Eighty-three percent of Dodgertown Elementary’s student population lives below the Federal Poverty Level. Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) understands that poverty is an extreme condition, affecting the entire family. Children who experience poverty do not always have access to timely healthcare, including annual physicals and immunizations. Parents want the best for their children and sometimes need extra help securing resources.

TCCH joined forces with Dodgertown Elementary, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Indian River School District and Indian River State College to create Dodgertown Elementary, A Community Partnership School — the first of its kind in Indian River County and one of only 20 in the state of Florida. “The resources TCCH can offer – doctors, dentists, optometrists, health navigators and transportation will support better health for children at Dodgertown. This partnership aligns with our mission of healthcare for all so we are very happy to be a part of the solution,” TCCH CEO Vicki Soulé said.

A Community Partnership School increases graduation rate, student achievement, teacher retention, attendance, parent involvement and community support. “We know that children bring more than their book bags to school. If a child’s tooth is hurting or they can’t see, then they are not developing at their full potential. They have barriers that they are unable to talk about or they have to go through. If there’s a need, you can’t learn,” Director of Dodgertown, A Community Partnership School, Gerrod Miller, who started with the program in February of 2021, said.

The on-campus “hub” provides students with multiple opportunities for leadership, cultural enrichment, after schools activates, tutoring and mentoring. “Studies show that many children in poverty struggle academically and are five times more likely to drop out of high school, so in elementary we are able to catch them when they are very young,” Miller said. Students who need vision, dental, behavioral and medical health care can be transported to TCCH locations. “TCCH has processes in place to reduce barriers to care for students and families, increasing the amount of ‘butts in chairs’ learning time. This includes telehealth, with a link for parents, and face to face visits which are essential to early grade success,” Soulé said. There is also a nonperishable on-site food pantry and clothes closet providing uniforms, shoes, socks and underwear. English as a second language courses and GED programs are available through Indian River State College for parents.

Along with the five core partners, other organizations also contribute to the success of these children, including Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Crossover Mission, Moonshot Moment, Treasure Coast Food Bank, The United Way, United Against Poverty, First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach and Lakes at Waterway Village.

As of February 2020, Miller and his team have served 23 families and 38 students. If you want to donate, stop in at the Dodgertown Elementary main office, contact Earldesha Crosdale, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, at 772-469-6677 or earldesha.crosdale@chsfl.orgor Miller at 772-480-4456 or gerrod.miller@chsfl.org. You can reach TCCH Wellness Coordinator LaDonna Corbin at lcorbin@tcchinc.org.

Specific items you can donate include:
• Uniforms, shoes, belts, socks and underwear
• School supplies, book bags and books
• Nonperishable food and UAP grocery vouchers

Photo provided by Dodgertown Elementary