Underprivileged School Children's Fund

  • Operating under the auspices of the Springfield Board of Education, the UPSCF is a United Way of the Ozarks Affiliate that provides for needy, at-risk children in the SPS district with medical services, clothing and shoes.  Nursery services are provided along with parenting classes for teen students enrolled in a program at Study Alternative Center.  We believe that all students should have an opportunity to become productive citizens.  Paramount to that productivity is the health status of the child.  Healthy children are better learners.  Underprivileged School Children’s Fund helps fill that need.

History

  • The Fund had its beginning in 1952 when the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education created it to oversee the lunch, milk, and clothing and shoe needs of children.  With the advent of the federal lunch and milk program, the operation of the Fund evolved to include the provision of needed medical services and infant clothes.  The Fund also operates a nursery for the children of teen parents who attend at Study Alternative Center.

     

Services

  • PTA Clothing Bank

    The clothing bank provides clothes to students enrolled in Springfield Public Schools preschool through grade 12 that are on free/reduced lunch program. The PTA Council operates the clothing bank with volunteers, financial support, and clothing donations from schools and individuals. Families request a voucher from their school and may come three different times a year.

    Shoe Bank

    The shoe bank provides shoes to students enrolled in Springfield Public Schools preschool through grade 12 that are on free/reduced lunch program. The Ozark Empire Kiwanis Club operates the shoe bank with volunteers and financial support. Families request a voucher from their school and may come once a school year.  

    Study Nursery

    The nursery meets the needs of at-risk parenting teens and their babies, by providing nursery/childcare for those teens that would not be able to stay in school without childcare being provided. Students are enrolled in the Study Alternative Center parenting program, while completing their high school graduation requirements.

    Medical Services

    The Health Services Department of the Springfield Public Schools meets the medical needs of students, preschool through grade 12, by providing financial assistance and referrals for dental care, physician care, medication, vision exams and glasses, hygiene packets, and head lice medication. Student who meet program criteria for medical services are referred by the school nurse for assistance.

    School Supplies

    School supplies are available to schools/students on an as needed basis. Several schools/students receive supplies from Crosslines, Salvation Army, Victory Mission, Partners in Education, or other community organizations. When supplies are depleted in the school, they can contact the director of Health Services to receive more supplies as inventory allows.