Banneker High School’s Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Center continues to deliver on its promise to support the whole child. Earlier this month, more than 200 families received free meals and clothing at the center’s first-ever Pre-Thanksgiving Giveaway.
“The event was a huge success for our school community,” said SAFE Center Director Igola Richardson. “I can’t thank our volunteers and community partners enough. The SAFE Center is removing barriers and changing lives.”
During the event, volunteers joined the school community in a beautification project, created hygiene packets and organized the on-campus clothes closet. Organizations that participated included the Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way of Greater Atlanta and Banneker’s Workforce Development.
“The work performed by volunteers at the SAFE Center not only contributes to the success of our students, but also supports our community,” said Fulton School Board Member Kimberly Dove, who participated in the giveaway. “We are eternally grateful for all who play a part in helping our families in need, particularly during the holiday season.”
The SAFE Center, which first opened in February 2018, is a consolidation of school services and community partnerships designed to eliminate academic, social and emotional barriers to student potential. It provides discipline support through restorative practices, mental and emotional health counseling, behavior intervention, mentoring services and other support services.
Richardson says that in her 24 years at Fulton County, this is the best work that she’s engaged in. Parents have also praised the center and the resources that it provides.
“They really went above and beyond with this program to make sure that little old me, the parent who had nothing, had support,” said Banneker parent Jamaica Lee.
The next SAFE Center event will be held on December 15. Tours of the center are available monthly and can be scheduled via Eventbrite.
Photo Credit: Fulton County Schools
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