Let’s head west and introduce you to the Pappas Kids Schoolhouse Foundation of Coolidge, Arizona, founded in 2005. Pappas Kids believes education is the only way to break down the barriers that poverty and homelessness create. It strives to open educational opportunities to homeless, underprivileged and at-risk youth and families.
The organization offers educational assistance programs to underserved children throughout Arizona, all of which are intended to alleviate obstacles that prevent children from completing their education.
“One of our most notable types of support is our private school tuition scholarship program. This gives children an opportunity to decide what type of educational environment would best help them succeed,” said Dayna Sandoval, executive director of Pappas Kids.
In addition to scholarships, Pappas Kids ensures children are adequately equipped and prepared for school by distributing more than 9,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to communities across ten counties statewide. Pappas Kids partners with military members, public safety officers and school district officials to help distribute this assistance successfully.
“It is our mission to alleviate obstacles that prevent these children from being successful and confident academically, and we believe that lessening their worries in the classroom, at home and during the holidays helps them not only have a more enjoyable educational experience but increases the likelihood of continuing their journey academically,” shares Sandoval.
Pappas Kids distribute gifts that promote family togetherness, literacy and healthy problem-solving, creating a memorable tradition for children and families to cherish for years. These gifts include:
- Books (promoting literacy)
- Board games (promoting healthy problem-solving)
- Soft blankets and stuffed animals
- Hot cocoa
- Popcorn
- Cookie tins
- Gift cards (to help establish traditions)
Funding from Yardi helped provide gifts to 60 families. Watch this video of the kids enjoying their gifts!
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In addition, Yardi’s funding helped purchase 840 new backpacks for Pappas Kids “Back 2 School” programs.
“Your kind efforts have quite literally touched the lives of nearly 900 children throughout Arizona, and for this very reason, we are forever grateful for you,” shared Sandoval.
Pappas Kids are working to strengthen their programs as many of its older students sought assistance for tutoring, hygiene items and technology. Many of these children are considered youths on their own (YOTO). With limited state assistance, they find it difficult to afford basic personal necessities.
Pappas Kids aims to build a new network of support that would aid in the tutoring needs of high school students to ensure they receive their diplomas.
Michael’s story
Pappas Kids have been fortunate to be in the lives of children in need throughout Arizona for over 18 years. Through these years, countless students have touched their hearts and inspired them to continue advocating for youths. Sandoval shares one of her heartfelt stories with us, which brings a true sense of inspiration to this day.
Sandoval was volunteering at the Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless youth in downtown Phoenix when she met Michael. She would sit and play games, read or be an ear for students. When she talked with Michael, she asked him a question that many have been asked as children: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She never anticipated Michael’s response, “I want to be in jail.”
Completely bewildered, she asked him why he would want to be in jail. He went on to say that he wanted to be in jail so he could have a bed with a blanket every night to sleep with a roof over his head and would never have to worry about getting three meals to eat a day.
Sadly, Michael did, in fact, end up incarcerated. Years passed, and Sandoval received a call from a man asking for Miss Dayna. When she said who she was, he paused for a moment. He wondered if she remembered him from Phoenix, that he always remembered her kindness, how she listened to him talk and joked with him, constantly reminding him that he was important and deserving of wonderful things.
“That person was you, Miss Dayna. Those memories saved my life. Since being incarcerated at age 18, I have turned my life around. I completed educational programs while incarcerated, and once released, I pursued a degree in Child Development. I am now a social worker assisting children that remind me of my younger self: lost, confused and filled with a sense of abandonment.”
“Despite all obstacles, Michael would go on to change the lives of others, and we are beyond honored to have been even a small part of his journey,” shared Sandoval.
Volunteer opportunities
Pappas Kids will fill the “Back 2 School” needs for more than 9,500 children in the upcoming months. Volunteers will assist with filling backpacks that are essential for the success of its distributions statewide. Around the holidays, volunteers may join Pappas Kids in putting together “Thanksgiving Boxes” and “Family Tradition” gifts. Find more information on how you can help with these gifts.
“We want to thank each and every member of the Yardi family for their kindness, generosity and support. Pappas Kids would not have been able to accomplish supporting these children without you,” said Sandoval.
Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.
