Detroit Prep’s Care Corner
As a School Social Worker, students come to my office for many, many different reasons. Some want to talk about what’s going on in their lives. Others are hungry and need a snack in order to better focus in class. Some students come because they think they can skip class (they are promptly walked back up to their crew). Some students need a pep talk, a hug, or a fidget. They might stop by to drop off a form, or ask a quick question. But the one request that I have gotten year after year is simple: Chapstick.
“Take what you need, leave enough for others, keep the space clean and organized”
At first I had planned to buy a bunch of Chapstick and store it in my office in case a student needed it. However, I was scrolling through Instagram one day last summer and saw one of my favorite accounts post about a “Care Corner,” where a teacher stocked a set of plastic drawers in their classroom corner with hygiene items that students could anonymously grab when they needed them. I knew immediately that I wanted to bring this idea to Detroit Prep!
“When students are at school and their basic needs are not met (hygiene, hunger, clothing, etc.), it can be extremely difficult to focus on learning!”
When students are at school and their basic needs are not met (hygiene, hunger, clothing, etc.), it can be extremely difficult to focus on learning! Could you imagine sitting in class surrounded by others and being self-conscious about your breath? Or imagine that your lips are so chapped that you pick at them and start bleeding. It is a lot harder to stay engaged during a lesson if you are thinking about how you look or feel.
I have hidden travel sized toiletries in my office, including deodorant, toothbrushes, and chapstick throughout the years. However, with the introduction of our Care Corner, these items are more readily available and accessible for students. Students are encouraged to take what they need, and there is no limit on what they can grab. We ask that they leave enough materials for other students who might also be in need, and that they clean up after themselves. We are proud to be able to provide the following items available for students (and staff!) in our Care Corner:
- Deodorant and Body Wipes
- Hair supplies (including brushes, combs, hair ties, bobby pins, etc.)
- Toothbrushes, Toothpaste and Floss
- Chapstick, Lotion
- Feminine Products, Q-Tips, Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Facial Tissues
Our Care Corner came to life thanks to the generosity of our Detroit Prep families and staff. If you’re reading this and donated, I want to personally thank you for supporting and loving our students! I’m hopeful that our Care Corner will continue to be a space where students can take care of themselves, both physically and mentally.
**If you’d like to donate, you can send hygiene items to our school to keep our supplies stocked for many more months to come.
