collection is ongoing, and it is possible that these numbers could rise again as the year progresses. The district is committed to identifying at-risk students and connecting them with essential resources. Herzog noted, “We have a list of community resources that we can refer them to.”
One of the primary objectives is to help families secure stable housing. Although the Twin Falls School District receives federal funding aimed at supporting educational needs, it can only allocate these resources towards academic-related expenses. This funding can assist students in acquiring crucial school supplies or participating in extracurricular activities, such as driver’s education courses.
To address the limitations of federal funding, the district has partnered with Avenues for Hope for four years to develop the Angel Fund. This locally sourced initiative provides financial assistance for essential items that are not covered by federal dollars. Herzog explained, “We help provide hygiene items and laundry cards, especially for those living in motels or trailers where access to laundry facilities is limited.”
The Angel Fund plays a vital role in alleviating the financial strain on families facing hardships. By covering basic necessities, the fund enables families to allocate their limited resources toward other essential expenses. The demand for laundry cards, which assist families with washing clothes in pay-per-use facilities, is particularly high, underscoring the critical nature of the support offered.
This assistance does not only provide immediate relief but also helps foster a conducive learning environment for students. Eva Craner, the Director of Public Relations for the district, remarked, “We must consider how mental stress can inhibit academic achievement.” By addressing the various challenges faced by these families, the district strives to ensure that students can focus on their education without the burden of distressing life circumstances.
The district’s fundraising goal for the Angel Fund this year is set at ,000, with the campaign running until December 31. Community members are encouraged to contribute to this worthy cause, knowing that their donations will directly support local students and families in need during this critical season of care and compassion.
In conclusion, the Twin Falls School District’s efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in supporting education and well-being for vulnerable populations. Through initiatives like the Angel Fund, there is hope for a brighter future for students in challenging situations.
