OUR MISSION
To support students/families in BPS101 in temporary housing or who are on free/reduced lunch program. We ensure that students and families who are facing financial obstacles have their needs met to be successful in school and to participate in the same programs and activities as all students.
Our History
Community.
Started in 2013, when a community member found out there were more than 50 students in Batavia were homeless and living in temporary housing. In 2024, we have over 105 students who are homeless and living in temporary housing. Over 18% of our students are low income (on free/reduced lunch program).
Helpers.
A group of parents and community members quickly formed CHIP IN Batavia to support these students to give them the best educational experience possible.
Impacting.
There are now over 105 homeless students in our district. In addition, there are over 1,000 students from low-income families that have a very difficult time making ends meet. They live doubled up with friends/family, in a hotel, homeless shelter or other temporary space.
People.
With the incredible support from our community, we expanded from helping homeless students to helping low income families with their needs as well. These students are on free/reduced lunch program. About 18% of our student population falls in this group.
In.
We work with district administration and staff at all 8 schools to identify student and family needs.
Need.
We can work very fast to get what is needed to help. We have a CHIP IN liaison at each school to work with staff, administration and families. Everyone who helps is a volunteer.
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
~Winston Churchill
THE CHIP IN TEAM
We work directly with each school to help with specific student/family needs and we wouldn’t be able to continue this amazing work without the volunteers below.
CHIP IN LIASONS
Joanne Spitz, co-chair | Batavia High School Liaison
Melinda Kintz, co-chair | Batavia Apartments Liaison
Celeste Dalton | Batavia High School Liaison
Nancy Schmitz | Louise White School Liaison
Bobbie VonLunen I Louise White Elementary School Liaison
Amy Moore | Alice Gustafson Elementary School Liaison
Penny Whitting | Grace McWayne Elementary School Liaison
Ashley Murtaugh | HC Storm Elementary School Liaison
Ellen Anderson | Hoover Wood Elementary School Liaison
Julie Phillips | JB Nelson Elementary School Liaison
Rona Foltos | Rotolo Middle School Liaison
Sue Pumo l Liaison to schools as needed
Ashley Murtaugh, CHIP IN & Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence Administrator
Melissa Dempsey, CHIP IN & Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence Treasurer
Batavia Public School Administration
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Community Outreach Coordinator
Amy Nelson provides many support services, through Title One funds, as the Community Outreach Coordinator. She coordinates services and programs for our students currently facing homelessness and financial difficulties. She works with CHIP IN , area churches, and community members to expand the support that Batavia can offer to students. We work very closely with Amy, as she vets the needs of families for CHIP IN.