Grant Recipients

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The Outreach Program

Before Aseltine, school is a place of shame, trauma and frustration for most of our students, who

struggle with severe learning disabilities and behavior disorders. At Aseltine, we focus on creating a

strong community characterized by support, collaboration and empowerment to inspire our students to

rethink their views of their potential and of school’s value in their lives. One of our most powerful

programs for accomplishing this is the Outreach Program, where students and staff bond during

community outings while expanding their horizons and exploring their community. Many (currently

70%) of our students live in poverty and do not have access to cultural or sporting events – or even

seemingly “normal” activities like eating in a restaurant or going to the movies. When the pandemic hit,

we had to shift to virtual school and pause these outings; this only heightened our students’ need for

connection and support. In response, we began offering home visits, where staff members visit students

at home and assist them however they need: tutoring; delivering supplies for art, culinary, and school;

playing basketball; watching a new skateboarding trick; creating art together or offering a sympathetic

ear – home visits are not action specific; they are about connecting with and supporting students

during these challenging times. The Boys and Girls Foundation’s support allowed us to purchase a Prius

to make these visits more fuel-efficient (a benefit to Aseltine’s budget and the environment) and safer

by replacing an unreliable old van.

For more information visit

www.aseltine.org