By: Kari Radjewski, director of Marketing & Communications
Nine-year-old Hamtramck Public School District (HPSD) student, Malik, was once deemed a “problem child” – but the only problem he had was that he could not see properly. He was restless during class and could not focus on lessons, he avoided playing sports and games with classmates because he was teased for being clumsy. His grades and relationships suffered, and his confidence did too.
When Malik’s teacher noticed him holding a book to his nose while reading, she referred him to the Hamtramck SEES program at the Hamtramck School-Based Health Center. A philanthropic partnership between the Children’s Foundation and the Jewish Fund enables Hamtramck SEES, which ensures children attending HPSD receive proper eye care.
Without basic healthcare – including eye care – the trajectory of a child’s life is impacted. Studies show that glasses correct much more than vision; in fact, glasses can improve children’s psychological well-being, decreasing anxiety and increasing self-esteem.
At approximately 42%, Hamtramck has the highest immigrant population of any city in Michigan, which is also reflected in HPSD’s student body. The immigrant population is often unequally affected by economic, social, and other obstacles to health and healthcare – they face language barriers, lack of access to information, and are often ineligible for public benefits.
Hamtramck SEES addresses barriers that their students may face when receiving eyecare including translation services, assisting caregivers in completing forms, transportation to vision screenings, and cost-free care and eyeglass lenses if needed. When kids require more extensive treatment, they are referred for care and guided through that process by the Hamtramck SEES team.
“Our main goal is students first,” said Amra Poskovic, director of Pupil Services at Hamtramck Public School District. “We want to make sure our students succeed – and this is one of the ways we can do that.”
When vision problems are addressed, kids are set up for academic success and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, earn higher wages, and grow up into healthy adults. Since 2017, the Jewish Fund has invested nearly $160,000 in Hamtramck SEES, improving the vision and quality of life for more than 1,000 students. The Jewish Fund recently awarded renewal funding to the Children’s Foundation to support this effort for another school year, so even more kids will be able to access the Hamtramck SEES program to address their vision problems.
“The Jewish Fund continues to be very proud to support Hamtramck SEES,” said Margo Pernick, executive director at the Jewish Fund. “Each year, we learn about the tremendous transformation for students in their academic and social skills, all due to what many of us take for granted: eyeglasses to help us see clearly. We appreciate the strong partnership with Hamtramck School Based Health Center and the Children’s Foundation.”
The Children’s Foundation envisions equitable opportunities for all kids in Michigan to live a healthy life. Through impactful community partnerships with programs like Hamtramck SEES, we can improve delivery of services to underserved populations, creating long-lasting, meaningful change in the health of kids. As for Malik, because he can now see the world, the world has opened to him. He proudly wears his glasses and has taken on a new studious persona. He raises his hand, is excited to participate in class discussions, and is acing tests. Not only have his grades improved, but he has become the first choice among classmates when it is time to choose kickball teams.
