The annual luncheon organized by PCPS’ Hearth Project is one of the highlights of our year.
Yesterday we gathered with more than 60 seniors from the Class of 2024. Each has grown up experiencing some degree of homelessness, and Hearth provides assistance to those students and their families.
Within PCPS alone, there are an estimated 4,700 students experiencing homelessness. Each senior at the Hearth luncheon receives a tablet computer, gift cards and other items to help them on their journey to college, technical school, the military or workforce.
“The whole purpose behind what we’re doing is to get these kids to the finish line — education is the best chance they have of ending the cycle of homelessness,” said Ben Ruch, a coordinator with the Hearth Project. “Having the opportunity to celebrate that achievement, it energizes us, it inspires us to keep doing what we’re doing all year long.”
PCPS would like to extend a special thanks to our Hearth Project staff, as well as Vickie Griffis and the Sunshine Committee for organizing this annual event. We’d also like to thank several other individuals and organizations who make this possible: guest speaker Dr. Julio C. Caba and his wife Carolina, Lake Ashton, Mike’s Grill, the PCPS district office Transition program, PCPS Transportation staff, Polk Sheriff’s Charities, and the many churches and community members who provide assistance.
Congratulations and best wishes to our seniors, you’ve worked so hard to get here.
For more information about the Hearth Project, please visit polkschoolsfl.com/hearth.
