Chapter Information
Care to Learn - Springfield was established in 2008 as the first Care to Learn Chapter. It currently serves students in partnership with Springfield Public Schools.
In addition to serving the health, hunger, and hygiene needs, the Springfield Care to Learn Chapter currently has a robust clothing closet program. Every school building has its own Care to Learn Closet, which is restocked monthly with brand-new clothing and hygiene items. In addition, Care to Learn - Springfield serves several school sites with on-site food pantries and emergency classroom snacks.
Care to Learn was born out of the Springfield Public Schools system and now serves school districts all over the state.
Key Facts
Care to Learn - Springfield
- $2,062,556.84 = Total Amount Spent to Meet Students’ Needs
- 1,176,492 = Total Number of Student Needs Met
- $1.75 = Average Cost to Meet A Student’s Need
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Chapter Leadership
Erica Harris
Project Coordinator
Erica Harris currently serves as Care to Learn’s Office Manager and has been doing so since she joined the team in November 2022. Prior to her role at Care to Learn, Erica has spent more than 20 years leading organizations in the fields of education, health, and community-based non-profit fundraising and project management.
After receiving her Bachelor’s in Child & Family Development from Missouri State University, Erica has served as a leader in emerging innovations at CoxHealth, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Lighthouse Child & Family Development Center, and the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS – improving the health and well-being of children across the Midwest and Africa. In her free time, she volunteers as a NICU Cuddle Therapist at CoxHealth and a Visit Supervisor for The Connecting Grounds’ Family Connection program.
In 2011, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 by Springfield Business Journal.
Erica and her husband, Chad, live in Springfield, MO with her two teenagers and two dogs. They enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors as a family – camping, hiking, and kayaking. She also loves water, sunshine, podcasts, a good workout, and new foods.
Meeting the Need
Care to Learn - Springfield works with the Springfield Public School District to fill these health, hunger, and hygiene needs for students:
HEALTH
Doctor appointments
Dental care
Eye exam and glasses
Hearing services/equipment
Mental health services
Pest control services
Prescription assistance
HUNGER
Food pantries
Classroom snacks
Grocery vouchers
HYGIENE
Clothing/Shoe voucher
Shampoo/Soap
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine products
Lice treatments
Laundry detergent
Laundry vouchers
Household cleaning supplies
Make a Gift
You can help make a difference today—every gift counts. See how you can support our mission and help kids in your area, and across the state, be successful in school.