In the heart of the Kent Campus, a relatively new initiative is making a significant impact on student lives at Kent State University. The CARES Center, which stands for Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support, has been serving as a vital resource hub for students facing various challenges since its inception in April 2021.
Call it a holistic approach to student support.
Josh Perkins, director of the CARES Center, told Kent State Today about the center's four key pillars: food security, housing security, mental well-being, and financial security.
"We are a basic needs resource center," Perkins said. "What we've become is a hub to connect students to resources on and off campus.
Two case managers, a key center feature, meet with every student who enters their doors. This personalized attention ensures that each student's unique situation is thoroughly understood and addressed.
“The Cares Center has saved me from dropping out of school many times, they are here to help … The Cares Center is here for the students, and it really feels like they genuinely want to help.” – Student supported by CARES Center
Meeting Diverse Needs
The range of support provided by the CARES Center is extensive. From helping international students find housing before the semester begins to providing emergency funding for unexpected situations, the center's staff are equipped to handle a variety of student needs.
The CARES Center has provided basic needs support to 1,830 individual students and has connected students to over $372,655 in financial support. The Center has significantly grown its campus and community partnerships resulting in more basic need support for students; a 67% increase from last year.
One of the direct resources offered is a food pantry, which helps address food insecurity among students. The center also assists with mental health support, sometimes even covering copays for students who can't afford them.
In a large university with numerous departments and services, the CARES Center serves as a centralized point of contact for students seeking help.
"We know how to help connect you to the right resource," Perkins said. "We can help you not have to worry about food. We can help you to not have to worry about some of the things that are nuanced because you're in the United States."
This knowledge of campus and community resources allows the center to guide students efficiently, whether they need to apply for governmental aid, explore scholarship opportunities, or access other forms of assistance.
Making a Difference: Student Success Stories
The impact of the CARES Center is best illustrated through student experiences. Perkins recounts a particularly moving story of a student whose living situation had become overwhelming.
"He was actually living in his car," Perkins said. "And he called the CARES Center saying he was trying to save money. We were able to get that student into housing with some external funding."
The result? Not only did the student remain enrolled, but their GPA also increased.
"The student reached out later saying, 'I wouldn't be here at Kent State if it wasn't for you all,'" Perkins said.
While the CARES Center plays a crucial role, Perkins emphasizes that supporting students is a campus-wide effort. He encourages all members of the Kent State community to be aware and willing to ask students how they're doing, especially if they notice changes in behavior or academic performance.
"Don't be hesitant to ask how they're doing, if they need anything," Perkins said. "Sometimes it's external. You'll find that there is a deep story behind their inability to keep up the quality of work."
Looking Ahead
As the CARES Center enters its fourth year of operation, it continues to evolve and adapt to student needs. While born out of initiatives predating the COVID-19 pandemic, the center's creation was timely, addressing heightened student needs during and after the global crisis.
The CARES Center stands as a testament to Kent State's commitment to student well-being and success.
"We will flip over every rock to help you. We will not leave a stone unturned," Perkins said.
In doing so, the center is not just supporting students through their academic journey, but also equipping them with resources and resilience for life beyond campus.