The nonprofit School on Wheels, honors volunteers from all walks of life.
By Leora Rae/Special to The Malibu Times
Children have many obstacles on their paths to learning. Being homeless often means not attending public school on a regular basis. Even if a child living on the streets can manage to attend school, their parents have more crucial problems to address in their daily strife. Inevitably, being homeless can result in children falling behind in their studies because their skills have not matured as a result of a nomadic life in a chaotic world.
Nearly 10 years ago, retired elementary school teacher Agnes Stevens planted a seed to help these children, and the bright yellow School on Wheels concept flourished. Stevens began by tutoring two children in Santa Monica. As she nurtured the idea, to teach kids who are in transition, volunteers from across the map consistently showed up for these forgotten children.
Two weekends ago, members of the advisory board, the office staff and more than 200 volunteers of this Malibu-based, nonprofit group gathered at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles for a Thank You Brunch. A video screen showed a public service announcement that was produced by Women in Film, which will air this fall on local television.
More than 1,200 people have been moved by Steven’s inspirational lead, to help children living on the streets. These dedicated tutors come from all walks of life-set designers, students, doctors, police officers, agents, housewives, accountants, attorneys, coaches-and all have contributed to the vision Agnes Stevens has of helping children learn. Sharing a common interest, these tutors remain nameless because there are too many to mention. Humble souls, with very dedicated spirits, these individuals do not look for kudos. They gain pleasure from realizing that they have affected a young child’s life.
The School on Wheels volunteer staff continues to grow, as they reach out to an increasing number of children in the inner city, where many of the 35,000 homeless children in Los Angeles live. It is estimated that in the state of California there are 200,000 homeless children.
Filling a critical void between school classrooms and a place to do homework, School on Wheels, is doing what Stevens set out to do, assist a child in completing their only job in life, going to school.
Through community donations, learning centers were constructed in four of the 45 shelters that School on Wheels services. A labor of love for Laine Altman of Calabasas, this huge task was accomplished through a great deal of hard work, and the help of other professionals in the community at large. Because of their determination, and a generous flow of donated supplies, these rooms became a quiet place that provides an environment where a child has no distractions, where schoolwork is given priority.
Homeless children are typically behind in school because of their high mobility. The volunteers can often follow the children when they move away, and provide consistent tutoring, explained director Peter Lorber.
“Often times the last thing a parent is thinking of when they are homeless is getting their child to public school,” he said. “We can assist in getting immunization records and any lost paperwork to fulfill attendance requirements.”
School on Wheels is adaptable. The organization also provides an 800-number for the children and their caregivers, so that they are able to contact the school if they are in transition. Each child receives a backpack filled with supplies as part of the program.
School on Wheels hopes to equip these youngsters-and their parent(s)-with skills for continued learning, and self-sufficiency in the classroom. The organization works in cooperation with the Los Angles Unified School District to provide service to those students who would otherwise go unnoticed. Other services provided by School on Wheels to parents are: assisting with school enrollment, acquiring records from previous school districts, finding out their child’s vaccination history, resolving uniform requirements and ensuring free meal programs.
“We are excited by the smiles we see on the children’s faces when they walk through the door here to learn,” said Betsy Kelly, manager of education at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles. “It is a blessing to be able to give away books to a child that is eager to read.”
Consistency is key for success in school. School on Wheels tutors arrive on time and are faithful about their visits. The children look forward to the arrival of the tutors. For many students, grades have improved as the tutoring sessions help them keep up in public school.
“Our children need all the positive support and care they can get. Relationships made between the children and their tutors are life changing,” said Gretchen Kraner, program coordinator at the Westminster Transitional Living Center, Venice, California.
In previous volunteer work, Lorber had the opportunity to launch and coordinate medical emergency programs overseas.
“In each of those cases I witnessed the deprivation suffered by children and their astonishing ability to blossom if given the chance,” Lorber commented. “I think I have found work that serves the most underserved children here (in America). I have found that here in the School on Wheels organization.”
For more information on School on Wheels, log onto www.schoolonwheels.org.