Fox Families Care seeks to boost self-esteem, bridge gaps for Fox Chapel Area students

Fox Families Care (FFC) is quietly working behind the scenes to provide local children with all they need to succeed inside the classroom.

In the weeks leading up to the new school year, the nonprofit sponsored a freshman orientation at Fox Chapel Area High School to promote positive mental health.

Students spent part of their day at Camp Guyasuta, where they could participate in group activities and bond with their classmates through team-building exercises.

Through events like these, volunteers also are helping to boost students’ self-esteem, said Ashley Constantine, the district’s executive director of elementary education and instruction.

“In addition to providing critical everyday needs, FFC supports other initiatives that bolster our students’ academic success and social-emotional development,” she said.

Fox Families Care was founded to work with the district to help bridge the gap between needs and resources for children who need them.

The district has vast wealth disparity, with more than 800 students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

The group targets needs as basic as school supplies, clothing, shoes and toiletries to more significant requests for eyeglasses and special-education items. In some cases, donations help pay for applications or tuition assistance for trade schools, extracurricular fees or other school-related costs.

Brooke Guyaux, FFC board member, said that during summer break, the group provided 100 scholarships for week-long camps at Camp Deer Creek, Camp Guyasuta and Fairview’s STEAM camp.

“Many of these students have never had the opportunity to attend summer camps,” Guyaux said.

“One mother shared that her children really enjoyed the archery and horseback-riding and that they hope to return to camp next year. She told us that the children really enjoyed it.”

“One young student at Camp Guyasuta told the camp counselor, ‘I feel like I just keep winning the lottery as each day just keeps getting better,” Guyaux said.

The response was overwhelmingly positive and the group hopes to increase the scholarship opportunities, she said.

The help isn’t limited to summer activities. It will last throughout the year.

Gift cards for Halloween costumes will be distributed to more than 90 elementary students, and FFC will help run a coat drive in early November with Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg.

“Donations are greatly appreciated, especially for children’s coats, for kids ages 1-13,” Guyaux said.

Anyone in need of coats, hats, scarves and gloves can attend the event Nov. 5-6 at 800 Main St. Visit faithfoxchapel.org for more information.

The second annual Angel Tree initiative will kick off the holiday season to provide students with sought-after gifts to help spread cheer, Guyaux said.

Trees will be set up between Nov. 19 and Dec. 6 at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club, Fox Chapel Golf Club, Longvue Country Club, Splurge, Rosebuds, Esspa and the Lauri Ann West Community Center.

“FFC has helped so many students in our district, whether it’s through providing Halloween costumes and holiday gifts, to shoes for gym class, or food and bedding for those in need,” said district counselor Rachel Machen

In December, the tide will turn and FFC will be the recipient of a community effort.

The high school telethon this year will benefit FFC, organizers announced.

Tune in to the annual Fox Chapel Area telethon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 23 to contribute.

Anyone in need can reach out to a school guidance counselor or to foxfamiliescare@gmail.com.

To donate, visit foxfamiliescare.org.