Organization Name: School Attendance Support, Inc.
Date Survey was Submitted: June 20, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Contact Name: Donna Rae Smith
Contact Phone: 4439567629
Contact Email: donnaraesmith@schoolattendancesupport.org
Were the funds spent with a year of grant receipt?  Yes
If no, please explain why not below:
How was the money used?
The grant money was used to purchase items to promote school attendance at 4 Manatee County Schools – Ballard Elementary, Manatee Elementary, Lee Middle and King Middle School. We purchased sanitary pads, body wipes, deodorant, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair ties, combs, tooth paste, toothbrushes, lotion, acne face wash, lice kits, underwear, socks, shoes, sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, alarm clocks, bike locks, head phones, calculators, backpacks, spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, water bottles, snacks, Kleenex tissues, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, art supplies and more. Each month our contacts at the schools lets us know what is needed, our purchasers start shopping and within a week or two everything is bought and the delivery team is ready to go. It is beyond joyful to deliver to our schools – at some schools the kids help us unload.
Was there an unexpected benefit or a special outcome from this grant that you would like to share? Yes
If yes, please explain:
All of our principals report to us that the school climate is especially positive because the children feel more comfortable (clean underwear and shoes that fit, for instance), more confident (less bullying because hygiene is GREATLY improved), more ready to learn (they proudly wear their new backpacks and have the school supplies they need). Helpful conversations about homelessness, hygiene and feeling inadequate are daily occurrences. With the supplies readily available teachers, nurses and other school staff can immediately meet the needs of the students. We recently received thank you letters from 5th graders. One of the boys wrote, “Dear SAS, We thank you for the supplies that you have gifted us for us kids that need things. We can’t afford these things. There are things that are happening at home so thank you. Love (name)”. Mr. Keezer, the Principal at Ballard calls us “Difference Makers”. He says “SAS is more than financial support or material support. They are Difference Makers who change the trajectory of students lives.” We knew when we started in 2021 that we might be able to help improve school attendance, we did not know the depth of the impact we would make. It is an honor to help.
How many people were impacted by this grant?
Approximately 3,000
Please indicate the number of women, children, and/or families residing in Sarasota and/or Manatee County who were directly impacted by this grant.
Question Added Post Survey
Do you have any suggestions to improve our grant process.
It’s perfect.
Did you find the grant process succinct and easy to submit? Yes
Comments:
TLC folks are also “Difference Makers”. We join hands with you to help our young people get to school and stay in school for the day. The “Stay Dry Stay In School” Drive was also AMAZING. Thank you for EVERYTHING. We are honored to have received this grant and also feel thankful that you put your trust in us (and have from the very beginning) to spend this money wisely. Cheers and best wishes for a fun summer ahead!
Would a representative from your organization be willing to speak to our group about the impact of your grant? Â Yes
Additional information:
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