Sometimes, a student needs more than what a school or family can provide on its own. An unexpected financial hardship, a medical need, food insecurity, or a lack of necessities can make it harder for a student to feel safe, attend school, focus on learning, or maintain their independence.
The Student Aid Fund for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) program from the Special Education Foundation (SEF) provides financial assistance when a student served by the Special School District is facing an urgent need, and other resources are unavailable. Formerly known as Critical Needs, S.A.F.E. continues SEF's commitment to helping students and families during times when they need additional support most. SEF partners with the Special School District's Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department to connect students with essential resources.
What Can S.A.F.E. Help With?
S.A.F.E. assists with urgent needs that are not covered by insurance, community resources, or the family's available resources.
Support may include:
Food and meals when a family is experiencing food insecurity
Incontinence supplies when Medicaid or private insurance benefits have been exhausted
Prescription assistance for students who are uninsured, underinsured, or waiting for insurance coverage
Necessities, including shoes, socks, undergarments, hygiene products, coats, gloves, and hats
Eyeglass repair or replacement when insurance will not cover the cost
Dental services, including situations where sedation or specialized treatment is needed
Other emergency needs that may affect a student's health, independence, safety, or ability to participate in school
Through its partnership with FACE, S.A.F.E. also supports programs such as Food Kits during academic breaks - supported by Cardinals Care, and the Winter Coat Drive, which kicks off October 13. These activities help to address basic needs throughout the year.
How Does S.A.F.E. Work?
S.A.F.E. is designed for situations where there is a documented emergency or critical need, and the family does not have another way to meet that need.
The goal is not simply to provide an item or pay a bill. It is to address a need that could otherwise make it more difficult for a student to participate fully in school and daily life.
S.A.F.E. applications are initiated by an SSD social worker, teacher, or administrator. Families do not submit the initial request on their own. The SSD professional works with the family to understand the need and provides the required information and documentation. An administrator's signature is also required.
This process helps ensure that the request includes the information SEF needs to understand the student's circumstances and determine whether S.A.F.E. funding is appropriate.
S.A.F.E. applications are accepted year-round, so there is no need to wait for a specific application period. To learn more or begin an application, visit the SEF website. For questions, contact Adrienne Eaglin, Director of Family and Community Engagement, at aleaglin@ssdmo.org.
