| |
Project
Connect Serves Cincinnati's Homeless Children
Trish Fries, Development Manager, at Project Connect,
came to speak to our club on October 15th about Project Connect, the issue
of homeless children in Cincinnati, and what we can do to help. "Children
account for the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In
one year, a typical homeless family moves 7-8 times. There are an estimated
6,000 children experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati each year.
Poverty and lack of affordable housing are the principal causes of family
homelessness. While families and shelters work to fulfill the basic human
needs--food, clothing and shelter--the educational needs of children experiencing
homelessness are often pushed aside. Children experiencing homelessness
may change schools 7-8 times a year and are usually 2-3 years behind in
school. Hunger, lack of sleep and poor attendance impede learning in homeless
children."
Project Connect aims to "keep children experiencing homelessness
connected to their education by providing supplies, transportation, uniforms
and enrichment opportunities in summer, after-school and shelter tutoring
programs."
"To help these children, Project Connect:
- clears obstacles to enrollment and attendance
- arranges transportation
- distributes school supplies and back packs
- supplies uniforms and clothing
- arranges immediate access to the free lunch program o makes referrals
to other educational resources
- offers an eight week summer academic and enrichment program
- provides tutoring and enrichment opportunities in after school programs
- encourages parents to increase their involvement in their child's
education
- advocates and increases awareness of educational rights "
Last year they provided 678 backpacks of supplies to start
the year, uniform vouchers for 487 students, birth certificates for 27
students, new shoes for 118 students, taxi service for 150 students in
emergency situations, after school programs for 404 students, and a summer
camp for 155 students.
There are many ways we can help this worthy organization.
Raising awareness, donating supplies, volunteering to help with events
and fundraising are just a few ways. For more detailed information about
how you can help, please visit their website.
|
|
