YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Choffin Career & Technical Center has opened two new care closets to provide students with free access to essential personal and food items, ensuring that their basic needs are met so they can focus on their education.
The initiative was spearheaded by Denise Zordich, assistant principal and dean of students, in collaboration with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
The care closet located on Choffin’s second floor offers all-new personal items such as clothing and hygiene products, and the care closet on the third floor is dedicated to nonperishable food items. These resources are available to all Choffin students at no cost.
“This has been an incredible gift for our students. They truly appreciate it and have been so respectful of the spaces,” Zordich said. “As one of our instructors put it, ‘A full belly leads to a full mind.’ If a student misses breakfast or needs something more after lunch, having access to food can make all the difference in their day.”
In addition to her work in bringing the care closets to Choffin, Zordich has also led the Celebration of Life B Strong initiative, a program dedicated to helping students navigate life’s challenges and cope with loss. The initiative, now in its third year, was founded after Zordich’s son died in December 2021.
Through initiatives like the care closets and Celebration of Life B Strong, Choffin is continuing its efforts to foster a supportive and compassionate environment to ensure students have the resources and emotional support they need to succeed.
Pictured at top: From left are Sherry Cross, Choffin adult education director; Michael Saville, Choffin director; Jessica Anthony, United Way community impact manager; Denise Zordich, Choffin assistant principal and dean of students; and Jalaiyah Lewis, Choffin business and entrepreneurship coach.