Back to School Project 
As a Child and Family Specialist with Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, I have spent time with all different types of families with high needs. As you all may know, the pandemic made life more difficult, but the families continued to push through despite the many setbacks. The coordination and generosity of the Mission Outreach Committee has helped 30 children get back to school this year. Here is a look at two families that were helped.
Hilary, a single mother of three children, has worked with the Child & Family Program since the end of 2020. Hilary endured the difficulties of the pandemic with virtual learning last year on her own, before she found PCHAS to help. Hilary has not only been raising her three children on her own, but also dealing with severe medical issues herself. Due to the medical issues, her financial situation has made it more difficult for additional expenses to include back to school supplies and clothing for her children. Hilary and her children were appreciative of the help provided. Hilary's daughter squealed with joy as she saw her unicorn backpack and said, "This is so cute and pretty, I love unicorns and it will help me when I am at school." The Back-to-School Project helped by taking care of her children's school needs while she was able to focus on housing and food for the family.
Jennifer is a grandmother raising two grandsons for the past year. Jennifer reached out to PCHAS for assistance, as she was feeling overwhelmed with starting over with raising two grandsons who had been in and out of the CPS system. Through PCHAS assistance she was able to get connected to multiple resources in the community that allowed her to move into a 3-bedroom apartment, get on food stamps, and secure a part-time work from home job. Due to her limited income, the Back-to-School Project took care of her grandsons' needs, which helped her reduce financial stress for herself as well. Jennifer and her grandsons wanted to extend a "thank you for the blessings, you all really don't know how much this helps."
The parents were just as excited to receive this help as their children. The children were excited to see backpacks full of school supplies arrive. Even some of the children who have been hesitant to return to school were full of excitement, which those parents found encouraging. All the families who were assisted through this project were very appreciative of and grateful for the generosity. PCHAS continues to thank you all for your support you provide to the children and families who are served each year.
~ Sophia Montemayor, MS, LPC, NCC
Child and Family Specialist
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services
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