Through the combined effort of the CHS Foundation, Central High staff, students, and community partners, Central students who are experiencing food insecurity or who are need of basic hygiene, school supplies, and clothing items, continue to benefit from the resources offered through The Haven and The Nest.
This year the Foundation has awarded $8,000 to support both outreach programs.
The Haven, established in 2025 through the mutual effort of individual teachers and students, the student-group Central Mutual Aid Coalition, and Central High administrators, addresses food security challenges faced by many Central families.
School social worker, Ms. Dawnna Hill said, “This year The Haven has supplemented when parents have lost employment, had fears about community access points, lacked transportation to access community supports, had state benefit changes or cuts, needed additional financial leverage with inflation and increased costs, have been impacted by housefires, and have helped support our unaccompanied youth that are living and self-sustaining on their own, as well as families impacted by homelessness and insufficient permanent housing.”
The Nest, founded in 2015, supports students by ensuring their basic needs are met so they can be fully engaged learners. This program provides daily access to essential toiletries, school supplies, winter coats, and basic clothing items.
“We want to provide in-the-moment relief and care. It helps students whose parents do not have the financial means to buy all the necessities needed in life,” says Hill “One Christmas, a mom used the Nest to have Christmas gifts for each of her five children, since she found herself without other resources at that time. The goal is to provide equity in resources so that students can feel safe and secure and be ready to learn.”
According to Central High teacher and English Language Learners Department Chair, LaRia Shea, “Both The Haven and The Nest are more than just programs; they are lifelines for many of our students and families. They foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels cared for and ready to succeed. However, due to government budget cuts, these programs are suffering. We are grateful for the emergency funding grant from the Foundation. This meaningful donation allows us to be more prepared for student and family needs.”