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CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com) Andrea Nelson with the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation presented a ,000 check to Shari Larson with the Education Foundation for the Valley City Public Schools.

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation has been working in conjunction with the Education Foundation to assist a donor in establishing an Access for All and Critical Needs Fund to help address the needs of K- 12 grade students attending Valley City Public Schools.

The Access for All Fund was established to ensure students and their families have access to counseling services regardless of their ability to pay. Junior High School Counselor, Al Sorensen says: “As societal pressures for teens rise in the areas of home, school, and peers; we see more demand for coping skills.” Sorensen continues “The need to assist teens with their coping skills has created an increased need for counseling services beyond what is provided by the school.  By connecting individuals with these services we hope to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.”

The Critical Needs Fund is used to assist students with basic needs observed by school staff.  The intent of this fund is to enable staff to respond quickly and quietly to the needs of students.  “We are so grateful for this donation to the Education Foundation to help students and families in our district,” says Nicole Powers, President of Education Foundation and Kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. “Teachers and staff will be able to assist students who need extra help with supplies, winter clothing or school fees by accessing these funds held by the Foundation. Sometimes students and families need a little piece of hope and help- this donation will provide both.”

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation is committed to creating an environment where people’s ideas, initiatives and generosity can impact our local community.  Andrea Nelson, Administrator of the SVCF says, “Through this partnership with the donor and Education Foundation, we were able to address an emerging need and work together to create an incredible opportunity for students of Valley City Public Schools.”  

“We are so thankful to have people in our community who care about the students of Valley City Public Schools.” said Shari Larson, director of the Education Foundation.    “Meeting a student’s basic needs and providing a safe place for them to talk are key to their success at school and in life.” 

If you would like more information or to donate to the Access for All and Critical Needs Fund, please contact Shari Larson at 701-845-0483, Ext. 1.