Feature Story: Community Strength

FEATURE STORY

A COMMUNITY STRONGER TOGETHER

One of the cornerstones of Crossroads School is the strength of our community, near and far. These bonds were fully evident in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which left some households facing reduced income, new child care responsibilities or relatives in need of care. Throughout the spring, Crossroads employees, parents, alumni, parents of alumni and grandparents worked to alleviate the strain on fellow community members in several ways:

THE HELP HUB

At the end of March, Parent Association leaders—Max Liszt ’95, Olivia Corwin, Jessica Yi, Debby Zwelling, Colleen Goetz, Sam Jones, Renee Mann and Maisha Chappell—and Crossroads administrators launched the Help Hub on the School’s website. This resource for Crossroads families and employees connected those in need of support with those able to provide it.

The Help Hub received overwhelming support: On average, for every Crossroads family that requested assistance, eight community members offered their services. People who recently lost their jobs received help updating their resumes. Families received grocery deliveries from volunteers.

“As the pandemic sent us into lockdown, we saw that increasing numbers within our community were needing aid," explained Middle School Parent Association President Jessica Yi. "Whether it was financial or help with groceries or child care, we knew that our fellow families would be able to provide the support that was needed. We had such a positive outpouring of generosity of resources, time and love. It was truly a testament to the strength of the Crossroads community.”

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND

Head of School Bob Riddle recognized that many members of the community were coping with unanticipated financial burdens, hindering their ability to pay for basic expenses, including rent and groceries. The School established the Community Emergency Fund for employees as well as Crossroads families receiving financial aid.

A small committee of administrators reviewed each request and allocated support to those most in need. The committee distributed gift cards for groceries, utility bills and general expenses, as well as with aid to cover tuition balances. Thanks to our caring community, the School raised $228,000 for the fund between March 31 and June 31, 2020. Posed with many uncertainties for the coming academic year, the School anticipates additional need will arise. We are grateful for and remain confident in the community’s enthusiastic support for one another every step of the way.

SPRING EVENT FUNDRAISER

The widespread efforts to lift each other up were also apparent in this year’s K-12 Parent Association Spring Fundraiser. (See story on page 16.) Though unable to hold an in-person event, the Parent Association was determined to create an extraordinary experience in support of the Financial Aid Fund, which benefits one in four students at Crossroads. And their work exceeded all expectations.

Dubbed Rock ’n’ Roads: Couchella 2020, the virtual May 16 event raised critical funds for Financial Aid through its auction and raffle as well as direct donations generously provided by our extended Crossroads family.

Thank you to everyone who pulled together this year to support our Crossroads community!