The Pencils & Paper Program at JFS

The Pencils & Paper Program at JFS Rochester serves the  educational and creative needs of children in the Greater Rochester area by providing free school supplies to teachers in high poverty schools. The program provides free school supplies to teachers in high-need schools, ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Teachers can shop twice a year and receive an estimated $1,400 worth of school supplies at each shopping trip. By partnering with local schools, the program helps to reduce the financial burden on families who struggle to provide basic school supplies for their children.

The Pencils & Paper Program recognizes that access to quality education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and that basic school supplies are a fundamental aspect of that goal. By providing free school supplies to teachers, the program empowers educators to better support the needs of their students, creating a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the community. Additionally, the program is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability by recycling surplus office supplies and materials, further contributing to the health and well-being of the local community.