Each year, SEF’s Critical Needs Program provides essential support to hundreds of families served by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) — helping remove barriers to learning and ensuring students can thrive both in school and at home.

Supporting Families Through the Holidays and Beyond

One of the most powerful ways SEF supports families is through winter and break-time assistance. Every winter break, the Critical Needs Program works with community partners — including support from Cardinals Care — to provide meals, snacks, and essential food items to 187 families who face food insecurity.

What the Program Delivers Throughout the Year

Through the Critical Needs Program, SEF addresses a range of often overlooked but fundamental needs, including:

• Incontinence supplies (child and adult sizes) when insurance doesn’t cover them.
• Prescription medications for families who are uninsured, underinsured, or awaiting insurance activation.
• Basic necessities like shoes, socks, undergarments, personal hygiene items (soap, deodorant, toothbrushes), and winter items (coats, gloves, hats).
• Other supports aimed at improving independence, well-being, and educational success for students.

By stepping in where insurance, public programs, or community resources fall short, the Critical Needs Program helps prevent issues — like lack of food, basic hygiene, appropriate clothing, or medical care — from disrupting a student’s ability to attend school, focus, and learn.

Why Timely Support Matters

When students receive personal care items, hygiene supplies, food, clothing, or medical supports without delay, it can make a critical difference:

• Students are more likely to attend class regularly and remain focused — not distracted by hunger, discomfort, or health issues.
• Their self-esteem and confidence improve when they have what they need to participate fully in school and community life.
• Many barriers that might otherwise lead to absenteeism, disengagement, behavioral challenges, or dropping out are eliminated — helping students succeed academically and socially.

How You Can Help — and Make a Real Difference

The Critical Needs Program depends entirely on the generosity of donors, community partners, and caring individuals. Some of the most impactful ways you can help include:

• Donating to the Critical Needs Coat Drive (now through January 9, 2026) so that every student receives a winter coat and accessories — especially those needing adaptive or sensory-friendly options.

• Sharing this information with others — friends, coworkers, faith communities — to increase awareness and support for children whose basic needs are not being met.

The Critical Needs Program is more than just support— it's about building equity and giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and belong. With community support, we can make sure that no student’s education is interrupted by unmet basic needs — and that every child served by SSD has the resources they need to shine.