Transylvania County Schools

REACH Initiative: Resources & Educational Access for Children experiencing Homelessness

Listen to a fall 2016 interview featuring Social Worker Beth Branagan, Graduation Coach David Siniard, and Regional Lead for the Homeless Coalition Jennifer Molliere, to learn about the REACH Initiative. See below for program goals and meeting information.

REACH Initiative Goals

Acquisition or Development of a Youth Shelter

Tasks:
Study feasibility of acquiring/developing shelter facility that targets youth in school
Fundraising
Investigation of possible grants/grantwriting resources
Collaboration with The Haven of Transylvania County/SAFE Brevard
Communicate with youth about unmet needs (possible collaboration with CARE Coalition Youth Work Group)

Development of Host Homes Program

Tasks:
Collaboration with existing Host Homes programs to develop program model (structure, operation, target population/demographics)
Identification/interview potential agencies for oversight
Development of program
Recruit host families
Develop Host Family training program
Communicate with youth about how to meet needs

Student Supply Closets in Schools

Tasks:
Coordination with schools to monitor needs & inventory
Coordination with churches, civic groups, inpiduals for donations
Keep closets stocked and organized
Fundraising
Investigation of possible grants for clothing (coordinate possible partnership with Sharing House Adopt-A-Student program)

Contact:
Beth Branagan, School Social Worker
bbranaga@tcsnc.org
(828) 884-9567