ROE #11 Supports Homeless Students through Local Service Agencies

For Immediate Release – May 17, 2022

CHARLESTON, IL – Seeking to use COVID related federal funding wisely, the Regional Office of Education #11 reached out to local agencies across its seven county region to see how they could partner to better serve homeless students.

With timelines in place, fourteen local agencies participated in an opportunity to provide new programming, support, or supplies for youth. Each agency that applied for the funding received it this spring allowing them to create a brand new, innovative program or add to their existing programs. Educational supports, mentoring/tutoring, guidance/counseling, personal care items, as well as medication, housing, and domestic violence assistance are some of the many resources expanded upon. These agencies include:

CASA of East Central IL

Catholic Charities

Charleston Area Food Pantry

CEFS

Coalition for People in Need

HOPE of East Central IL

Hopes & Dreams

Hour House

The Haven

Mattoon Community Food Center

Moultrie County Counseling Center

Standing Stone Community Center

ERBA

LifeLinks

Regional Superintendent Kyle Thompson expressed his appreciation for these community organizations willing to step up and do more to serve students and families in need. “We were pleased to have the additional federal funding available and take seriously the responsibility to use the money in the best possible way to improve the quality of life for as many students as possible,” stated Dr. Thompson.

Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson. Photo submitted by ROE #11.

“We couldn’t wait to present this idea and see how local agencies would plan on using this money,” said ROE #11 Lead Homeless Liaison, Teresa Metzger. “The sky was the limit!” “The bottom line is that students facing home insecurity in our region are being better served and able to be given a bit more assistance due to the extra funds, and that is a good thing,” she concluded.

ROE #11 Lead Homeless Liaison, Teresa Metzger. Photo submitted by ROE #11

“As the school year concludes and summer begins, we look forward to hearing about how each organization has carried out their plan, and with that, how the students benefited,” Thompson said.

The Regional Office of Education #11 is located at 730 7th Street, Charleston, IL 61920. You can reach them at 217-348-0151 or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.