Back to School 2015: Chapman Partnership Initiative Ensures "School Readiness from Day One" for Homeless Children

MIAMI, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Homelessness among Florida public school children has increased by 84 percent over the past five years.  These children, even those living in emergency housing, will start the school year without basic "back-to-school" supplies. Essential supplies are simple things; a backpack, the right uniform, calculators and notebooks, yet will remain out of reach for Miami-Dade's homeless children unless the community rallies to help. 

Back to School 2015, a new initiative launched by Chapman Partnership, the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, makes it easy for the community to support and help ensure no child is left without school supplies this year. To support Back to School 2015, log on to: http://chapmanpartnership.org/backtoschool. You can donate for the purchase and distribution of school supplies to homeless children from pre-k to 12th grade.

According to Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools, homeless children face many challenges, one of the biggest ones involve readiness to learn.  "These are often fragile children who need to be loved and taught, so education and support is the key to their success."

Chapman Partnership stresses that education is critical for empowering young people.  "Children need to be school ready from day one," said Grace Ugalde-Wolpert, Community Outreach Manager at Chapman Partnership. "We need the help of our community to keep our children on the right track. By making a donation you show them you care, about them and their education."

Superintendent Carvalho points to Chapman as a vital link between the county's educational system and children in emergency housing. "Chapman Partnership provides educational services before, during and after school so these children can learn," he says.

"Homeless school children deserve to have the same, equitable opportunity to learn as those more fortunate," said Ugalde-Wolpert. "Back to School 2015 is designed to catapult homeless children to a level of readiness prior to their very first day of school."

Back to School 2015 is a chance for everyone in the community to get involved. "If you care about a child, get engaged," urges Carvalho. "Miami, let's step up. Let's make it real."

For more details or to donate, log onto: http://chapmanpartnership.org/backtoschool

About Chapman Partnership

Since 1995, Chapman Partnership has had more than 100,000 admissions including 20,000 children and a 64% success rate of moving homeless men, women and families to self-sufficiency.

Chapman Partnership operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. Chapman Partnership provides a comprehensive support program that includes emergency housing, meals, health, dental and psychiatric care, day care, employment training and placement and assistance with housing.  Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.

Mission Statement
Provide comprehensive services to empower homeless residents to become self-sufficient.
www.chapmanpartnership.org

Video

https://youtu.be/OnBUAj98XLc

Contact:

Alec Rosen

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 305-329-3003

SOURCE Chapman Partnership

Related Links

http://www.chapmanpartnership.org