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.
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 about 30-60 homeless students during the school year. 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 to help 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.
"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 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
Bobbie VonLunen | Louise White School Liaison (Batavia Woman's Club)
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
Nancy Schmitz | JB Nelson Elementary School Liaison
Rona Foltos | Rotolo Middle School Liaison
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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Director of Special Education/Homeless Liaison
Kari Ruh is the Director of Special Education and the Homeless Liaison for Batavia Schools. As of March 2023, there were over 70 students in Batavia that are considered homeless. And over 17% of the school population is on free/reduced lunch. Kari works with these students and families, to ensure that students maximize learning by providing a continuum of services.
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Community Outreach Coordinator
Amy Nelson provides many support services, through Title One funds, as the Community Outreach Coordinator. She assists Kari Ruh, our Student Services Director, with the coordination of 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. Amy has lived in Batavia for 45 years, is a Batavia graduate, a former Batavia teacher, is married to a Batavia teacher and coach, and has 3 children. Amy is grateful to be in such a wonderful community who supports and encourages our students, our District and our incredible city of Batavia.