Student Assistance Program offers support
BY: CONCILIA NDLOVU
STAFF WRITER
Sometimes, students face food insecurity, unreliable childcare and other financial and domestic obstacles that hinder academic success while attending classes. What some students are not aware of is that STLCC Meramec has a program that focuses on helping students meet their basic needs, offering different kinds of reliable support services so that they can better focus on succeeding in their studies and graduating.
The Student Assistance Program, an idea from a former Meramec student, has exploded across all STLCC campuses, and has become a vital part of student support systems. The mission statement of SAP is to enhance academic success by alleviating barriers and supporting students in meeting their basic needs, addressing crises, problem-solving, and promoting a healthy individual, college and community.
Bella Hafezi, the new SAP manager, encourages students to visit the SAP office, and would like to assure students that there is no stigma associated with using SAP services. The office caters to a broad spectrum and different demographics. Hafezi assures students that full confidentiality is also practiced.
Meramec SAP is also providing free feminine hygiene products and toiletries to students in need. According to the National Public Radio, products like Viagra and dandruff shampoo are exempt from sales tax in many U.S. states on the basis of those products being necessary health and personal care items. However, Missouri is one of the states where menstrual products like tampons are taxed as a luxury product.
In addition to meeting students’ nutritional needs and childcare grant services, SAP also offers mental health resources, crisis counseling and intervention, help with applying for government aid, monthly groceries and fresh produce every third Wednesday of the month to students, staff members, faculty and our community members.
“I really appreciate what SAP is doing for students because, as international students, we [tend] to have limited resources. They [SAP] provided me with a counselor who listened to me and went out of her way to help me navigate outside support services and show personal interest to students,” said current international student, Lisa Roberts, who has used the SAP services and volunteered 
with them.
Students who wish to use the free BBC (Brown Bag Cafe) need only show up and sign in. To meet with a counselor or SAP manager, students can set up an appointment through one of the student workers in the SAP office.
Students are also encouraged to volunteer with the SAP. One can do this by emailing the manager with a request to do so.
“They basically taught me how to interact with students who visited SAP. I helped with the BBC on-the-go market where we distributed free, fresh produce and food supplies to students, staff and community members. Food was distributed using a buffet style where you get whatever products you want,” said Roberts.
The SAP is made possible by the contributions of sponsors, therefore if anyone is interested in donating to the SAP office, they can donate supplies to the SAP office located on Clark Hall in room AD 130, or they may call (314) 984-7887 for more information.
The SAP also has an Emergency Fund, which is used to assist with meeting students’ needs during times of emergencies and/or crisis, including relief from domestic violence. To give to this fund, sponsors can donate to the SAP Meramec Emergency Fund through the cashier’s office in Clark Hall.
Sponsors must specify they are donating to the Meramec SAP, as there are different SAP offices in each campus. For more information, students may contact the SAP manager at bhafezi@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7096 or (314) 984-7887.
Graphic by Gina Carr
