The Rotary Club of Sedona focuses our efforts locally, regionally and globally on Working Hard for Working Families. To advance that mission we try to expand our knowledge and understanding of organizations that support our focus. Jennifer Perry of the Sedona office of the Arizona Community Foundation suggested that we invite “LISA” to speak.
On Tuesday (July 11) we were joined by Eric Wyles, founder of Low Income Student Aid (a/k/a LISA) and two board members for the organization. LISA’s mission is to help to elevate the experience of children from low income households to the level of experience for those who are not so challenged.
Eric Wyles founded Low Income Student Aid (LISA) in 2018 when he learned that children of low income households in Cornville were being given a lesser lunch meal to those who could afford a varied and nutritious mid-day meal. The difference he described as peanut butter and jelly vs. a nutritious entree, vegetable and a fresh fruit. Besides the nutritional differential Eric noted the stigma associated with a difference in meals for those who could not afford the more nutritious option. LISA jumped in and told the school that they would make up the differential so that EVERY child would have access to the better meals.
Since that time LISA has expanded its efforts to give students from pre-school through high school in the Cornville and Cottonwood schools a similar experience to the educational experience afforded to youth from more financially fortunate households. LISA takes applications from anyone who wishes to advocate for a child who might miss out on an experience due to lack of funds. Besides the lunch program they fund activity fees, equipment for sports, art and music classes, camps and almost anything else that would help to eliminate financial resources as a reason for non-participation.
LISA has been operating as an all volunteer organization, but is planning to hire a part-time administrative person to track requests and improve their overall efficiency. They continue to expand their geographic coverage area from Cornville/Cottonwood and hope to reach the entire Verde Valley by 2028.
LISA is a 501c3 organization. For more information visit their website at https://oakcreeklisa.org.