News Release
August 16, 2004
Qwest Foundation Grant Funds Supplies Glasses, Clothing, Medical And Dental Care To Students In Need
The Qwest Foundation, Qwest Communications giving program, has granted $5,000 to the Denver Public Schools Pupil Assistance Fund (PAF), which serves approximately 10,000 students per year. The funding will help provide clothing, eye exams, glasses, hygiene items, emergency medication and other basic needs to DPS students.
"Student achievement is directly related to attendance, and it's exciting to see a student's self-esteem rise and grades improve because he or she can focus on the lesson and be an active participant in class," said Connie Garcia, executive secretary of the PAF. "Qwest's support of this program helps keep our students in school."
Students function better in school if their basic needs are met. Students who receive adequate health and dental care, weather-appropriate clothing and eye glasses are better equipped to focus on their classroom activities and miss fewer class days. Approximately 63 percent of DPS students qualify for free and reduced lunch benefits and are eligible to receive assistance from the PAF, which started in the 1940s. Most PAF board members are present or former DPS employees who volunteer their time to the fund.
"Supporting education is a priority for the Qwest Foundation," said Ric Padilla, Qwest vice president of corporate responsibility. "We are thrilled to support an organization that helps keep Denver students focused on what they can achieve."
The DPS Board of Education and Superintendent Jerry Wartgows office absorb administrative costs for the program, so all funding directly benefits the students. Students who receive assistance are usually identified by teachers, social workers and school psychologists, often when following up on student absences due to lack of weather-appropriate clothing or untreated illness. In most cases, the students receive the assistance within 24 hours.
For more information about the Denver Public Schools Pupil Assistance Fund please call 720-423-3922 or visit http://paf.dpsk12.org. For additional information about the Qwest Foundation please visit www.qwest.com/foundation.