As Sacramento County goes back to school this year, a generous donation from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union will help ensure students experiencing homelessness have supplies that will allow them to focus on their studies. The credit union recently donated 375 backpacks full of supplies to Project Teach, a countywide homeless services program operated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). Project Teach will provide 150 of the backpacks to SCOE for students served by its own Homeless Services program, and will distribute the remainder to local education programs and shelters across the county.
For more than 30 years, Project Teach has promoted the educational success of children experiencing homelessness. The program coordinates with local school districts, SCOE schools, charter schools, and other agencies, emphasizing parent/guardian involvement through outreach at family shelter agencies.
SchoolsFirst worked closely with SCOE to provide the types of items students need most. “Families say these backpacks are treasured because they’re sometimes the only place kids have to store their personal belongings,” said Jacque Serrano, the Homeless Services Liaison for SCOE schools. She recounted the story of one student who was so grateful to receive a backpack full of supplies that he cried. “I really needed this right now,” he told staff, blinking back tears. “I have a child of my own and I want to do better for him. I just needed the help.”
Included in the backpacks are school supplies, plus hygiene kits and non-perishable food items that don’t require heating or refrigeration. “All these items combine to help students focus on their studies,” Serrano said. “We’re thrilled that SchoolsFirst was able to help us customize the backpacks so we can share them with a variety of age groups that have different needs.”
Support Homeless Services Program for SCOE Students
SCOE saw a surge in demand for homeless services during COVID. One-time funding, which helped SCOE provide additional homeless services support at its own schools, will sunset soon. To continue providing extra services to its students, staff will be looking for new funding sources through grants and corporate sponsors.
Key donation needs include:
- Non-perishable food items
- Individual gift cards for clothing stores and fast food restaurants
Those interested in providing support or donations should email jserrano@scoe.net.