Context and Program Overview

The program operates within a demographic landscape where student needs are increasing, influenced by economic shifts and recent global events. Data indicates that 18.7% of WMHS students are low-income, and 32% are classified as having high needs, encompassing financial, educational, and health-related challenges. While existing programs like free lunch address some issues, educators frequently encounter students requiring broader support, from food and clothing to basic school and life necessities. Traditional data reporting methods often fall short due to barriers like language and access to technology, making direct observation by educators a crucial indicator of student needs.

The Warriors Care Closet directly addresses these gaps by offering a confidential and respectful way for students to obtain items they need. Located within the WMHS Gov. John A. Volpe Library, the program ensures privacy; students requesting items blend in with those seeking academic help or borrowing books. This approach prioritizes student dignity and removes potential stigmas associated with seeking assistance.

Range of Support and Inventory

The existing, successful version of the Warriors Care Closet provides a range of essential items, with the goal of creating a more consistent and robust inventory. The program aims to move beyond sporadic donations to a more reliably stocked resource.

Current and Prospective Inventory Includes:

• Clean, generic clothing: Items like winter hats, scarves, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks, and inexpensive slip-on shoes.

• Hygienic Products: Essentials such as tampons, pads, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wipes, and contact solution.

• School Supplies: Poster boards, notebooks, and writing utensils.

• Personal Care Items: Laundry packets, stain sticks, hair ties, bobby pins, dry shampoo, gel, and disposable combs.

• Shelf-stable food and water bottles.

• Informational pamphlets: Resources on local support services like food pantries and counseling.

• Refillable water bottles.

• Storage solutions: Shelving to organize inventory effectively.

Ongoing Support Structures

The program's success is bolstered by integrated support mechanisms that ensure its sustainability and reach:

• Confidential Access: The library setting provides a discrete point of access for students.

• Student Service Group Engagement: Groups like the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Tri-M, and Social Awareness/Interact Club are actively involved in organizing drives to replenish inventory and sort donated materials.

• Curriculum Integration: The junior Civics Action Project requirement offers opportunities to expand the initiative's reach across the district.

• Referral System: Guidance counselors and school nurses play a vital role in identifying students in need and connecting them with the Care Closet.

• Community Partnerships: The program actively seeks community support through social media platforms to secure higher-ticket items for students, such as bikes or prom dresses, further extending its impact beyond the immediate school environment.