The Special Education Foundation is proud to announce the rebranding of its Critical Needs program as Student Aid Fund for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.). While the name is new, the mission remains the same—providing fast, essential support to students with disabilities when urgent needs threaten their health, stability, and ability to learn.

The Student Aid Fund for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) delivers immediate, crisis-level financial assistance to ensure students can remain safe, supported, and fully engaged in school. With this rebrand, SEF continues its long-standing commitment while strengthening awareness and expanding the program’s impact across St. Louis County.

In partnership with the Special School District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department, S.A.F.E. ensures no student is left without the most basic supports needed for dignity, independence, and academic success.

What SAFE Provides

SAFE covers urgent, essential items that are not accessible through insurance, community resources, or family means. Support may include:

• Incontinence supplies (child and adult sizes) when Medicaid or private insurance allotments are exhausted
• Prescription assistance for students who are uninsured, underinsured, or awaiting insurance activation
• Nutritious food for families with food insecurity
• Basic daily needs such as shoes, socks, undergarments, hygiene items, coats, gloves, and hats
• Other emergency supports that increase a student’s independence, health, or academic progress

Through its continued partnership with FACE, S.A.F.E. also sustains long-standing initiatives formerly supported under Critical Needs, including:

• Food Kits
• Winter Coat Drive
• Personal Care Drive

How to Apply

Application requests must be submitted by a social worker, teacher, or administrator. All required information and documentation must be included, along with an administrator’s signature. Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:

• A documented emergency need, with confirmation that the family is unable to meet the need
• Demonstrated financial hardship (free/reduced lunch status, federal poverty guidelines, SIS data)
• Exhaustion of all available community resources
• High risk of medical emergency, loss of independence, academic failure, or dropout if the need is not met