Here at College of the Canyons, providing students with the best on-campus experience does not just apply to education. It’s not all about textbooks and good grades; it’s also about basic needs.
“Students, if they’re having external stressors that are coming from being housing insecure, food insecure, maybe they don’t understand what resources they have for them that are gonna help through their academic journey. We’re here to assist with all of that,” said Sarah Cox, Director of Student Resources and Basic Needs.
Students seeking vital resources can find them here at the Basic Needs Center or The BaNC. The program provides food, snacks, but that’s not all.
“It started with just giving grab-and-go foods, snacks and some meals,” said Cox.
“Since then, we’ve expanded to emergency grants. We have CalFresh assistance, where we help students sign up for CalFresh and help navigate the renewal process.”
“We help students with our clothing closet, whether it’s everyday clothing that they need or interview clothing,” says Cox.
Some students share their experience reaching out for these resources with no cost and a full welcoming.
“I pop in and I take some bread sometimes, and I just bring it home to my family,” says Nicole Lillingston, COC student.
Other students see how this program supports their peers.
“The basic needs center, I usually see it around. It has stuff that everyone needs. I have not used it yet, but I’ve seen and heard other people use it,” Carson Kratzberg, COC student.
Embarrassment or shame will only lead you to fall through the cracks, so here is some advice.
“I would say not to be ashamed because, honestly, everyone goes through a lot of things, and it’s not something to be ashamed of,” Lillingston says.
The BaNC is more than just food and clothing; it is also a path for students to succeed and a reminder that they have support.
