Families in Transition (FIT) is a program that is intended to reach out to families who don’t have a permanent home. A family in transition might be living in a motel, mobile vehicle, or staying with a friend. Any family that doesn’t have a permanent form of residence can apply to join the program.

“Seminole High has about 11-14 families in the program,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Michael Hennessy. It is the mission of the FIT program to give aid to students with families that are struggling with the conditions of today’s economy.

Students will be provided with food and school supplies packed up in a backpack to be taken home if needed. Families are also welcome to the school’s food pantry. The food pantry is stocked with non-perishable goods that supply enough food for families to last for the weekends.

Generous donors have provided non-perishable food items to local schools to be distributed to students in need. There are also many school clubs that hold food drives throughout the year that donate to help keep the food pantry stocked with up to date items. Students can also donate food independently.

“I think it’s a good program to help get involved  and volunteer in the community and impact people in a positive way,” said junior Chris Downs.

Besides Seminole High and other schools in Seminole County, local churches are also known for having food pantry goods open to the community.

“It is hard enough to have to deal with not having enough food, we want to make it as easy as possible for the students to get what they need,” stated Mr. Hennessy.

The people who run the program strive to help students in any way possible.  The goal of the program is to provide every student with the basic needs for living such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Principal Dr. Connie Collins stated, “When students are in need, we need to know about it.”

The FIT program can go as far as helping a family who has lost their current residence to helping the family settle into a new home. If students are in need of help they are strongly encouraged to talk to their teachers, counselors, and administrators to gather more information about the Families in Transition program.