Benefits Assistance

Participation in economic security programs, such as CalWORKS, SNAP, and WIC are associated with increased food security for families.⁵ A recent study found that parental enrollment in SNAP increased food security by 25% in one year when compared to non-SNAP enrolled families. Evidence suggests that children in households with SNAP benefits have better health outcomes than low-income children without SNAP benefits.⁶ ​​Participation in SNAP is also correlated with better academic outcomes and increased high school graduation rates.⁶

To assist with benefits applications, it helps to have one or more staff members on site trained in benefits eligibility and application. While families can be referred by teachers or other school staff, when possible, screen families as students enroll. The navigator should work to build rapport with parents, asking lots of questions, referring parents to applicable resources, and providing benefits assistance.

At Lovonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond California, the Measure X funded navigator takes a proactive approach to community engagement. Over a year into the job, she meets with the families of all incoming students, provides support at meetings for academic or behavioral interventions, and connects with school staff, all with the goal of being a resource for families. On any given day, she may be assisting adult family members with benefits applications, referring families to outside resources like food or healthcare, or assisting with deportation hearings.

The Measure X navigator role allows her to support families holistically, as students thrive when families are doing well mentally, physically, and economically. Her proactive community engagement includes attending multiple community events each month, getting to know all of the resources she can refer families to. She also partners with local businesses to secure grocery store gift cards for families who need emergency food assistance. While her primary role is supporting the families at Lavonya DeJean, as the only Measure X navigator in the district, she makes trips to other sites to talk with parents and connect them with the resources they need to support themselves and their children. Her tips for the role include keeping a flexible calendar to prioritize family needs, having an open-door policy, and keeping on top of available resources.

• Have a staff member, like a parent liaison trained in assisting families with benefits applications
• Have the parents of all newly enrolled students meet with the liaison
• Work one-on-one with families to support them with benefits applications
• Have a dedicated space where families can work with the liaison or navigator in private
• Publicize services to families