From the school counselor we work with:
I wanted to share about my personal Village student. Our nurse identified last Fall that she needed an eye exam. I mentioned it to mom several times throughout the schoolyear but mom never followed through on making an appointment. This mom never responds to calls from the school but she always responds if I call or text her personally. The student mentioned a couple weeks ago that she still hadn’t been to the doctor. I worked with the nurse to get them set up with Soonercare. We identified that the whole process was just too overwhelming to mom. So I got her a phone number for a pediatric optometrist that accepts Soonercare and told her that I would help her figure out transportation once she scheduled an appointment.
The little girl ran up to me this morning and was so excited to tell me that she finally had an eye doctor appointment and was going to get classes! It’s a couple weeks away but I’ve been able to help mom arrange transportation through Sooner Ride.
Last year we gave mom Crest cards several times throughout the year. I’ve also provided snacks and frequent check-ins with the student. The harder part is providing accountability for the mom even and having tough conversations with her about attendance and the child’s needs. A year ago, she was extremely defensive and wanted nothing to do with anyone from the school. But we’ve been able to establish trust and a good relationship where she knows I prioritize her kid. Now we’ve been able to introduce her to community resources that she can access on her own. I feel very strongly about getting them to church next.
I know that there are so many kids out there in similar situations. We may never identify or help ALL of them, but what a gift to be able to help the ones that God opens the door for!