After years of watching homeless students and families struggle with the health care system, pay for medications and treatments, and keep their children healthy, Emerson TEP teacher Jani Koester and Emerson School Nurse Mandy Monson, joined forces to start the Health Care for Homeless Families program with funding from a Madison Rotary Foundation Grant.

The program, in its second year, helps homeless children and families by addressing their chronic illness, meeting their acute health care needs and improving their overall long-term health.

In the first year of service, the program provided medical supplies to families, including first supplies, medications, and glasses; transportation to and from medical and dental appointments; as well as extra hours of nursing time to case manage children and families involved in the TEP Program.

The second year of the program has provided funds for basic health needs including glasses, car seats, first aid supplies and medications.

Case management is a routine part of the school nurse's job and is an important aspect of the program, because many of the families are living in shelters or other temporary housing which makes keeping medical plans and supplies difficult. Glasses, toothbrushes and other supplies are often misplaced and families are often packing their belongings nightly. Families trying to find food and shelter often do not have time or a way to address health concerns.

The Rotary Foundation's grant has allowed the program to provide funds to purchase needed items when families cannot afford to pay for them or when they are misplaced or left behind. Funds are also used to pay for health care such as medical or dental services for families without insurance or when insurance does not cover the service.