Bridge to Success

Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS) is now the DC Charter School Alliance!

Please visit www.dccharters.org to learn about our new organization and to see the latest news and information related to DC charter schools.

The FOCUS DC website is online to see historic information, but is not actively updated.

Submitted by ssvenningsen on

Item Title: 
Bridge to Success
Item Text: 

FOCUS takes on Bridge to Success Program

Read More

Item Image: 
Open Item Text: 

Bridge to Success, a program of the National Center for Children and Families, works with local school systems to help thousands of low-income students in the DC area get basic essentials they need to get the education they deserve. FOCUS serves as the local partner for DC charter schools.  

Bridge to Success offers resources for students by providing:

  • Eye exams and glasses
  • New coats and shoes
  • School uniforms
  • Personal care items
  • Food (via Safeway giftcards)

Testimonials:

School Uniforms, Coats, Shoes:
“I had one student in particular who was able to get two new pairs of shoes and a new coat and he was so excited when he came back to school showing myself, the students and staff his brand new coat and shoes. His smile I will never forget. His mother had tears in her eyes because otherwise she would not have been able to afford to buy him new shoes and a winter coat.” - Chelante Mitchell, School Social Worker, AppleTree PCS

“A student who received a Burlington Coat Factory gift card had a significant boost in self-confidence when she was able to wear her brand new, non hand-me-down coat to school. She wore it with pride and also shared positive feelings regarding her mother being able to buy it for her.” –Briana Barnes, School Social Worker, Bridges PCS

“A male student was not coming to school due to lack of uniforms…Through the Bridge to Success program, he received one uniform and a payless gift card. Upon receiving the items, school staff saw a shift in his confidence and attitude.” - Cortney Wiggins-Mayfield, Family Support Coordinator, Early Childhood Academy PCS
 
Groceries and Personal Care Items:
“The materials obtained through Bridge to Success more directly improve confidence/reduce stress of parents, which of course translates to students in numerous ways. Safeway cards are by far and away the most desired and can provide incredible relief to families. It provides autonomy is choice as opposed to meal bags and allows folks to feel ease in that area of basic needs at least for a bit.” -Teresa Zegarelli, Social Worker. KIPP DC PCS

Eye Exams and Glasses:
“One of our students required glasses. Unfortunately, the student's family does not have health insurance… As a result of the student not having glasses, the student's confidence decreases, poor-decision making skills increased, and student's participation in lessons became obsolete. Bridge to Success supported this family by acquiring two pairs of glasses, one for home and one for school, which enabled the student to successfully access the curriculum, improve his participation and confidence, in addition to improving his grades…” - Bennisha Lucas, Student Support Coordinator, Mundo Verde PCS