IMPACT Independence County has launched a program for residents to support Independence County students’ wellbeing in collaboration with the Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland and Southside School Districts.
The program called Independence County Cares is an electronic network powered by Citizens Bank, which aims to meet immediate needs of school-aged children so that they can continue developing their talents and reaching their full potential. The community-wide initiative fulfills vetted requests from school leadership and supplies items such as shoes, winter coats, health or related exams.
While all Independence County schools were making an inspiring effort to meet immediate needs of their students, the increase in needs and awareness of those needs affecting a child’s ability to learn has required more formal systems and even full-time staff to keep pace.
“Batesville School District, among others, had stepped out historically and begun to filter needs and recruit partners for their coordinated care network, and the Independence County Cares cluster was proud to come along-side these notable efforts and strengthen connections as well as provide on-going recruitment efforts, county-wide,” said Jamie Rayford chief operating officer of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and IMPACT steering committee member. “Our schools have been taking care of children beyond the classroom for many years, and with a coordinated effort, we know we can alleviate some of that burden.”
There are two ways to join Independence County Cares efforts – to receive text alerts, text @8433HF to 81010 or join the “Independence County Cares” group on Facebook.
Shelly Hendrix (pictured) with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and IMPACT Independence visited with White River Now’s Gary B. about the program. You can listen to the conversation below.
For more information, please contact Hendrix or Jamie at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce or email membership@batesvilleareachamber.com.
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