As the back-to-school season kicks off, it’s a prime moment to spotlight a powerful, often-overlooked player in the fight against the foster care crisis: schools. School professionals hold a unique and transformative position in the lives of children. They are deeply embedded in their communities, with the potential to act as connectors in addressing and preventing crises. Woodward Public Schools (WPS) is a great example of how educational institutions can make a significant impact. By partnering with CarePortal, WPS has new resources to support their students.
The Power of Connection
CarePortal is a common-good technology that identifies, meets and delivers real needs in real time, creating a network of Care-Sharing that is both immediate and impactful. For Woodward Public Schools (WPS), connection changes everything. Through partnership with CarePortal, they are supporting students and reshaping their success in the classroom.
“All requests put in by myself representing WPS have an educational aspect primarily. If students’ basic needs are not met—their educational/learning needs will not be met to their individual potential. CarePortal helps fully support those needs.” — Kim Williams, WPS Social Worker
Direct and Personal Support
Nothing about Care-Sharing is distant. We need local communities collaborating, sharing the responsibility or caring for the vulnerable. Schools have direct and personal relationships with students—all they need is the additional support and resources to provide for them. Schools like Woodward Public Schools are able to see personal needs and turn them into tangible, transparent actions community members can take to demonstrate generosity.
“With CarePortal we are able to add to the support of basic needs to include supporting things that specifically state agencies are not able to cover and make the support more personal for that kid or family.” — Kim Williams
Schools Making a Difference
By becoming a requesting organization on CarePortal, schools like WPS can play a pivotal role in strengthening families. They are the bridge between immediate needs and the community’s ability to meet them, preventing preventable crises and transforming futures.
“I’d tell other schools to 100% do it! A small amount of input puts out a lot of results for kids and their families. — Kim Williams
Helping Families in Crisis
Systemic issues in child welfare can seem overwhelming, but addressing immediate needs, like a new backpack or an unpaid utility bill, makes a tangible difference one child at a time. There are families who need help—and want to be helped—and school professionals are an exceptional point of connection to bring in the community.
“We have a lot of basic needs not met in our community … Through CarePortal we are able to personalize the need to include extracurricular activity support that allows the child to ‘do what other kids are doing.’ It’s huge in boosting self esteem. Parents and kids are always thankful for the support from the churches via the school’s input for support. I’ve not had one family say no to CarePortal’s help prior to putting in a request.” — Kim Williams
Conclusion
During this back-to-school season, let’s recognize the powerful role schools play in improving the lives of children and families. Woodward Public Schools’ partnership with CarePortal is an example of how schools, by becoming requesting organizations, can bridge the gap between immediate needs and community support.
For more information on how your school can get involved with CarePortal and make a difference in your community, visit CarePortal’s school district page. Let’s harness the power of connection to create a brighter future for every child and family this school year.
