Rome, NY — As the Federal Government shutdown continues, many families are beginning to feel the effects—particularly those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other vital benefits.
The Connected Initiative, serving 53 schools across 13 districts, was already well-prepared
and strategically positioned to support students and families during challenging times. For
years, the organization has built and strengthened an infrastructure designed within
Community Schools to respond in moments like this, ensuring families in Connected districts continue to receive consistent, compassionate support. “We built this system so families wouldn’t have to face uncertainty alone,” said Danielle Martin and Melissa Roys, Executive Leadership of Connected Community Schools. “We’re not reacting to a crisis — we’re continuing the work we’ve always done to make sure no student or family falls through the cracks. This is why we built Connected: because even in uncertain times, every child and every family deserves to know someone is standing with them. We were here before. We’re here now. And we’ll be here as long as our families need us.”
An Infrastructure of Support At the heart of the initiative is the Connected Central HUB, located at 207 N. James Street in Rome. The Central HUB serves as the main distribution and coordination site for food, hygiene items, school supplies, and other tangible supports that flow to Connected districts across the region.
Partnering with organizations such as the Food Bank of Central New York and Chobani, the
Central HUB sustains a steady flow of groceries and essential items to 53 school-based HUBs biweekly. Emergency items are also provided to ensure no student or family goes without basic necessities.
Each School-Based HUB provides students and families with access to food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies — all within safe, welcoming spaces. These HUBs have become pillars of support and connection, where families can also access additional resources through monthly Open HUB events.
The LINK Referral System serves as a single point of access, connecting students and families to appropriate services quickly and efficiently. This platform identifies needs and ensures families are matched with the right support network. Referrals can also be submitted directly by families at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/self-referral/.
Strength Through Collaboration Connected collaborates with over 400 local businesses and organizations to strengthen and sustain this vital network. These partnerships ensure that communities have the capacity to respond when external systems fail—keeping families fed, students supported, and schools connected.
A Call to Compassion and Action In uncertain times, connection is our greatest strength. When you donate to Connected, your dollars go further, thanks to purchasing power and partnerships with organizations like the Food Bank of Central New York — turning every contribution into more meals, more resources, and more hope.
Together, we can keep our communities connected, resilient, and strong.
About Connected Community Schools
Connected Community Schools partners with school districts and communities to remove
barriers, meet essential needs, and provide year-round support to students and families. With programs in 53 schools across 13 districts, the organization ensures that children and their families have access to food, supplies, and services needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
