A call for support

April 27, 2012

Mayor Mitchell has asked that we make school staff members aware of the recent lay-offs of over 400 employees of the NICHE Co. here in the city. It is believed that many of those involved are of the lowest-SES and will be in need of immediate support to maintain access to basic food and shelter. A Rapid Response Team of federal, state, and local organizations has been established to assist workers and their families.

As many of these workers may have youngsters in our schools and it is understood that you, as a school-based staff member, may be among the first to become aware of some of these families’ struggles and can be an important link for information.

Please be aware of and freely share the following:

· Catholic Social Services has both food and financial resources immediately available. Regardless of employment or immigration status, families are encouraged to contact them at (508)997-7337, multi-lingual counseling is available.
· The Immigrants’ Assistance Center is also facilitating workers’ access to support (508)996-8113.
· The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act supports educational continuity for any students affected by such circumstances. Please call Dr. Sue Anne Marks at ext. 3371 if you have questions about a displaced child.
· School counselors have access to organizations such as Gift to Give, where they may order clothes, books and other necessities for children in need.

Thank you very much for help.

Dr. Mary Louise Francis
Superintendent