Support Catholic Education – Academy of St. Benedict the African Donation Opportunity

Jennifer Ahern

6 years ago

Why support St. Benedict the African school and students/families?

School is located in the West Englewood Neighborhood of Chicago
Average income of families is <$25,000 (tuition is over 18% of gross income)
Many single mom/dads and grandparents as primary caregivers
100% of students qualify for Federal Free Lunch Program (used as a tool to measure need based aid programs)
There is no Parish or School Board to help support families in need that wish to have their students attend.
SBTA works with the CPD to establish and maintain a positive relationship with the school community and law enforcement to keep students as safe as possible and help build the community.
Education is documented to be the primary tool for students to break the cycle of poverty.

Impact of COVID-19 on St. Benedict the African school

Enrollment is down by 30 seats as of October 2020
Early Childhood Program was suspended for the 2020-21 school year
- Loss of funding due to program not happening
- Loss of students/seats
Currently only Special Class is Art
- E. Class is limited due to COVID-19
Resources are stretched thin
- Each student must have individual supplies and tech equipment. No sharing due to COVID-19 procedures

Impact of COVID-19 on Families

Many families are impacted by job loss/unemployment due to the pandemic
Less financial resources available to families to afford tuition and fees to attend

Sponsor-a-Student

Help pay tuition payments of $250 each month
Help pay After Care Program fees of $150 each month
Help provide financial assistance towards technology, book, and other fees charged at beginning of school year or when student enrolls.

School Wishlist

Order from AmazonSmile (be sure to log in to support SVdP Chicago) and ship directly to St. Benedict the African
Wishlist Link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3PBWWJNZR2KSG?ref_=wl_share