The Free Benefits of Single Stop

                     

                                                  The Free Benefits of Single Stop

 

                 Single Stop is a nationwide resource program. Since 2007, Single Stop has helped over 886,000 families access $2.4 billion in transformative resources and services. What many individuals do not know is Westchester Community College has their own explicit location. The college has the program on campus to help make benefits exclusively accessible to WCC students and their immediate families. Early actions show Single Stop can contribute to a double-digit increase in student retention.

            A little over a month ago, I had the pleasure of formally visiting the Single Stop location, located right here on campus in the lobby of the Gateway building. I was able to sit down and speak with the assistant director Christine Carbone, and the social worker Debra Santora. Both ladies were very helpful in informing me of their roles and the countless benefits of Single Stop.  

Here on campus, Single Stop is a very friendly and cozy atmosphere. The directors, counselors, mentors, and educators are devoted to helping bridge the gap between education and any life issues a student may encounter during their educational career. Nowadays, it’s evident how hard it can be for individuals to further their education out of high school. In addition, community college students are proven to be vulnerable to various hardships. Individuals may come across financial obstacles, mental hurdles, emotional issues, health problems, etc. Single Stop is experienced to professionally assist in all of those issues and more! They are like a “one stop shop” for resources. Pretty much anything a student needs to know about life assistance while obtaining a degree, can be obtained directly through Single Stop. The best aspect of it all is everything is, FREE!

                When first proceeding with Single Stop and all the many benefits they have to offer, there is a brief screening process. Students fill out a confidential intake form to help Single Stop employees determine what benefits a student or their family member/s may be eligible for. From there, they work with a counselor who will walk them through or apply for any benefits on behalf of the student. Some of the services a student may be eligible for include but do not limit to, numerous government supports, financial guidance, legal counseling, and tax preparation. Single Stop offers students the resources they need to succeed.