School resource centers renovated to support Central Florida students in need

Days before the start of the school year, newly transformed “needs spaces” are being revealed at different schools across Central Florida.The “needs spaces” were reimagined through an effort from the Addition Financial Foundation and designed to support students and families experiencing financial hardship.On Monday, a redesigned food pantry and lounge was unveiled at Seminole High School’s 9th Grade Center — one of five schools across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, and Lake counties to receive a makeover through the foundation’s Renovate to Educate program.The renovations were made as an estimated 20,000 students across those five counties are currently experiencing homelessness.[WATCH: Seminole County superintendent touts academic gains amid budget challenges]“This is going to address food insecurity. When our kiddos need clothing, they need food, and they have a space to come, they will definitely be ready to compete academically and prepare them for the classroom,” said Dr. Ja