Elev8 School Based Health Center Steps Up to the Plate

When a teacher at Gadsden Middle School, in New Mexico, noticed that Eddie, a 7th grade student, had been suffering from headaches and anxiety and his grades were dropping, the teacher sent him to the school's new Elev8 health center.

At the heath center, Eddie was referred to a counselor who got to the root of his physical and academic problems. Eddie’s father had recently left his home and his mother had reduced the amount of groceries she bought each week by half. In addition, Eddie knew that his landlord was threatening to evict his family from their home.

The director of the school-based health center put Eddie in touch with Community Action Agency (CAA), the Elev8 Family Supports provider. CAA connected Eddie’s mother to public benefits that could support her in a time of need. They also provided her with financial education to help with budgeting and offered legal assistance to help the family with their housing problems. Within a few short weeks, the family moved into a home they could afford. Soon after, Eddie was enrolled in summer school to regain the academic standing he had lost during those tumultuous months.

 Elev8 New Mexico is also supporting families with the following programs:

• Income Tax Preparation/Accessing Tax Credits, Mass Transit Financial Assistance, Financial Aid Support for College

• Savings and 401K Retirement Account Development, Credit Score Improvement Counseling, Managing Income and Expenses, Home Purchasing Classes

• ESL/Adult Literacy Classes, GED Attainment

• Debt Reduction Planning, Financial Literacy Classes, Reducing Reliance on Predatory Lenders

• Hard and Soft Skills Job Training, Job Readiness Training, Job Development Placement Services