Supporting student success from Head-to-Toe

Article from ManchesterJournal.com

STRATTON — The Stratton Community Foundation’s $125,000 Head-to-Toe program currently provides over 600 local children with basic necessities that many families struggle to afford as their children grow. That contribution is made possible by the collaborative support and generosity of the Alterra Mountain Company Community Foundation, resource partners, donors, and sponsors plays a critical role in making this program possible. This kind of community-driven effort not only helps children thrive academically but aids in their overall health and well-being, according to organizers.

The Stratton Community Foundation works closely with schools across Southern Vermont to make sure that those in need are cared for throughout the year. Through its Head-to-Toe program, children who must go ‘without’ are given a backpack filled with required school supplies. As cold weather approaches, a warm coat, snow pants and boots, mittens, socks and hat are distributed to children of all ages. Come spring, children who wear shoes that are in extremely poor condition, too big or too small, are provided with a new pair of sneakers – shoes that fit properly are unfortunately a luxury to many but essential for healthy development. By addressing basic needs, the Foundation aims to ensure that every child has the tools for success, whether that’s in the classroom or at play.

Schools can also apply for ‘Moving Mountains’ funds for their students in immediate crisis; typically used for food, gasoline, laundering services, toiletries, and undergarments. Providing a means for schools to help their students in time-sensitive, and sometimes life-saving situations is a resource that is unparalleled for those who are on the frontlines and extending care in times of urgency.

Beyond Head-to-Toe, the Stratton Community Foundation’s focus on basic necessities expands to other human essentials, such as access to consistent warm running water for children living in difficult conditions. This year, the foundation supported a newly installed shower at Currier Memorial School in Danby, following the support of a washer and dryer last year to launder children’s clothing, for a community that has approximately 75% of low-income families. Principal Carolyn Parillo shared, “something as simple as a clean shower can have profound effects on a child’s emotional health and sense of self-worth and can improve their relationships with peers, boost their self-esteem, and support their overall well-being. It also gives teachers and staff the means to support students in a way that fosters dignity and hope for a brighter future.”

"The success of Head-to-Toe is one example of the powerful relationships that the Stratton Community Foundation has with organizations and local resources to insure that critical services get to those most vulnerable," said Executive Director Tammy Mosher in a press release. "We extend our deep gratitude to the Alterra Mountain Company Community Foundation for their unyielding generosity to match $50,000 in donations and event fundraising in support of the communities around Stratton Resort, and grants awarded by the Vermont Country Store and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group."

"Head-to-Toe is made possible by the foundation’s Golf Outing proceeds and sponsorships, donors, local and national businesses," she continued. "Equipe Sport, Stratton Resort, Operation Warm, Shoes that Fit, Bombas, school staff, and countless volunteers who helped sort and distribute critical items a great distance to schools across the region."

Stratton Foundation creates flood relief fund, goes 'door to door'

STRATTON — Following the flooding that devastated sections of Vermont last week, the Stratton Foundation immediately established a disaster relief fund that, as of Monday morning, had raised more than $200,000.

“The generosity of Stratton homeowners and local people who weren’t affected is really funneling money through the Stratton Foundation to get money out there and help where we can,” said Tammy Mosher, executive director of the Stratton Foundation. “We immediately purchased a bunch of dehumidifiers and fans and blowers that we’re expecting any day, and we have a running list of families who need them.”

Homes in Jamaica, Londonderry and Wardsboro have been severely damaged by the storm. Mosher expects to hear soon from those affected in hard-hit Weston.

Businesses also have been hurt by the flooding. About 25 to 30 people have indicated they “suffered great damage,” Mosher said.

Her group put out a survey after the storm. They plan to deploy the same team that responded during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 to help families navigate insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency process.

“They will be in charge of dispersing funds,” Mosher said. “We want to do it wisely and timely but people don’t know what they need yet.”

Mosher said many people are looking for long-term housing — they have something temporary, which her group helped figure out.

More fundraising and outreach is underway. Mosher said $450,000 was raised by her group during Irene.

“This is a little bit of a different situation,” she said. “This is a little more widespread.”

Like Irene, the plan calls for FEMA to compensate people for 75 percent of their property value, with the state covering the rest. But Mosher noted there’s so much that won’t be covered, such as repairs and rebuilding.

Her group is reaching out to community organizers.

“We’re working really closely with Neighborhood Connections so our efforts are complementary,” Mosher said of the social services organization in Londonderry. “So a lot of people are going to them as well, just to get their names on a list.”

Furniture is being donated for those who will have to “start all over,” Mosher said. Volunteers are being coordinated to aid in clean up.

“We are going door to door,” Mosher said. “We are going to be out in the community, making visits.”

Survey respondents indicated they want personal visits.

“We’ve had families where the basement flooded and so the oil tanks and propane tanks floated and spilled into the basement,” Mosher said. “So it’s uninhabitable. It’s a toxic, serious situation.”

A family had to leave their mobile home in Jamaica. Cars were filled with mud and rocks.

“People are exhausted,” Mosher said. “It’s really important that we help them recover.”

Mosher said people with second homes in Stratton are writing to her group, saying “they can’t believe this is happening. ‘When Vermont hurts, we hurt.’ Just because they’re so connected with our community.”

Her group helps rural communities between Brattleboro and Rutland.

“Our biggest asset is going to be the fundraising,” Mosher said. “The more we get, the more we can help in a bigger way and the more people we can help.”

On the landing page of strattonfoundation.org is a link to information about the relief fund.