It's "Back to School" in more ways than one with our July Community Engagement Grant! Montgomery County Community Foundation split the $1,000 monthly Community Engagement Grant between two agencies: Purdue Extension's Family Nutrition Program and Montgomery County Volunteers in Mental Health.
Partnering with First Baptist Church and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Family Nutrition group provides backpacks and back to school supplies to needy children. When the program began in 2010, there were 358 children served. Last year, backpacks and school supplies were given to 477 students. As the prices of supplies continue to climb, Program Assistant, Debbie Threlkeld, fully expects to serve at least 500 children this year. They are nearly equipped to do so and donations are still welcome. Questions may be directed to Debbie at 364-6363.
Teachers and students are indebted to the important role that Teacher-Friends play in the adjustment and academic success of so many children throughout the county. Background checks are an important step in assuring we select people of character to fulfill these roles because the safety of our children is paramount. Beverley Turner, Volunteers in Mental Health President, says, "Teacher-Friends are more important now than ever before. Classes are larger because of cuts in teachers, and we have more children that need extra help and attention."