As the school year begins for families across Arizona, Family Promise of Greater Phoenix is ensuring the families in their care are ready for learning under any circumstances. Family Promise is a nonprofit organization that rescues primarily first-time homeless families and their pets and helps them return to independence, and part of their programming is ensuring that kids stay in school during this challenging period in their lives.
“Perpetuating a regular routine of attending classes and doing homework can help kids experiencing homelessness feel a sense of normalcy during this scary and uncertain time,” said Ted Taylor, Executive Director at Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. “Our goal is to give families the information, technology, and resources they need to make the right decisions for keeping their kids enrolled in school and on the pathway to future success.”
According to the American Youth Policy Center, a recent study found that children experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school compared to their peers who do not experience housing insecurity.
Family Promise received donations from various groups to help the kids in their care get ready for the new school year. The Arizona Rangers and Dick’s Sporting Goods donated pairs of tennis shoes and Paradise Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church donated backpacks and school supplies.
In the era of the coronavirus pandemic and remote schooling, Family Promise also secured donations of laptops, purchased desks, and expanded internet access at their day center so that the kids would be able to continue their schooling safely if a family chose to participate in remote schooling.
“We’ve had to do a lot of things differently this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped us from helping kids and families in need,” added Taylor. “We’re grateful for all of our community partners for supporting us in our mission to keep families together.”
Family Promise has already helped 85 families secure permanent housing and return to independence this year despite challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. To donate or learn more, visit FamilyPromiseAZ.org.
