As the weather turns–it is turning, right? No, it’s still August out there even though we’re in October? Well, when the weather turns, you may find yourself in need of food, clothing, or even help with the heating bills. This is when your Family & Community Outreach Coordinators really shine!
We’ve got all the information and resources you need to make sure that your family is safe, secure, and ready to join us at school every day.
Food
We have free breakfast, snacks, and lunch at school, but that leaves a gap on the weekend and when school’s out.
The BackPack Program, provided by Food Bank of the Southern Tier, will help you feed your kiddos even when school is not in session, particularly helpful during holiday breaks! Contact our Vice Principal, Jo Legare, to enroll your child. 735-3700 x3705
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is just one of several food pantries in our area. One of my favorite resources for locating nutritional assistance for our families is the Food Bank Calendar. Head over to this website to view a daily list of food pantry availability in our region. You can also ask me anything, and I’ll help you out.
Clothes
Our nurse’s office has a limited supply of clothing available for our students, including pants, shirts, coats, gloves, hats, and more. We run a winter coat drive in the late fall to stock up these supplies–please donate if you’re able!
If anyone in your family needs clothing, please don’t hesitate to contact me or reach out to Salvation Army or Catholic Charities. Both of those organizations have clothing available throughout the year for families in need.
Heating Bills
The NY State low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) starts in November and helps low- and moderate-income households pay their heating bills, help during heat-related energy emergencies, and replace/repair furnaces and hot-water heaters. You can pick up applications for HEAP at Samaritan Center (380 S. Main Street, Elmira) or the Chejung Couunty department of Social Services (425 Pennsylvania Ave, Elmira).
Healthcare
The Beecher Health Clinic is an Elmira City Schools Family Health Sick Care Clinic at Beecher Elementary School, open to all of our ECSD students. They don’t do immunizations, but they do treat basic illnesses and injuries, including cold and flu, earaches, asthma, pink-eye; and all services are provided at no charge. You can find more information here.
Diven also has a school-based mental health program, and all of our children have been introduced to Leah Sorensen, one of our school social workers. If you would like to meet with our counselors, please contact Ms. Chiara at 735-3738 or Ms. Terry at 733-5696.
These are just a few of the community resources we can connect you to this fall, and all year long. Whenever you need help, please contact us. It’s what we do!
Liz Zilinski
Family & Community Outreach Coordinator
Diven Elementary School
ezilinski@gstcontractors.com
735-3700 x4510