The Family Services Team’s vision is to strengthen the families of our students experiencing disparities, poverty and/or homelessness, so that students can be successful in school. Our goal is to increase the number of students identified as experiencing homelessness or other challenges to support them during their transition. We also strive to connect students and families to resources in order to decrease barriers to affordable, permanent and stable housing.
How to Connect with Us
If you are interested in IMPACT MO, are in need of resources for your family, or believe that your family may be eligible for the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Program, please contact us at the email address below. If you know that you are in need of support, but not sure if the listed programs or services are what you need, please DO NOT hesitate to contact us. We may still be able to help or connect you to what you may need!
Amber Davis
School Social Worker
Marie Hood
Mental Health Liaison
Kamilah Lee
Family Services Coordinator
Homelessness (McKinney Vento) Liaison, Foster Care Liaison, Title One Coordinator; Impact KC Coach
What is McKinney Vento?
The McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 is a US federal law that provides federal money for not-for-profit organizations working with at risk families and youth. McKinney Vento ensures the right of students to attend school even when they are experiencing homelessness and do not have a permanent address. The Act aims to reduce barriers that have prevented many students experiencing homelessness from enrolling, attending and succeeding in school.
Families lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence are defined as experiencing homelessness and may be eligible for enrollment in the McKinney Vento program. These family situations may include being doubled-up with another family, living in a shelter, residing in substandard housing, etc.
What is IMPACT?
IMPACT-MO is a collection of community vendors that work together to support families in need of various resources and/or assistance. To enroll, individuals complete an assessment and are connected with the appropriate vendor to meet their need(s)–rental assistance, utility assistance, counseling/therapy, adult education, transportation, housing, etc.
What is the School-Parent-Child Compact?
A compact (also known as an agreement) is a written commitment that indicates how members of the school, parents, students and the community will agree to share in the responsibility of learning for an individual child. The compact is signed annually, at the start of each school year. A parent or legal guardian and student is asked to review and sign the compact. A parent/guardian is able to sign for a student that is unable to sign for themself, but is encouraged to review the information with the student, so that s/he understands their responsibility in their own learning process. The compact can be completed by clicking onto the 2020-21 Compact link below. A separate compact must be completed for each student attending Brookside Charter.