All students deserve a fair shot at success
New gym shoes, class trips, a warm winter jacket — it is a familiar checklist at the start of a school year. For some families it is not that simple to purchase everything on the list.
Fortunately students in Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) can turn to the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success (HFSS) for help. HFSS is a registered non-profit charity that raises funds to support the needs of students. Established in 1976, it has the sole mandate of overcoming barriers to student success through Student Support Grants. This allows eligible students to receive up to $200 per school year to cover the cost of needs as identified by school staff. These may range from clothing and hygiene items to co-op placement expenses, post-secondary application fees or the cost of an extracurricular activity.
Examples of ways students have been helped include:
Shayna * is from a single-parent family with financial challenges. Major spinal surgery left her in a wheelchair. All she needed was a waterproof poncho that allowed her to go outside during recess and stay warm.
Faith*, a special-needs student who struggled to hold a regular flute in music class, has now learned to play the instrument thanks to the purchase of a “Nuvo,” plastic flute that has an attachment that makes it easier for her to hold.
Mohamed*, a newcomer to Hamilton, was born in Syria. He spent time in refugee camps missing several years of school. The problem of a two-kilometre walk to school in the cold was solved with the purchase of a winter coat and boots.
As with many non-profit organizations, HFSS is experiencing a consistent need for financial support. Students and their families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic along with job loss and increased food and housing costs. Amy Leaming Cote, executive director of HFSS, is deeply concerned.
“This would be the first time in our history that we run the risk of stopping grants due to lack of funds. Annually, we have $100,000 to allocate. Grants have totalled almost $94,000 this year. We’ve helped a record number of 500 students between October and December. That makes it pretty tight for the balance of the year,” she said, “It has forced us to launch a campaign to raise $70,000 to ensure that students have access to our support.”
The foundation is run by a staff of two and governed by a volunteer board of directors including Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, director of education at HWDSB. Working closely with the foundation, Sheryl sees how essential these grants are in supporting student success.
“On top of helping to achieve their academic goals, they contribute to mental health and well-being,” she said, adding, “When new cleats allow students to participate on the soccer team with their peers, it brings them joy and confidence. Grants are important in helping students feel included, bringing them a sense of happiness and security.”
There are many ways to support HFSS. Donations can be made on the foundation website, by phone and by mail. Another way is to make a tribute gift to celebrate special occasions or people in your life. HFSS also works with community partners to offer student awards in the form of scholarships and bursaries. Or you can purchase a ticket to the Showcase of Hearts event on March 30 — an exciting variety show that celebrates the incredible talent of student artists. All proceeds support HFSS and Student Support Grants. For more information, contact the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success at 905527-5092 ext. 2103 or foundation@hwdsb.on.ca
Maybe it is not your son or daughter who needs assistance from the foundation, but it could be the bright, promising student with the locker next to him or her.