Whirlpool’s Care Counts program has made a significant impact on school attendance by addressing a seemingly minor issue: access to clean clothing. When we consider middle school students struggling with attendance, it’s easy to attribute the problem to parents or the children themselves. However, what if the solution is as simple as providing clean clothes? Whirlpool recognized this issue and embarked on a journey to create change.
In 2016, Whirlpool initiated the Care Counts Program, donating laundry machines to school districts in St. Louis, Missouri, and Fairfield, California. Schools then allowed students facing attendance challenges to bring their laundry to be washed during class hours. The outcomes were remarkable: over 90% of participating students saw an increase in attendance, with at-risk students attending nearly two additional weeks of school. Each student benefited from approximately 50 loads of laundry completed on-site. This year, Whirlpool plans to expand the initiative to twenty more schools across five additional districts.
While issues like economic hardship, unemployment, and institutional barriers are undeniably important, the seemingly trivial act of doing laundry can significantly affect a child’s willingness to attend school. For a young student, not having clean clothes might dictate whether they feel comfortable facing their peers.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a former principal at Lincoln Middle School in St. Louis, discovered through conversations with parents that many struggled to afford laundry services or find time to visit laundromats. This prompted her to contact Whirlpool, which conducted further research revealing that one in five students in the U.S. faces challenges in finding clean clothes for school.
In a conversation with Today Parents, eighth-grade teacher Mark Robinson from Fairfield noted a specific student who had become disengaged from school. After the implementation of the program, the student became more enthusiastic about attending class and interacting with peers, no longer feeling like an outsider.
Children with attendance issues are often labeled as “troubled” or “lazy,” and many adults fail to comprehend the struggles these kids face. For families already strained by economic pressures, finding time for laundry may not be feasible. It’s commendable that Dr. Thompson and Whirlpool took the time to explore the root causes and provide a solution that empowers these children with the confidence needed to attend school.
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In summary, Whirlpool’s Care Counts initiative illustrates how addressing basic needs, such as access to laundry facilities, can have a profound impact on student attendance and engagement. By providing resources that many take for granted, this program fosters a supportive environment for students, allowing them to focus on their education without the stigma of unclean clothing.
Keyphrase: Whirlpool laundry machines in schools
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