Jeff Austin

“Pre-COVID-19, in the first week of school, students and teachers play group games and build strong relationships with our EduCare ACE Program, because “they don’t care what you know until they know you care.” In the midst of COVID-19, returning to school online, our community feels alone and overwhelmed, struggling to manage time, families, emotions and empty spaces. We have to build relationships differently. Our project expands ACE programs to ensure each teacher and class have strong bonds and that students have what they need in and out of the classroom—from resources to supportive relationships to self-management skills to feeling loved and part of a community.”