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New Heights resource center reports thousands served, zone case work tied to better attendance
Summary
New Heights Community Resource Center staff told the Tuscaloosa City Schools board they made 1,896 service contacts this year, served 196 families (about 6,985 individuals) and say zone case management has helped 97% of case‑managed students avoid chronic absenteeism.
Kalissa Borman, manager at New Heights Community Resource Center, told the Tuscaloosa City Schools board the center provided 1,896 direct service contacts over the past year and “we've given away over 95,000 pounds of food during this year.”
Borman described five major service areas at New Heights — health, mental health, youth prevention, homelessness prevention and academic success — and listed partners that help deliver those services, including the West Alabama Food Bank (on-site pantry), the Tuscaloosa Latino Coalition and a new snack‑pantry partner called Rooted. She highlighted special events and partner programs that brought free exams, mentoring and clinic services to families: Ready Set Grow served more than 45 families, an Alabama Public Television “Be My Neighbor” event drew about 300 attendees, and a clinic effort provided more than 120 free exams and free glasses when needed.
Raven Hartzfield, the zone case manager, outlined the zone model — a collaboration among the city, Tuscaloosa City Schools and the United Way of West Alabama to place a case manager in school buildings — and said she made roughly 1,000 service contacts this year. Hartzfield said she actively case‑managed 15 families (48 individuals across those households), received 156 referrals from school staff, and reported that 97 percent of the students on her caseload “avoided chronic absenteeism.” She added that the three seniors on her caseload graduated and had confirmed post‑secondary plans.
Board members praised the program’s community partnerships and volunteers. A board member noted the New Heights Foundation’s role in fundraising and volunteer coordination; Borman said the foundation (a 501(c)(3)) funded construction of new hoops and helped recruit donations.
The presentation also mentioned an energy‑efficiency pilot by the Alabama Resiliency Fund to upgrade five zone homes and a Congresswoman Terry Su grant workshop that drew about 150 participants.
The board did not vote on the presentation. Staff answered board questions after the presentation and thanked center staff for their work. The board moved on to financial reports afterward.
