Heidi’s Kids
Resource room at Minor Elementary
In two elementary schools—Minor and Center Point—Heidi’s Kids brings caring to the classroom. Two recently opened Emotional Support Resource Rooms stocked with essentials and staffed by counselors have opened alongside Heidi’s Closet, small free “stores” where students can shop for items they need. Together, these initiatives help to nurture children’s self-esteem, meet basic needs, and foster emotional wellbeing.
“Through partnerships with local businesses and other nonprofits, Heidi’s Kids can supply our Emotional Support Resource Rooms not only with basic necessities, but also with items that bring hope and joy, such as birthday party kits and Halloween costumes. Teachers and counselors can access these rooms without any paperwork to retrieve what they need for their students,” says founder and CEO Heidi Marimberga.
Heidi’s Kids
Resource room at Centerpoint Elementary
The Kid’s Market, Little Lavender, and The High Bidder Club generously donated clothing to stock the closets, and school liaison Faith Garner oversees the closets, personally selecting items and ensuring each one is well-supplied and ready to meet the students’ needs. Heidi’s Kids is so excited for the opportunity to meet many basic needs for the precious children in these schools,” says Faith. “Our clothes closets are stocked with mint condition pre-owned clothing supplied by local donors. Every child deserves to have these fundamental needs provided, and we are doing just that!”
Heidi’s Kids
Calming tent at Minor Elementary
Each room is equipped with therapy tools and supplies, including calming tents, sensory walls, and tools to help children manage their emotions. Additionally, the rooms contain school supplies — from pencils to backpacks — and hygiene items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and dental hygiene kits donated by Grants Mill Family Dentistry. We also provide emergency take-home food that can be placed in a child’s backpack as needed.
“One of the greatest benefits of these rooms is that teachers can access the resources they need for students right within the building, making a real difference in supporting our children,” says Heidi.
Heidi’s Kids
Currently, Heidi’s Kids has four Emotional Support Resource Rooms—at Center Point, Minor, Irondale, and Grants Wood elementary schools—which serve 2,000 children in Jefferson County. With these peaceful, cozy rooms and clothing closets, Heidi’s Kids is transforming schools into safe, supportive spaces where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.