Children in low-income families are more likely to enter school “without the cognitive, social and emotional skills and competencies they need to succeed.” Without such skills, children of impoverished families will experience increased school drop-out rates, poorer academic performance, and an increased need for placement in special education programs. Moreover, without the ability to develop marketable skills through effective learning and educational success, it is even more difficult for these children to excel beyond their circumstances.
Supplied for Success is a comprehensive program that strives to meet the needs of the elementary age children of Raytown, Missouri. In partnership with the elementary school counselors, children are identified that need school supplies, eyeglasses, food, clothing, shoes, beds, etc.
With the help of volunteers, backpacks are stuffed full of the needed school supplies for the upcoming school year. In 2009, with the help of local businesses and individual donations, 418 children received school supplies to start their year off heading for success. These supplies were a value of $15,477.97.
In partnership with Harvesters, 215 children are supplied with food for the weekend EVERY WEEK during the school year to combat weekend hunger. Along with Harvester’s food contribution, Hope Network provides fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and other wholesome snacks that are all packed into a backpack every week by Hope Network and school volunteers. These backpacks are sent home with each student every Friday and returned on Monday to repeat the entire process again. Research has shown that proper weekend nutrition helps students retain knowledge learned during the school week and helps to improve behavior among these children.
In order for a child to be enrolled in the BackSnack Program, they must receive a referral from their school counselor, teacher, or cafeteria staff. By the end of the 2009-2010 school year, we are hoping to be able to increase this number to 305 children.
BackSnack program improves student grades and attendance.
An evaluation of the BackSnack program by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership found that the program is helping elementary students improve their academic performance, school attendance and behavior. The center evaluated the impact of the program by surveying students, teachers, school staff and parents. Key findings included:
- BackSnack students' grades improved significantly, especially in math, English and science.
- Teachers and schools reported students were getting more homework done.
- Parents reported that children better understood what they were being taught in school.
- BackSnack participants' attendance improved, with 23 percent fewer absences.
- 62 percent of parents reported their children were healthier after participating in BackSnack.
- Schools reported that discipline incidents were cut in half.
- Students reported feeling in trouble less.
- 39 percent of parents reported their children behaved better at home.
- 49 percent of parents agreed their children's sense of responsibility increased.
In 2009, with the assistance of a local grant, $2500 was committed to obtaining eye exams and eyeglasses to those students who cannot otherwise afford to do so. In partnership with Advanced Eye Care of Raytown, Missouri, we are combating the problem of poor performance in the classroom due to vision problems.
In 2009, the elementary school counselors were given a total of $1500 in Payless gifts cards for shoes to be used for those students who could not otherwise afford a needed pair of shoes. With the use of our Clothes Closet and in partnership with Charity Thrift Mart of Independence, Missouri, we make sure that children are provided appropriate seasonal clothing if needed.
Unfortunately there are many children that do not have a warm bed to curl up in and sleep tight in at night. With the help of the school counselors identifying those students, Hope Network will provide beds for those children. Achieving this is possible with the help of individual donations, Bed Bath & Beyond of Independence, Missouri and Drake's House of Sleep of Independence, Missouri.
