Care to Learn

In December 2025, we had spent $2.1 million meeting health, hunger and hygiene needs for students in Missouri.

What do you think our TOTAL NUMBER for the school year is? 🤔 COMMENT BELOW!

"I think for me, it's the hugs."

As the school year winded down in Ste. Genevieve R-II School District, District School Social Worker Stephanie Gegg participated in the end-of-year celebrations for seniors: singing the school song, Teacher Congratulations Tunnel and graduation. And along the way, Stephanie got so many hugs from students she's helped over the years.

Because she hasn't just been meeting needs, she'd been building relationships with students to help them truly succeed at school.

"Yes, I do it because I want every student to be happy, comfortable and cared for so they can focus while at school, but I also do it for the hugs and the ability to build special connections with the students I work with," she said. "Becoming a Care to Learn chapter has helped me to be able to build so many more relationships and help so many more students. And for that I am truly thankful."

Because showing you care isn't just meeting a need, it's kindness made real with dignity and intention in every action.

And the hugs from happy kids? The hugs are the best.

Signed, sealed and MAILED. 🫡

YOU tagged them, and WE sent them! 💌

Thank you to the amazing school counselors and social workers for a great school year.

And for every school staff employee: Finish strong! We are cheering you on. 💚

A cap and gown mean so much more than clothes.

This is a Graduation Story. 💚🎓

𝗔 𝗰𝗮𝗽, 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 💚

A few years ago, Becky Haynes was helping a student find what he needed for graduation.

Becky is a long-time employee with Care to Learn - Fordland: she's a SPED teacher, coach, mentor, and Care to Learn Liaison. But for one senior, Becky was also something more: an encourager.

Early in the year, she became aware that one of her high school students was living in a very complex home environment. After looking deeper, she soon found out that Lucas* and his family had gone without water for an extended period of time.

Her support was immediate: With a few hygiene items on hand and discreetly provided, Lucas was able to shower at school. She also provided fresh shoes, clean clothes, weekend food bags, and more.

For Lucas, this support meant the world. He had hygiene resources and new clothes to boost his self-esteem. But then graduation came, and with it, the unexpected expense: A cap, gown, and dress clothes for commencement – things he couldn't afford.

With the help of Care to Learn, Becky was able to provide Lucas with a cap and gown, nice clothes to wear at the commencement ceremony, and a brand new outfit for Project Graduation.
Lucas proudly walked across the stage, just like his peers.

Becky's last act of kindness lingered, and even after graduating, Lucas continued to share his gratitude for her encouragement and support.

“It’s been a few years, but I still receive messages saying he is appreciative of all that we were able to do for him during high school,” said Becky. “He's a great young man, still searching for his way without a lot of resources.”

Becky hasn't stopped being the ultimate encourager. She even served as a job reference for Lucas this spring, encouraging him to keep going, trying, and learning.

“Not all of our kids have the support system to help them launch into the next stage of life,” she says. “One of my favorite things about Fordland is that we are all like a family. We are raising these kids together, and we want them to succeed. No matter what.”

Thank you, Becky, for being a Helping Hand and for rooting for every student to succeed as they grow, learn, and take on the next Chapter. You inspire us more than you know!

*Name changed to protect the identity of the student served.