Underprivileged School Children's Fund (UPSCF)
A UNITED WAY OF THE OZARKS AFFILIATE AGENCY OPERATING UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION
Agency Mission
Operating under the auspices of the Springfield Board of Education, the UPSCF provides for needy, at-risk children in Springfield Public school district with medical services, clothing and shoes. Nursery services are provided along with parenting classes for teen students enrolled in the Bailey Alternative High School Program. 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.
Brief History
The Fund had its beginning in 1952 when the Springfield Public School’s 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 has 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 Bailey Alternative High School.
Program Services
PTA Clothing Bank - Opened each Wednesday (not 1st Wed.) 9:00-3:30, at 501 W. Central, ph. 523-2771. The clothing bank provides clothes to students enrolled in Springfield Public Schools pre-school-12th grades 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.
The clothing bank is closed in December and closes for the season the last Wednesday in April
Shoe Bank - Opened each Wednesday (not 1st Wed.) 9:00 – 11:00 & 1:00- 3:30, at 501 W. Central, ph. 523-2771. The shoe bank provides new tennis shoes to students enrolled in Springfield Public Schools pre-school-12th grades 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. The clothing bank is closed in December and closes for the season the last Wednesday in April.
Bailey 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 Bailey Alternative High School 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, pre-school-12th grades, 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 Coordinator of Health Services to receive more supplies as inventory allows.