Foundation Receives $75,000 Whitehorse Foundation Grant
The Foundation for Edmonds School District is pleased to announce it received a $75,000 grant from the Whitehorse Foundation, in support of the Foundation’s new program Whole Families, Whole Communities.
The Edmonds School District has experienced growing numbers of students living in poverty or homelessness. In 2017, of the district’s 21,600 students, 37% qualified for the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal program, and approximately 1,060 were recognized as homeless. Children faced with obstacles at home such as hunger, homelessness, financial uncertainty, or violence may be less healthy, physically and emotionally, and often struggle with focus. All of these factors can impact their ability to succeed in the classroom.
The Foundation has designed a comprehensive program in response to these needs — the Whole Families, Whole Communities (WFWC) program. WFWC is a collaborative model, made possible through an organized network of partners. The Foundation has built a network of support for families that will make it easier for them to access a robust suite of community resources.
The purpose of Whole Families, Whole Communities is to increase financial stability and improve homelessness prevention resources for low-income families living in the Edmonds School District. The ultimate goal is increased academic success for students and improvements in quality of life, over the long-term. Whole Families, Whole Communities collaborative partners include:
- Foundation for Edmonds School District
- Edmonds School District
- Edmonds Community College
- University of Bothell, School of Nursing
- Latino Education Training Institute
- North Sound Church
- Nourishing Network
- Edmonds Family Medicine
- HomeStreet Bank
- Wells Fargo Bank
The Foundation piloted Whole Families, Whole Communities this past spring at College Place Elementary School, and intends to systemically roll-out the program this fall.
“We are proud of our new, comprehensive program that will bring wrap–around services our students and families can access. This program can affect real change in our students’ lives,” said Executive Director, Deb Anderson. “Our mission is to partner with the District in support of student learning, and to maximize the personal, creative and academic potential so that each student is career and college ready.”