VIDEO: Rey Saldaña, Communities in Schools, interview with KABC-TV in Los Angeles

(Arlington, VA, Thursday, May 21, 2020) – COVID-19 social distancing policies are forcing some nation’s schools to close for the reminder of the school year, not only halting the daily routine of America’s youth but cancelling milestone events such as graduation, proms and other recognizable and important moments for kids. For many students, school provides resources, such as food security, facilitate connections to a community of caring adults, counseling needs and other resources that they can’t otherwise receive, creating a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety for many families.

This public health crisis is also exposing educational and social inequities which have been a long-term crisis in the U.S. About 1 in 6 children under 18 living in poverty and 1.5 million children are homeless. They are especially vulnerable during this crisis with the disruptions to their education, limited access to technology needed for online learning, food insecurity for students who depend on school meals, lack of access to medical attention and financial challenges for working parents and families.

Communities in Schools works directly in 2,300 schools in 25 states and the District of Columbia to build relationships that empower students to stay in school and succeed in life, with businesses, volunteers, agencies, healthcare providers and educators to help students stay focused.

For more information, please visit https://www.communitiesinschools.org/.