The Teacher Resource Center continues to change lives

Nov 12, 2021 | UA News

The on-site Distribution Center is a central part of Urban Alliance’s outreach efforts. For over six years, in collaboration with World Vision, the Distribution Center has hosted the Teacher Resource Center (TRC), which has supported the academic success of thousands of students in the Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, and New Britain school districts. Since 2020, the Windsor, South Windsor, and Enfield school districts have also been included. So far, for the 2021-2022 school year, we’ve served approximately 7,000 students, from over 20 schools, and over 1070 teachers have had the opportunity to come out to shop at the TRC for free!

According to experts, for the 2021-2022 school year,  it will cost parents $268 per child to purchase back-to-school ‘core’ supplies, $849 by the end of the school year (on average). It’s easy to understand why many students from low-income families are not equipped with all their school supplies on the first day of school and often struggle to meet their educational goals. Teachers will support their students by donating school supplies to help them focus on their education and not on the burden of the effects of poverty. In Connecticut, unreimbursed teacher spending ranges from $500-$1000 dollars yearly.

UA is committed to supporting teachers and increasing the academic success of students, particularly those from financially vulnerable households. This year each teacher from the 55 schools currently partnering with UA, will receive up to $1000 in school supplies to help them support their students’ academic goals.

At the start of this year’s school year the Teacher Resource Center opened its doors to welcome hundreds of teachers. Many say shopping at the TRC is like Christmas!

“I feel overwhelmed with the kindness from all of you. I can’t believe all of the stuff you are giving away. I’m overwhelmed by your generosity.” (”Ms. Lee, Kennelley Elementary School)

“The look on their faces is priceless and we all here at Pulaski really appreciate and are grateful for this opportunity. Every time we go to the Teacher Resource Center, we feel extremely happy because thanks to you we can provide materials and important necessities…” (Ms. Ana Davila, Pulaski Middle School)

A parent from Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts shared earlier this year, “Thanks so much for this. I really appreciate it.”

Urban Alliance, in collaboration with World Vision, is committed to seeing students thrive! Learn how you can join us in helping to support academic success in our region. We believe we can do this Better Together.


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The staff at Urban Alliance are familiar with Pastor Frank because he is a regular attendee to many of the trainings Urban Alliance provides on subjects like domestic violence, addressing childhood trauma, and better counseling techniques. “That’s been so valuable to me to be able to bring that back, not only in my counseling but also in my teaching and preaching ministries, “ shared Termine.

Pastor Frank was also one of the original members of the Micah group, a group of pastors that meets at Urban Alliance to discuss and strategize about challenging issues that face the church today. One of those earlier discussions on justice, incarceration, and returning citizens was particularly memorable. “We all lamented the fact that these men and women were coming out of prison into our churches and just kind of being thrown there,” said Termine, “We could do better than this.” That discussion planted the seeds that eventually led to the creation of Second Chance Churches – an opportunity for churches to provide support and mentoring to returning citizens that continues today.

When we asked Pastor Frank what he would say to another church that was unaware of Urban Alliance, he said, “If you are looking to get out in the community and make a difference in the community, Urban Alliance is a super way to do it. We’re a small church … we can’t do everything. Urban Alliance is a pathway to get our people involved in ministries that are already doing it, doing it well, and just need extra volunteers.”

Pastor Frank Termine’s story embodies many things we are trying to accomplish at Urban Alliance: supporting organizations in the communities they serve with training, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. Pastors and non-profit leaders face a wide range of challenges and, therefore, need a wide range of help and resources. Your support can help turn stories of struggle into stories like you find at Calvary Church.

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