JeffSecure Provides Relief to Students During the Pandemic
Donations from University community help with housing, food insecurity, school supplies and more.
The economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many people to the financial brink, forcing them to make difficult life decisions.
For example, one Jefferson student recently became homeless and had to live out of her car while she continued her coursework. A professor realized her situation and pointed her to JeffSecure, a University fund that assists students facing unforeseen and unavoidable expenses. She now has stable housing and meals throughout the spring semester.
JeffSecure—supported by donations through Jefferson’s COVID-19 Better Together Fund—has helped other students pay their utilities, access school supplies and more during the pandemic.
The University has distributed nearly $60,000 through JeffSecure and the Ramily Market since September.
Architecture student Adriana Soto Ruiz struggled to make models for her studio work due to a lack of materials. JeffSecure allowed her to get the needed supplies shipped to her home in Puerto Rico.
“I’m very thankful for their help and quick response to my situation,” Ruiz says. “This will help me finish the semester stronger.”
Architectural studies student Rose Davis’ computer died in late March. Using her phone for virtual classes and paper writing proved challenging; JeffSecure helped her to get a replacement laptop.
“I’m incredibly grateful,” she says. “I wouldn’t have been able to purchase a new computer on my own.”
Yes, JeffSecure helps with unexpected costs, but it relieves some of their stress and lets them refocus on their academic goals.
In March and April, some 70 students have received roughly $36,000 in funds through JeffSecure. The average amount is about $500 per student. The University has distributed nearly $60,000 through JeffSecure and the Ramily Market since the start of the fall 2019 semester.
While JeffSecure provides financial support for students, it goes beyond merely being an emergency fund, notes Dr. Henry Humphreys, dean of students on Jefferson’s East Falls Campus.
“Yes, JeffSecure helps with unexpected costs, but it relieves some of their stress and lets them refocus on their academic goals,” he says. “Most importantly, students see ‘people first’ is an action, and they’re part of a caring community of faculty, staff, students and alumni.”
