HIGH SCHOOL IS TOUGH ENOUGH

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY SOMERSETT RESIDENT LAURIE AGNEW.

The start of a new school year inevitably comes with a wide range of emotions, challenges, and obstacles. Keeping up with new classes, schedules, activities, trends, and social norms is pretty standard, but some students are dealing with an entirely different set of challenges that many of us take for granted. High school is tough enough for students without having to worry about where their next meal is going to come from or where they are going to sleep at night, but both concerns are very real circumstances that 1 in 3 Northern Nevada high school students are facing.

Project 150 Reno was created out of our community’s desire to provide basic needs to homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students, ensuring they remain in school through graduation and build a successful future. “Imagine not having adequate hygiene products, clothing, or shoes that fit,” said volunteer Suzanne Bartone. “We help counteract some of those barriers, so kids can confidently continue their education.”

Project 150 Reno serves to alleviate some of the stress that high school students face by providing basic needs including clothing, shoes, hygiene products, school supplies, and food, all at no cost to students.

“It’s truly amazing to see the impact we’re making on young people’s lives,” said volunteer Shannon Griffiths. “We get many first-time shoppers who are stunned that these resources are available to them at no cost. Many of our kids come from difficult and heartbreaking situations, but they have found support in the Project 150 community.”

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Where it all began

Project 150 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that was established in Las Vegas in 2011 when the founders heard about 150 homeless students at a nearby high school. The effort expanded to helping over 1,500 high school students when it was understood that the problems these students faced were prevalent across the valley.

Project 150 Reno was created in 2014 when a small group of volunteers carried the same mission to high school students in Northern Nevada. In 2019 it opened its Boutique doors, which operates year-round. Keeping kids in school and on track to graduation is at the heart of Project 150 Reno’s efforts, where “shopping” hours are held weekly by appointment for the students, with the only requirement being an active high school ID.

Get involved

Project 150 Reno recognizes that although many people wish to help, they don’t know how to get involved. As the cool winter months approach, the Project 150 Reno team works tirelessly to prepare for the demand. “We’re seeing more than double the number of students today than when we first opened our boutique in 2019,” said Susan Dake, programs director. “We are 100 percent donations-based and volunteer-operated, so the support of our community is our lifeline.”

Below are ways in which anyone can contribute to Project 150 Reno’s mission:

Donate:

Project 150 Reno collects teen-appropriate clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food, and school supplies yearround. However, monetary donations enable Project 150 to leverage discounts with bulk purchases and fill in the gaps to ensure there are adequate resources for every student in need. Visit https://www.project150reno.org/ to view their Amazon wish list or make a convenient tax-deductible contribution.

Volunteer:

The Project 150 Reno Boutique is 100% volunteer operated. From sorting donations to maintenance and personal shopping, the Project 150 Reno team of volunteers is always looking for additional support. Contact lead volunteer Liz McFarland to schedule a tour and learn how you or your organization can donate your time and talent. Enjoy a fun and dynamic atmosphere while giving back to your community!

Host a drive:

Every in-kind donation helps stretch the budget. Your business, organization, school, church, or other community group can make a big difference by hosting a collection drive and spreading awareness about Project 150 Reno’s mission. Contact them to discuss their current needs and they can provide donation bins and marketing collateral.

Spread the word:

Making a donation, hosting a collection drive and volunteering your time does more than help provide these critical items to those in need, it raises awareness. Help Project 150 Reno continue to grow and serve our community by spreading the word!