The Student Support Network at Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is getting a $10,000 grant, courtesy of local giving group 100+ Women Who Care Grand Traverse and Leelanau County. Women Who Care announced the news at a meeting on Tuesday.

Formerly known at the STEP program, the Student Support Network “provides free supportive, education-related services and non-academic support to help overcome obstacles that may create barriers to learning for all students, ages 3-20.” Services provided to students can include clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, personal hygiene products, general funds for extracurricular activities or interests, and referrals to community agencies that can assist with housing, food, medical or dental care, optical care, or mental health services. According to press release from the Women Who Care group, the $10,000 donation “will go toward improving mental and physical health through these services for 250 students.”

“Over 40 percent of area families qualify for free and reduced meals.” said Kristin Marinoff, spokesperson for the local Women Who Care group, in a press release. “Our donation will help students to receive what they need, whether it be clothing, school supplies, or funding for extra/co-curricular activities, improving their mental health at school.”

Speaking to The Ticker in February, Ginger Smith – executive director of marketing and communications for TCAPS – the district serves approximately 1,200 students annually through the Student Support Network. The program is funded exclusively through grants and donations.