Homelessness and housing instability can make it a challenge for students to attend school regularly, causing them to miss lessons supporting foundational literacy skills. Once students fall behind, it’s often challenging for them to catch up. As we support students, we’re working alongside our school partners to align our lessons and creatively reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. Thanks to the Kiwanis Club and Foundation of Indianapolis for grant funding to help us integrate Indianapolis Public Schools literacy curriculum into our curriculum to keep students engaged and excited about learning as we close the achievement gap together! (fb)

Last Thursday, we had the incredible honor of celebrating and congratulating 18 graduating seniors at our Senior Celebration! Brightlane staff members, volunteers, and partners who work alongside these seniors were joined by the students’ friends and family to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments and send them off with well-wishes for their futures. We’re so proud of all that these students have accomplished and what they will continue to achieve! Thank you to everyone who helped us send off each of our seniors in a big way – including New Shoe Day who donated shoes for each student, IKEA who generously provided 18 bags filled with items to help each graduate furnish their living space, and those who donated Visa gift cards to help each student cover costs as they begin their post secondary adventures. (fb)