Kids returning to the Family Home after school.
Due to circumstances outside of her control, one of my HomeStart clients will have to move within the first few weeks of the school year leaving uncertainty about where her children will be attending school this year. The children will most likely have to start at a new school where they don’t know anyone and I, with our Children’s Services staff, are working to ensure they can start at their new school on the first day. The goal is to help the family find stability and reduce the likelihood that the children will have to transfer after a few weeks once they have moved.
When I delivered the children’s back to school items, a backpack with all of the supplies and a gift card for new clothing donated by our Back to School Sponsors, it was clear that having something tangible was very reassuring for them. Each child pulled out every last item describing them to me. They oooohhhed and aaaahhhed over their backpacks, lunch bags, and water bottles as if they were priceless treasures. Their excitement grew as they organized their pencils, crayons, and notebooks, eagerly talking about the upcoming school year. The security of starting the school year well prepared will help these children to overcome some of the other uncertainties in their life right now.
Thank you to all the donors who contributed to our Back to School drive this year, we greatly appreciate your kindness. Your continued support ensures that each child in our programs (62 today!) will have what they need today on the first day and into the future as they continue towards academic success!
~Kristen Barnes, MSW, HomeStart Client Services Coordinator
Caroline Jones
