Heinen's Grocery partners (left), Ann Reid mental health professionals and parent educators (left)
When a Naperville Community Unit School District 203 social worker or staff member identifies a barrier to student learning, Naperville Education Foundation’s (NEF) Kid Booster Anonymous Grants provide support to at-risk students to enhance their physical or social emotional well-being. School-based mental health professionals work closely with families to connect students with available support. Kid Booster Anonymous Grants provide a timely response and “missing link” under circumstances where there’s no known support system available to address the student’s need.
In November, NEF was made aware of families in the Naperville 203 community who were facing unexpected challenges that made it difficult for students to focus on learning. Immediately after NEF shared this need with the community, gifts began pouring in. The support of Heinen’s Grocery Store partners and generous donors through Kid Booster Anonymous Grants allowed NEF to provide 85 bags of groceries to families in need.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Kid Booster Anonymous Grants have been used to support students in different capacities. The funds from each grant have allowed various students to get haircuts, fund psychiatric services, buy new clothes, and pay fees for athletic programs. The support given through Kid Booster Anonymous allows students to remain focused on their education so they can show up to class ready to learn.
Kid Booster Anonymous Grants help at-risk students focus on learning and provide assistance when it’s needed. Access to Kid Booster Anonymous allows school based mental health professionals to fill gaps for students by addressing their unique needs.
