Today, in our community, a child woke up hungry, uncertain about when they might have their next meal. A teenager faced the cold without warm clothing. Some children didn’t wake up in a bed of their own, while others struggled without access to basic necessities like soap or toothpaste.
However, thanks to a sponsorship from First Financial Bank, these heart-wrenching situations are happening less frequently in our community.
First Financial Bank has stepped forward to support the Student Support Line—a lifeline funded and managed by United Way of Bartholomew County. The Student Support Line was designed specifically for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) educators to reach out and request assistance for their students’ most urgent needs, allowing young people to focus on learning.
The origin of the Student Support Line reflects the stark reality many students face daily. After school counselors reported that children couldn’t focus on their studies or counseling sessions when their basic needs weren’t met, the program was established to fill this critical gap. Now, educators can direct their attention to teaching, knowing they have the support of United Way of Bartholomew County to address their students' fundamental needs. This partnership helps ensure that those who teach our children can concentrate on their students’ education, while United Way of Bartholomew County provides access to critical resources like clothing, hygiene items, and beds.
When a call comes into the Student Support Line, United Way of Bartholomew County mobilizes the social service sector to fulfill the specific need—sometimes by connecting with existing resources or purchasing essential items directly for the child. Thanks to First Financial Bank’s generous contribution, this program has the capacity to serve the community’s most vulnerable students, and children can concentrate on school, helping them reach their full potential.
The 2023-2024 school year stands as a testament to the power of this initiative. In just one year, more than 200 students have received essential items such as clothing, hygiene supplies, beds, bicycles to get to part-time jobs, and warm coats. These items, alongside other critical resources, make a difference that extends beyond the classroom, touching families and reinforcing community resilience.
The demand for this program is only growing. In the first two months of the current school year alone, nearly 100 students have already reached out for assistance—a clear indication of the ongoing and increasing need. Thanks to the support of First Financial Bank, and with the dedication of United Way of Bartholomew County, we are able to keep meeting these needs, one child, one day, and one call at a time.
