Mobile Rams Van aims to support social, emotional health of Highlands students

A mobile care unit dubbed the Rams Van is expected to make a big impact at Highlands School District.

The roving vehicle is equipped with backpacks, clothes, toiletries and other items to help students in all grades succeed at school.

Its main mission, however, is to reach families where they are.

“We want to break those barriers for families who, for whatever reason, can’t get to us or won’t come to us because they had a bad experience,” said Amber Dean, student services director.

“Our goal is to connect families with necessary services.”

Paid through a $585,000 grant from the Allegheny County Health Department, and managed by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, the Rams Van arrived just after Thanksgiving.

It’s part of a district initiative to address social and emotional health and bolster the link to professionals who can fill various needs.

“It will expand the community outreach by allowing the school to meet the unique needs of each family,” Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said.

For parents unable to attend meetings or access building resources because of limited transportation, staff can use the Rams Van to conduct meetings, Mawhinney said, and to deliver essential resources.

Parked behind the high school, the vehicle already is stocked with books, scarves, gloves and book bags. It is equipped with Wi-Fi to help with registrations for summer programs or district services.

“There’s a desk inside and internet, and when we pull up to a community event, we can register students for services on the spot,” Dean said. “This specifically helps families impacted by a lack of resources. We come to them.”

Mawhinney said it will decrease the time required to complete paperwork.

“We are excited to be able to think outside the box to provide individual support,” she said.

The grant also will pay for a case manager in the district to connect students with mental health care, medical support or other needs.

Highlands was among 10 county districts to be awarded the grant. Money went to those most impacted by the effects of covid, Dean said.

Through another district program, Trauma Education and Response, school leaders are able to use the van to help families with food delivery or other services after a police-involved incident at their home.

“Maybe there’s a family that needs diapers, or we find out their utilities are off,” Dean said. “We can go to them and connect them with services.”