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Marty Stultz, Rebecca Benner, Diane Harrelson, and Susan Levine. |
San Diego Unified’s Community Service Association (CSA) recently
donated $6,000 to the Children and Youth in Transition Program to assist
the homeless students in the district this holiday season.
CSA
selected the Children and Youth in Transition program when it learned
that the student homeless population has risen over the last several
years.
“Since the number of homeless students
assisted by the department has been steadily increasing, these funds can
provide additional benefits to those students at this time of year,”
said CSA Chairperson Deborah Williams.
Through
the Children and Youth in Transition program, the district works to
ensure that each student has the tools and resources to be in school,
stay in school, and succeed in school. The goal is to provide a stable,
safe and loving school environment where every student, during the
school day, has the opportunity to “just be a kid.”
“In
order for students to succeed in school, they need have adequate
clothing, nutritious food, school supplies and safe and reliable
transportation,” said Program Manager Rebecca Benner. “For the children
and teenagers in San Diego Unified, clothing, food, school supplies, and
transportation are critical areas of need. These funds will be used to
support activities and services for homeless students, and to purchase
things like filled backpacks, warm winter clothing, and other
necessities.”
During the last school year, the
program served more than 6,000 San Diego Unified students who lacked a
fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. These children were
temporarily living in shelters for the homeless; others were seeking
refuge with their families in cars, parks or other emergency locations.
In addition to assisting students and families experiencing
homelessness, the program provides assistance to military families and
students in foster care.
CSA awards grants once
per year to charitable organizations and any excess funds are disbursed
by way of “holiday donation” to assist people and families in need. This
year, the organization’s board of directors unanimously voted to donate
$6,000 to Children and Youth in Transition.
CSA
is a non-profit association organized to solicit contributions from
district employees for recognized charitable agencies in San Diego
County. Traditionally, CSA donates funds to organizations that support
educational, health, and human services, as well as arts, research
projects, and literary projects.
The Children and
Youth in Transition Department welcomes community partnerships in San
Diego. When an individual or organization makes a donation for homeless
children and youth enrolled in San Diego Unified School District, 100
percent of the donation goes to the children.
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