Who Made the Grade?

United Way announces program outcomes for 2008-09 school year

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA (October 27, 2009)—KidSmart, the education and health initiative of Inland Empire United Way, is making a real difference in the lives of local kids, and announces the program outcomes for the 2008-09 school year!

Working in partnership with local schools, case management organizations, businesses, and community groups, the Kids Pack program provides backpacks of nutritious food to homeless and very low-income children during the weekends, when school meals are not available. In the 2008-09 school year, 37,988 Kids Pack backpacks of food were delivered to hungry kids. 1,443 children from 65 schools and 9 districts participated in the program.

With students in the Kids Pack program, teachers reported:
• 40% of participants were more attentive in class
• 38% of participants improved their attitude towards school
• 41% of participants participated more in class
• 42% of participants improved their grades
• Overall, 57% of Kids Pack participants improved their overall performance in school

The School Tools program provides disadvantaged children with the supplies they need to succeed. Through our Teacher Resource Center (TRC), teachers from eligible schools have the unique opportunity to “shop” for supplies for their students and classroom twice a year—completely free of charge!

In the 2008-09 school year, School Tools TRC served 27 schools in 7 different districts. 647 teachers visited the TRC, distributing more than $490,000 worth of new school supplies and directly benefitting 19,410 low-income students in our community.

School Tools program outcomes include the following:
• Students with adequate supplies to complete in-class assignments increased from 25% to 95%
• Students with adequate supplies to complete assignments at home increased from 16% to 88%
• 91% of teachers reported they were able to expand or improve their instruction as a result of participating in School Tools
• 87% of teachers reported that School Tools helped them do a better job teaching

“As Advisory Board member and Target employee volunteer, I have had the opportunity to participate in the planning and operations of the Kids Pack and School Tools programs. It is so rewarding to know that they are making a real difference in the lives of the children they serve. These programs are true community collaborations. Thank you to all of our volunteers, partners, and donors who support these programs,” said Carolyn Villerreal of Target Distribution Center – T553.

To view the full reports, please visit www.ieuw.org/CommunityData.html.

About Inland Empire United Way
Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local community leaders, businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, and individuals to build a stronger, healthier community. By focusing on Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Volunteerism, as well as 2-1-1 San Bernardino County, long-lasting and positive changes are made in the lives of children, families, and individuals. The IEUW service area covers portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about Inland Empire United Way, please visit our website at www.ieuw.org.

- # # # -

back