STEP PROGRAM

Emma Moyer introduced Abby Jordan from the STEP program to address the issue of Homeless Youth in our area.  Abby works with TCAPS as a Regional Grant Coordinator and District Liaison.  She gave a grateful shout out to Rotary Charities for providing a grant for this program.

 

The STEP program is part of the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act. It is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

 

Currently on a local level 520 students are being served under this program and 1084 students come from the 5 county area. The average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is 9 years.  The term “homeless” can imply living in a home “doubled up” with another family, living in a car, tent, camper or shelter. Currently there are 1.3 million homeless children in the U.S.

 

The goals of the program include:

The program serves students in a variety of ways.  Free meals, appropriate attire/shoes, hygiene products and school supplies are just a few of the ways STEP assists these students. The Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary Club’s Backpack for Kids has been a huge asset to the STEP program.

 

The STEP program is donation and grant funded.  Since the school year has started, the program is more stable for students.  The summer months are challenging for students and families as there is limited housing available and hotel rooms during our peak season are not available.

 

Once again the needs of our community are brought to light. “Generosity must be fearless, because to give freely is a mighty vulnerable thing.” Quote from a smart person on Pinterest probably named Anonymous!