School Partnerships: Richmond Highland Heights Elementary

“Tyler”, a 5th grade student, asked CIS Site Coordinator, Sara Newton, almost daily if she could do something for his mom. Sensing there might be a connection between Tyler’s request and the difficulty he was having concentrating on his schoolwork, Sara met with his mother and found that she was recently separated from Tyler’s dad and no longer had a stable living environment. The mother had also lost her food stamps when Tyler’s younger brother’s emergency appendectomy caused her to miss an appointment with Child and Family Services. Sara began a search to provide help for this family. Natco Credit Union, (a community partner with Highland Heights) generously donated essential items and other necessities for the family. First English Lutheran Church gave a gift basket and assisted with rent costs. Sara was richly rewarded when she delivered all of the goodies and the good news. Tyler’s mother was so grateful and relieved she simply hugged Sara and cried.