Thriving Together
Supported Needs → Supported Students → Supportive Systems
Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed, no matter the circumstances. We provide rapid crisis support, champion policies that advance equity, and invest in community-driven solutions that improve educational outcomes citywide.
Why This Matters
Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes trust, proximity, and shared ownership. We raise flexible capital to respond quickly to emerging needs and organize cross-sector collaboration that shifts power and expands possibility.
Key Indicator
25% reduction in family crisis referrals over three years.
Thriving Together Programs
Crisis Response Fund: Responding to Real-Time Community Need
When families and communities face unexpected or sudden crises, stability matters. The Crisis Response Fund provides rapid, short-term support to students and families experiencing hardship, helping address urgent needs so students can remain safe, supported, and engaged in learning during difficult moments.
Advocacy
Richmond needs the voices of students, families, and educators represented in the policies that shape education and opportunity. REF actively champions initiatives that advance funding equity, enrollment reforms, and scalable solutions that remove systemic barriers, directing resources where they are needed most and supporting sustainable, system-level change.
Through strong partnerships and ongoing dialogue with local and state leaders, we advocate for policies that strengthen educational experiences and expand opportunities for every student.
Community Engagement
Collaborating with families, educators, and local organizations enriches our understanding of the needs and aspirations of those we serve.
Through town halls, workshops, and open forums, we create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, ensuring that decision-making reflects the collective insight of our community. This approach strengthens trust, fosters transparency, and fuels initiatives that truly resonate.