The Marshall Public Schools Social Work Department includes the S.A.F.E. program, H.O.O.T. resources & Homeless Education services, as well as many other support and referral services for families in need.  The Social Work Team strives to maintain regular involvement and best practices to help Marshall students and families. Please click on the name of a staff member to connect through email.

Director of Special Services, Grace Durham

gdurham@marshallowls.com

860 W. Vest, Marshall, MO 65340

Phone: 660-886-7414

Fax: 660-886-5641

S.A.F.E Program

(Seeking Acceptance for Everyone)

The S.A.F.E. program was developed by Marshall Public Schools to help provide services to students and families who are in need of additional support to be academically successful. Family challenges due to housing instability, family structure, financial hardships, or other concerns can create a burden that sometimes carries over to the academic setting.  S.A.F.E. program staff strive to assist every Marshall student in having the most positive educational experience possible.  The S.A.F.E. program is an umbrella term used for any programs and resources offered through the Social Work Department.    This program was initially based on the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act which stemmed from the No Child Left Behind Initiative.  This is now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and provides guidance and resources for serving students experiencing homelessness. 

The S.A.F.E. program recognizes that McKinney-Vento (educationally homeless) students are not the only ones affected by the sting of need. The S.A.F.E. program exists to also provide for students who are at-risk for homelessness, who are struggling financially, or have other educational barriers where extra support is needed. This portion of the S.A.F.E. program is entirely funded through donations.   A Stuff the Bus event is held in late Summer at Wal-Mart.  The MPS Transportation department parks a bus, and the community is encouraged to “stuff” it full of donated school supplies.  An annual Golf Tournament is held at Indian Foothills Golf Course in late May  to stimulate funds for the following school year.  Private financial donations are also appreciated, as well as donations of school supplies, hygiene products, laundry detergent, bedding, new or gently used coats, etc.  Please feel free to contact us for further information, or click on the link below to donate now.  We deeply appreciate your support. 

H.O.O.T

(Homeless Outreach Opportunity Team)

The H.O.O.T. Program is specifically designed to help address the unique challenges that students experiencing homelessness face.  The Marshall Public School District shall adhere to the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law minimizes educational disruptions experienced by students who are in transition or highly mobile.

Under McKinney-Vento, students in homeless situations are guaranteed the right to a free, appropriate, public education. When students become homeless, they can remain enrolled in the schools they have been attending, although they might no longer meet residency requirements. McKinney-Vento also guarantees students in transition the right to enroll in a public school even if they lack the typically required documents and immunizations. In addition, McKinney-Vento eligible students are guaranteed the transportation they need to attend school.

According to McKinney-Vento, "homeless" can be defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth:

o   Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate housing

o   Living in emergency or transitional housing

o   Abandoned in hospitals

o   Awaiting foster care

o   Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for regular   

     sleeping accommodations

o   Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations

o   Migratory students meeting the descriptions above

To see if your family is eligible for McKinney Vento services please contact our Social Work Team.  Families can expect a one on one consultation with one of the Social Work Department staff, and will have access to the following resources:

H.R.C. – (HOOT Resource Center)

Located at the Guest House at the Former Marshall Habilitation Center Property

The H.R.C. is a comfortable and inviting home atmosphere available to students and families to visit Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm by appointment.  All resources are free!  Visitors may take showers, do laundry, use the internet for homework, email, job applications, etc.  Visitors can print off documents, research for homework, information, etc.  Students will have a quiet place to work on homework and utilize school supplies and materials. Family and individual counseling is available on-site.  Educational classes, family fun events, and other opportunities are available occasionally, as well. 

Emergency food packs are available by request.  Every Thursday night is Family Night. A family style meal will be served between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. Students and families are invited to come. To-Go meals are also available on Thursdays, if needed.  Please call ahead if you plan to take meals to-go so they can be prepared in advance.  OATS vouchers are available if transportation is needed to/from the center. Please contact the Social Work team to request vouchers at least 48 hours in advance of the day you will be attending the HRC. Students 6th grade and under need to have a parent/guardian with them to attend.  Feel free to call the Resource Center Manager with any questions you may have at 660-886-7414, ext. 24001. 

THE N.E.S.T. Bus

The Neighborhood Educational Support Technology (NEST) Bus will be seen in various locations throughout the community starting 2nd quarter.  This converted bus offers Wi-Fi, laptops, workstations, and supplies. Enrichment activities will be provided during after school tutoring programs and neighborhood visits will provide opportunities for activities, give-aways and homework help. 

Project S.H.A.R.E

An annual event, Project S.H.A.R.E. (Safety, Health, and Resource, Education), was created in 2016 through a partnership between The Marshall Public School District and Missouri Valley Community Action Agency to help Saline County families and individuals get connected with the resources they need!  Everyone is invited to attend this event. You will have access to medical and dental services, backpacks and school supplies, information and sign-ups for resources, as well as a number of fun and free activities can all be found at Project SHARE. Numerous community organizations and agencies are available at this event, allowing families to come to one location on one day to gain access to what they need instead of making multiple appointments. 

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE!! 

Information about the event will be posted on the District News Feed, social media outlets, as well as on local newspaper and radio leading up to the event. 

Little Free Pantries

Six Little Free Pantries were built and placed by the SCCC Building Trades class during the 2017-18 school year. These 24/7 food resources are managed by the community. Four more have been added over the years. The motto is “Take What You Need, Give What You Can!”

Thank you for visiting our page.  The Social Work Staff provides frequent contact and support to individuals and families in need.  Please contact us at one of the above numbers if you are in need of assistance.