(JOPLIN, Mo.) – Joplin High School students enrolled in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at Roi S. Wood have created a new online resource to support their peers experiencing homelessness in the Joplin community.
The website, Joplin Community Resource Guide for Youth, is specifically designed to be navigated by youth and teens who may be unaware of the resources available to them in support of food, shelter, transportation, and more. According to the new website, the students state their purpose as “to provide the resources needed to support our unhomed peers and to offer a community-driven approach to alleviate their struggles.” JAG teacher Janet Parker-Spain said the students decided to create the website out of a desire to help their peers.
“We know there are so many agencies and programs in our community that want to help people
in need, and there are plenty of adults in our schools who can help line out resources for students,” said Parker-Spain. “But there are also kids who fall through the cracks. Maybe they haven’t told anyone they’re couch-surfing or that their parents are no longer taking care of them, and they don’t know how to help themselves. My students wanted to gather a list of supports all in one place that teens can easily navigate by themselves.”
Students contacted most of the resources on the list to verify contact information, requirements, and other details that will help teens understand how to find local help. Spencer Rich, a senior JAG student, said, “I think that our website highlights the true purpose of services guided toward the unhomed. We were not trying to save people, we were extending a helping hand to those who need it most.”
Senior Serenity Ramsey, President of Joplin JAG, said, “This project was very educational and rewarding in the sense that we learned a lot about local places where you can get help if you are in need. We thought there should be a single place where you can find everything. Hopefully, this website will help people know where to go and what to bring, and if they need information, it is just a click away!” The website will be updated as new information becomes available; the class encourages youth to bookmark it and check back regularly.
“I’m so proud of these students,” said Ms. Parker-Spain. “They saw a need, they researched how to help, and they put their thoughts into action. This is what JAG is all about: giving students a way to find their purpose and participate in their community in meaningful ways.”
Reference:
Sarah Coyne, Director of Communications
Joplin Schools
sarahcoyne@joplinschools.org
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