While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Demetra created a plan to meet families’ needs, showcase student art, and partner more closely with the community. Read more about her plan below.
Introduction
I am currently a Family Ambassador within Columbus City Schools and I entered into this program as a parent advocate to be able to enhance my leadership skills and to learn more on how I can be more effective within my community. As we began each school year and meet with families there has been a huge need for housing, clothing, food, and mental help requested. Studies shows that if families have the basic essential needs to thrive the children will be less impacted and can thrive at school and feel confident and overall be a positive influence for oneself and others around them.
Goal
My goal is to use collected data from families and provide resource information about food, clothing, shelter, and mental health to ensure all needs are met while showcasing their students art work and achievements throughout the school year.
This will be accomplished by:
- Inviting each community partner to our event to provide resources.
- Surveying families to provide their most needed resources.
- Reviewing collected data with my school’s principal and counselor.
- Contacting community partners familiar and unknown to our school to meet the needs of our families.
Expected Outcomes
Family Needs are Met: Families will walk away with the resources that will help them with clothing, housing, food, and mental assistance.
Secure: Families will feel secure knowing that they have a community that thrives on helping them in their time of need.
Proud: Students will be proud to showcase their artwork and success throughout the school year and families will feel proud of their student.
Potential Challenges
Shortage of Resources: Some families may not see instant assistance due to shortage of resources
Time Delay: Some families may experience longer then expected processing time for resources.
Discouraged: Some students may feel sad if their parent/guardian may not be able to attend event.
Next Steps
Collaboration
- Follow up with families to see if their needs have been met.
- Conduct additional surveys to understand if additional support is needed.
- Follow up with vendors and invite them to future events
Support
- Continue to be there for our families, and provide them with resources.
- Work with counselor, social worker and or teachers to help identify additional needs.