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NBPS and community partner staff at the opening of Whaler’s Attic at NBHS.
On Monday, May 23, New Bedford High School’s Family Engagement Center and community partners officially opened The Whaler’s Attic & Pantry, through the support of the entire school staff and some key partnerships with the Immigrants’ Assistance Center and GEAR UP.
The mission of the Whaler’s Attic & Pantry is to provide assistance to our students with an immediate need of clothing and/or groceries. Schools are responsible for supporting the entire child, while academics are the focus, and NBHS is working on supporting all needs.
“We are extremely excited to launch this project and continue to contribute to making a difference in our students’ lives,” said Headmaster Bernadette Coelho. “We recognize the intelligence and determination of all our students, but we also see that many of our students can’t achieve high school success because they may be worried about what they’re going to eat when they get home, or what they can wear the next day – and that should not be the case.”
“Our job is to engage our students in high school success and with this new project provide and allow our students to be what they are without having to worry about basic necessities,” said Superintendent Pia Durkin.
The Immigrants’ Assistance Center has partnered with NBHS to provide direct support to immigrant students who are at risk. The food and clothing pantry is an additional resource that our immigrant students will be able to utilize; having the food and clothing pantry at New Bedford High School makes it easier for immigrant students to access these services.
“Our Case Manager, Liz Lozada, has been instrumental in making sure that NBHS has a food and clothing pantry for our students and families at New Bedford High School,” said Helena DaSilva Hughes, Executive Director of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center.
For the community members interested in helping us make a difference, donations of JUNIOR male and female clothing are always welcome along with canned goods, packaged food, toiletries, paper goods or water.
