Summer Support - Behind the Scenes
I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Suzi Vega Bradley, the office manager for STEM Launch in Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Suzi helps facilitate connecting Food for Hope services to families. Her work has enabled our organization to reach many families in need, particularly during the summer. Please enjoy this opportunity to learn more about what it looks like to be on the frontlines of serving families in our community.
Suzi, tell us a little bit about your role working for Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
I am an office manager at STEM Launch, and I have been with the district for seven years. My key responsibilities include supporting the front office staff, handling financial and HR duties for the school, making sure the school has the necessary supplies, and helping the Parent Teacher Organization fundraise and plan events. Something I absolutely love is planning events, but the most impactful piece of my job is working with students to make sure they have what they need to succeed each day. This is a big responsibility because students need everything from uniforms to food and school supplies. I communicate regularly with families and manage the resource room/food bank to connect them with what they need.
What trends have you seen over the last few years in the needs of families?
I have definitely seen an increase in the needs of families over the last few years. I think that food insecurity has become a major cause of concern because the cost of food has skyrocketed. Our school is based in an area of high need. In listening to parents, especially those who are in single-income households, they are struggling to pay for basic electricity, water, and housing. Then, on top of that, they have to manage childcare and transportation. Many are in the situation of having to choose what bills to pay because they can’t cover everything. Clothing and food are, by far, the most significant needs for students and their families. I’ve seen a big increase in utilization of resources in the last four years. Families have spread the word about how we can support them, and we have seen a big response here at STEM Launch.
Part of your position is helping Food for Hope at our food banks over the summer. What was your experience like working in the two Food for Hope food banks last summer?
For me, it was bucket-filling. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work. Both locations I managed were very busy, with a lot of students and families visiting for food support. But it was bucket-filling because I was able to play a little role in making sure parents could take a moment and breathe. We saw mainly families at STEM Launch. At Northglenn High, there were mostly newcomer students accessing resources. For those students, being able to have access to food at school to help their families has been extremely helpful and empowering. It was a joy to see their faces as they discovered new foods and products to take home.
What are some challenges that families with students face during the summer months?
The biggest challenge that students and families face during the summer is finding affordable childcare so that parents can work. Parents struggle to afford childcare, and when they can’t, it’s unclear what type of care is being received. Additionally, summer brings more expenses and challenges around food, bills, and entertainment.
In what way do you see Food for Hope food banks supporting these families?
I am amazed, thankful, and in awe hearing about how Food for Hope started and where it is now. I can’t wait to see how far Food for Hope will go in the future. It’s a noble cause putting effort into making sure kids get fed. I come from a place where I have seen the effects of poverty - where people don’t know how and what they will eat the following day. I remember growing up with those struggling families, and now, I wonder what their lives would have been like if there was a place like Food for Hope where people could go and get that basic need met? Being accessible and culturally relevant is so important, and Food for Hope does that. Food for Hope is a wonderful organization and I pray that it keeps on growing. The more Food for Hope succeeds, the more people they can help, and that is beautiful!
