Hawks Nest

There is a cartoon that has gone viral in the teaching community. Maybe you’ve seen it: It shows a child carrying large bags labeled with various challenges—hunger, illness, homelessness. It reads, “Could someone help me with these? I’m late for math class.” 

Most of us understand at first glance what it represents. Every student comes to us on the first day of school with baggage of their own. The loads they carry vary in shape and size, and sadly, some carry too heavy a load. Before a student can remember, understand and apply what they’re learning, their physiological needs, such as shelter, food and clothing must be met, and they must feel that they are safe, loved and that they belong.

Thus begins the Hawks Nest, Ryan’s care closet aimed at providing children with the necessary items they need in order to make sure their needs are being met so that they can be successful learners. 

A church, Northwest Vineyard, has stepped up to fund the initial closet set up, and then we will be looking for donations to keep up with the demand as we begin to understand the needs of our population more.