Health department seeks $2,500 grant to expand school supplies program that aided 84 schools

The Saint Joseph County Department of Health asked the Board of Commissioners July 8 for permission to apply for a $2,500 grant from the Jewish Federation of Saint Joseph Valley’s Endowment Fund to support its Community Partner Program, which supplies clothing, hygiene items, feminine hygiene products and food to schools.

Ashley Hellman, director of nursing for the health department, said the program completed its first full year with participation from 84 schools and that schools reported almost 300 hours of instructional time saved through access to supplies. “This program was created to connect schools with the items that were most often identified as keeping children out of the classroom and in the nurse's office,” Hellman said.

Hellman said individual donations remain the backbone of the program but that grant funds allow the department to respond when schools request items that are not available through donations. The Jewish Federation’s grants range from $500 to $2,500; the department plans to seek the maximum amount.

Commissioners asked how schools are notified; Hellman described outreach via in-person visits, phone calls, email and a monthly update to schools. Kayla Mandish, the department’s school health liaison, was referenced as coordinating school contacts and logistics.

During public comment, Cheryl Nicks, a former teacher, praised the program and said she would contribute. The board approved the motion to allow staff to submit the grant application.

No immediate budget commitment beyond applying for the grant was authorized at the meeting.