09 Nov Removing Barriers Jars are now available
Eleven years ago, we started collecting change to support students experiencing homelessness. From that simple start, our community has responded beyond our wildest dreams.
Now, student need has grown to a level we never could have imagined.
None of us could have imagined a pandemic would come to change our world so drastically. The school year has just started and the requests for support are pouring in.
These students could really use your help.
Our Removing Barriers Initiative provides funding for students in need throughout the school district.  Last school year, the Northshore Schools Foundation helped more than 1,800 students experiencing crises by providing more than $160,000 in support. This year our preliminary budgets are requesting more than $500,000 to meet the estimated need.
So this year, we’re kicking off our annual Collection Bottle campaign with new urgency and a new option. We distribute actual bottles to locations across Bothell, Kenmore, and Woodinville to collect change in the community.  If you would like to host a physical bottle during this season, you can pick one up at one of our many pop-up events in the next few weeks. But now, we are excited to be able to invite you to host a virtual collection to help remove barriers for students.Â
Would you consider hosting a virtual collection bottle now through 12/18?
A tired, hungry, worried child is in no condition to do their best academically. That’s why we are asking you to help remove barriers for those students so they can thrive.
In the past, support has been limited to a one-time crisis fund, assisting students who are registered with McKinney Vento.This year, each school will be provided with “Opportunity Funds” to meet their students’ needs and make sure each has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial restrictions.
All next week, we will be hosting interviews with local experts on homelessness in our community and streaming live onto Facebook.  You can find the schedule here. We hope you will join us to find out more and consider how you can help in this important effort. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about removing barriers.
Warmly,
Heather Erickson
Removing Barriers Coordinator
Northshore Schools Foundation
heather@nsdfoundation.org
P.S Would you like to skip the collection process and go straight to the supporting option? You can always make a donation here, and your donation will be earmarked and designated for this important work.  Donate Now.Â
P.P.S.  Get your virtual jar at https://northshoreschoolsfoundation.kindful.com/virtual-jar-2020
and if you have any issues please email Emily@nsdfoundation.org