Because Every Child Needs a Champion
Removing barriers to student success by providing school supplies, clothing, food, mentoring programs and more.
Supporting students in need.
When a student lacks basic necessities, they struggle to learn and grow alongside their peers. These barriers to their success often include:
food
stable relationships
school supplies
weather-appropriate clothing
hygiene items
bedding
transportation
glasses
Homelessness
447 Joplin Schools students qualify as homeless.
Food Insecurity
An estimated 10% of Joplin Schools students struggle with food insecurity when away from the stability of school meals.
Poverty
64% of Joplin Schools students live in situations of economic deprivation.
Graduation Rates
Missouri students raised in poverty are over three times more likely to drop out before graduation.
Community Helpers
Joplin Schools Staff
Bright Futures Joplin: A Community Solution
Donations of time, talent and treasure will directly benefit students in need.
Community Support
Step 1
School counselors, teachers and other staff make specific requests on behalf of students.
Staff Requests
Step 2
Step 3
Students receive the support they need so they can learn and grow alongside their peers.
Students Receive
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100% of donations are used to support student needs
What does your support provide annually?
20,221
Snack Packs
254
Headphones
2,270
Volunteer hours
50
Vision exams & glasses
19
Bikes, locks & helmets
241
Backpacks with supplies
2,005
Articles of clothing
600
Hygiene items
Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Futures
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Community Partners make a difference in Joplin Schools by giving back to the community to support children in need.
Contact us if you are interested in becoming a partner!
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Bright Futures is a model of support and communication that allows communities and schools to identify student needs and match those needs with existing resources in the community.
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No. In fact, the community leaders who have been a part of developing this program have worked hard to make sure it is not. Bright Futures is unique in that it does meet basic needs, but also connects families to other agencies that can provide the sustainable support they need.
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Our goal is to be the 911 of meeting a child's basic needs within 24 hours of identification of that need. We have created a rapid response system in our Donation Center, which is entirely supported by community donations, grants and dedicated volunteers.
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We can't guarantee that won't happen from time to time. However, because the referrals come from school staff, we have been able to get a good sense of a family's true need
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Fortunately, we don't just stop at meeting that child's basic need. We ask the right questions so we can get a clear picture of the underlying issues that created the situation resulting in our student's needs not being met. Then we can refer the family to the correct agency.
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The Bright Futures Joplin effort has energized the community and has uncovered new resources that didn't previously exist. As one principal put it, "Money can't buy what our kids need." This is so true. What these kids need is relationships… and lots of them. Community members are stepping up to serve as positive role models for our kids in a variety of capacities.
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First, we shine a light on the challenges and opportunities in our schools on a regular basis. This is crucial from a sustainability standpoint. Additionally, we work to identify and provide solutions to those problems in order to help students have a healthy and productive educational career.