chester’s mentoring initiative
March 2025
Our presenter was Dana Bowser, MSW, Bilingual (Spanish) Director of Student Success and Engagement for the Chester Upland School District. Her presentation educated attendees on displaced students and their mentoring needs. You can view the 70 minute Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/lblz6qrlrw9mEmxvmEeZKfDi-Cp2cbu7D9Smul2t4YYiXPeTwbtjVdK7g14RAc1L.bRYnDJrvJUEI9gCT
Passcode: 9q^Y9V&0
A “displaced” student is any student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This could mean that a child is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship; is living in a motel or car, etc. There are currently over 1.2 million displaced youth attending public school in America.
Ms. Bowser informed us that we are likely to have encountered such students without realizing it.
Watch this short video to learn more about what a displaced person looks like. (Spoiler alert: Truly, it could be anyone. Please watch this powerful video anyway.)
Here are some takeaways from Ms. Bowser’s presentation:
“You never know what someone has been through, staff or student. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind, and sometimes that’s all someone needs."
“Pride and lack of awareness of opportunity for support may keep students from seeking help. If they are displaced and staying with a relative, they may not realize that they qualify for services.”
“School may feel like the safest, most stable space for displaced students. Consistent mentorship can also provide much-needed stability.”
“They are at increased risk of academic struggles, dropping out, and experiencing mental health issues. They need a sense of hope: ‘Even though I’m in a hard place now, there is a chance for me in the future.’”
"Some shelters have strict hours, only opening at night. This leaves youth in need of activities and shelter during afternoons and weekends.”
“Some displaced children adopt an adult mentality, but they need to be children.”
If we know of any displaced or unaccompanied youth, we should alert Ms. Bower’s office and encourage the student to also reach out, even if they prefer to refuse assistance.
Because each student may feel close enough to confide in any staffer, everyone in the district (transportation, food services, teachers and counselors) are all trained to help identify needs for help.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act assures these student protective services and mandates that they can be enrolled in school event without presenting typical documentation. Students enrolled in high school are eligible for help even after they turn 18. Once a displaced youth is identified, the siblings will also begin to receive services, if desired. There is no limit to how long a child can be deemed “displaced.”
The school social workers (at least one per CUSD school) will be the first line of support, addressing the individual’s needs. A guidance counselor will be brought in to provide academic support.
Dana Bowser dbowser@chesteruplandsd.org, 445-255-1880 (District Cell)
Sheyana Goode ShGoode@chesteruplandsd.org
Tamia Cottman TCottman@chesteruplandsd.org
Ms. Bowser and colleagues stock donations of clothing and shoes in “Victory Closets” for students in need. Donations are welcome anytime. (Special Ed students proudly work to sort and organize these donations.)
Here are links to other valuable resources:
https://findingyourwayinpa.com/
https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/
Legal aid can also be made available.
Ms. Bowser and team are looking to build stronger relationships with pre-schools and Headstart to ensure successful transitions for young students in need.
Mark Wainwright from www.itavtfoc.org shared: Our organization provides FREE meals and snacks to children that are homeless and in shelters daily. We also have community programs in place to address the homeless. Contact Mark at mark@itavtfoc.org.
Here are some other announcements from members of Chester’s Mentoring Initiative:
Gerry Gonzalez will be retiring at the end of the month, reachable personally at thegonz11@gmail.com. “Thank you all for your kindness.”
To connect with Child Guidance Resource Centers, contact the Director of Marketing, Maisha Hoye at mhoye@cgrc.org.
For (Delco Area Resource Network (DARN) information, reach out to Colleen Drake at Colleen.drake@acadiahealthcare.com.
Healthy Kids Running Series – Spring 2025: Inspiring Young Runners & Building Community. Spread the word and mark your calendars for four Sundays of fun, fitness, and community spirit at the Spring 2025 Healthy Kids Running Series in Chester, PA! Register at https://healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-
EVERY SAT: 9:30-10:30am Free Yoga (stretching, breathing and meditation) and 10:30-11:30am Free Zumba (Latin-inspired aerobics class) at Keystone First Wellness Center, 1929 W 9th St in Chester. No registration required.
In compliance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations, the City of Chester is preparing a five-year plan. Residents of Chester: please share your feedback about services that you would like to see included: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/chesterresidentssurvey
Immigrants: Create a family emergency plan and learn about your rights at https://www.youthdevunited.org/cmijan2025
Registration is now open for Pick Up Pennsylvania, the state’s largest community improvement program! Register now until May 31 to get free supplies and gear from PennDOT and DEP. New this year: the Before and After category of Pennsylvania Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest. Enter your Pick Up PA event for a chance to win $500! https://envirodelco.org/2025/03/marcus-hook-etmt-3-copy/
The Delco League of Women Voters have recently launched a local environmental resource at https://envirodelco.org/.
