Rush County Schools has unveiled a new digital lifeline for local families facing economic hardship: the Community Resource Hub, which brings together food, housing, health care, and crisis support in one accessible online platform. This is an initiative that district leaders hope will provide relief to families facing increasing financial strain.
The rollout comes at a pivotal time as more than 1,900 Rush County residents who receive SNAP or TANF benefits brace for possible federal aid changes.
“Here at Rush County Schools, our commitment to well-being extends to the entire community,” said Jim Jameson, Superintendent of Rush County Schools. “When essential programs like SNAP face uncertainty, the school district must step forward as a unified hub of support.”
The new directory provides quick access to food pantries, housing help, healthcare, childcare services, employment resources, and more!
A Digital Safety Net
The site, available through the RCS website, includes links to:
Food Assistance: Food banks, school meal programs, and local pantries.
Housing Support: Emergency shelters and rental assistance programs.
Health & Childcare: Medical and dental clinics, affordable childcare, and clothing aid.
Employment & Education: Job training and adult education opportunities.
Clothing Needs: Local organizations offering clothing essentials and support.
Addiction Services: Programs and groups dedicated to aiding those on their journey to recovery.
Addressing Food Deserts and Local Access Gaps
There are parts of Rush County that are classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as partial food deserts, areas where residents live more than 10 miles from a full-service grocery store and often lack reliable transportation. These geographic and economic barriers limit access to healthy foods and create ripple effects on family health, education, and overall stability.
School officials note that this reality was a driving force behind the creation of the directory’s Food Assistance section, which compiles every local food support option in one place.
“We can’t expect students to thrive academically when their basic needs aren’t being met,” said Jameson. “Our directory helps bridge that gap between families in need and the resources available to them.”
Ensuring Educational Stability: McKinney-Vento Act
One of the most significant components of the Community Resource Hub focuses on student stability under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to public education.
The act defines homelessness broadly, including students who are:
Living in shelters, motels, or cars.
Staying temporarily with friends or relatives (“doubled up”).
Living in unstable housing.
Under McKinney-Vento, students have the right to remain enrolled in their school of origin even if they move outside the district, receive free transportation to and from school, and access support services such as meals, tutoring, and school supplies.
Rush County Schools’ designated McKinney-Vento Liaison, Mr. James Zachery, serves as the main point of contact for families navigating these challenges. He works directly with parents and educators to remove barriers to learning and provide students with a sense of continuity during times of instability.
“When a student loses housing, school can become the one stable place in their life,” said Zachery. “Our goal is to make sure they never lose that connection or that sense of belonging.”
The Community Resource Hub provides direct contact information for Mr. Zachery, along with forms and links to local shelters, transportation assistance, and mental health services.
A Community-Wide Commitment
Rush County Schools invites residents, local organizations, and service providers to help ensure the directory remains accurate and comprehensive. If you notice a missing resource, incorrect information, or would like to add a new program, please visit the Community Resource Hub and use the chatbot feature to share updates directly with the district’s support team. Your feedback helps keep this tool current, relevant, and effective for everyone in Rush County!
Furthermore, district leaders are encouraging all residents, whether or not they have children in the school system, to explore and share the directory with anyone who might need assistance.
“This directory is a tool for all of Rush County,” said Jameson. “We are proud to share it as a testament to our commitment to the safety and well-being of every family and neighbor.”
Access the RCS Community Resource Hub: