Beaver Cares is a program at American River College that provides their students with basic needs and resources.The services deliver “compassionate”, “judgment-free” services in order to support students so that they can focus on their education and thrive, according to information posted on the Beaver Cares page on the ARC website.
Since the start of this semester, Beaver Cares has supported over 1,000 students through access to food, technology, transportation, housing referrals and other essential resources, according to Valerie Adger, a student support supervisor at ARC.
Adger said in an email that Beaver Cares goal is to ensure that every student has the basic needs and support they need to focus on their education.
Some of their services include food support, housing and transportation, technology and diaper support, along with financial assistance and community care.
Food support gives students access to the on campus-pantry, Calfresh assistance and emergency meal support. CalFresh benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets to buy food. Students can even use CalFresh to purchase food online through sites like Amazon and Walmart.
Housing and transportation services can give students connections to housing resources, bus passes and transportation support. Beaver Homes offers a range of housing resources and services to eligible students who are experiencing housing insecurity or facing financial barriers to maintaining stable housing.
Technology and diaper support include chromebook and hotspot loans, as well as diaper supplies for students who are parents. Beaver Cares supplies a diaper pantry specifically for student-parents who need help with diapers and baby wipes. Each household can pick up diapers and/or baby wipes once per month throughout the semester. Student-parents can apply for diapers on the website.
Financial assistance includes microgrants and referrals to additional campus and community resources. There are many different resources for financial help that students can find here. Students can read more about the types of financial aid they can receive, higher education emergency relief fund grants, housing resources requests and more.
Community and care provides referrals to partner programs and ongoing guidance to help students feel supported every step of the way.
“Students have been very appreciative of the resources provided. Many share that having access to groceries, transportation assistance, and technology makes a real difference in reducing stress and allowing them to stay engaged in their classes,” Adger said in an email, “We often hear that Beaver Cares helps students feel seen, supported, and connected to the college community.”
Beaver Cares grants students the opportunity to try out their two workshops and life skills classes that will teach students how to live a better lifestyle.
Money Matters Series is one of the workshops and life skills classes that students can take. This program is designed to help students develop a healthy financial lifestyle by learning and applying some of the key foundational concepts of financial literacy and well-being.
Nutritional Education Series is another workshop and life skills class that students can sign up for. In this program students will learn how to maximize their grocery budget, make simple dishes on a budget, kitchen tips and tricks and they will receive free cookware and other kitchen tools.
Adger also mentions that the program is always looking for ways to expand awareness. Some of their current efforts include classroom presentations, collaborating with student organizations and campus departments and increasing our outreach through social media and campus events. They also encourage faculty and staff to refer students who might benefit, so no one misses out on the support that Beaver Cares offers.
For more information about the Beaver Cares program, students can go to its website to read or apply for additional services and resources. Students can also contact the Beaver Cares program by emailing them at [email protected] or calling them at (916) 484-4510.
Beaver Cares is also located at the Welcome and Support Center on ARC’s campus. Their services are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
