After two years of helping families in the community, Credit River Cares was able to pinpoint some specific areas of needs in our schools. In Fall 2008, Credit River Cares implemented an “Angel Fund” and made it available to all sixteen schools in ISD 194, including All Saints Catholic School and the Alternative Learning Center. The “Angel Fund” gives school counselors finances at hand to use according to the basic needs of the individual students. The counselors use the funds to cover everything from reduced price lunches, snacks, art and music program fees to shoes, school supplies and jackets. The counselors self-monitor the funds and report the usage to Credit River Cares on a quarterly basis. At that point, a decision can be made to supplement the funds if there is a higher ratio of needs in a particular school.

Counselors at Lakeville Elementary Schools were incredibly happy to receive finances that they could use to supply basic needs to students and anticipate a higher demand throughout the coming years. Sheila Vosper, counselor at Orchard Lake Elementary says “It is nice to be able to help students quickly and anonymously. There are many situations when a student's needs cannot wait until the next day. This donation has given me the freedom to help students when they need it most."

If you or someone you are aware of would like to receive assistance from the School Angel Fund program, please see your school counselor.