News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Van Buren County Chamber Of Commerce has opened its doors to the Van Buren County Schools, allowing the system space to operate its Resource Program.
The Resource Program provides access to showers, washers and dryers, and other services to local families who would otherwise not have access. Chamber President Micah Davis said the school did not have a room equipped with the items to run the program, and the Chamber could help. Davis said she hopes this is the beginning of a long collaboration.
“I hope that in the next few years our relationship can become something more, and we can help provide for them in ways we haven’t been able to in the past, and they can do the same for us as we grow, because Spencer has been experiencing a tremendous amount of growth,” Davis said.
A 2022 report said one in four Van Buren County students are homeless or have substandard housing. Davis said the program helps with that need. Van Buren County Schools Homeless System Navigator Jill Bouldin operates the program. Davis said Bouldin does an amazing job running the program.
“She really needs like a bathroom and a place for a washer and a dryer,” Davis said. “We do have a kitchen in the Chamber as well. So, it kind of just made sense for us to open our door and let her have the opportunity to use our space, and I am proud to say she is absolutely busting at the seams.”
Davis said it was important for the Chamber and School System to continue to work together whenever they can.
“We share the same community,” Davis said. “Both of our businesses and our missions are to provide for the community and help the community, so the community is really a big deal to both of us. So the better we can work together the better we can serve our community which is a huge deal for us.”
“They have been very successful. They’re part of helping the community. She’s making a difference in what she’s doing, and I just hope everyone knows she is the one behind it, and she is putting her heart and soul into that, helping these families in Van Buren County.”
