By Dr. Ferrell Miller
Junction City Association of Retired School Personnel heard presentations Friday from Windy Hancock on the McKinney-Vento Homeless program, where she serves as Coordinator for USD 475. They also received an update from Brett Short, District Title I Coordinator, and Ellie Dillon, Director at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, about upcoming events and gave updates.
Hancock stated that the McKinney-Vento grant funds can be used only for specific purposes. “Federal grants have gone away and we have less and have fewer resources to help those in need. When some students reach 18, some are told by their parent(s)/guardian that they are to go out on their own – they can no longer live with their family. However, even when they are still students, many do not know how or where to get help for shelter, food, or other needs. I try to connect them with resources to help but I can only use grant money for school related needs like tutoring or school supplies.”
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth have the right to receive a free, appropriate public education; enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment; enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents; enroll in the local school or continue attending the school of origin. Homeless children and youth are defined as individuals who lack a regular and adequate nighttime residence. Hancock added that “some of our homeless youth live out of a car, sleep on a couch at different friend’s houses or sleep outside. These are our kids in our schools who need resources and assistance.” Anyone who wants to purchase a gift card to help the homeless youth or volunteer may contact Windy Hancock at 785-210-7741.
Ellie Dillon gave some history of the Opera House, which was built in 1882; caught fire in 1898, was restored six months later; and served as the colonial Theater until about 1983. The Opera House was remodeled and renewed to its present state 20 years ago. She stated that “the new season will have a variety of performers that include comedy, country-western music, Motown, the First Division Band and others. There are three separate entities in the Opera House, which include Junction City Little Theater, JC Community Band and the JC Arts Council. After school programs for K-8 and summer programs are all a part of ‘The People’s House,” as she called it.
Upcoming shows/events may be found on the Opera House Facebook page and website, on their marquis in front or the Opera House, JC Post and in the Union newspaper.