Basic Needs
What Are Basic Needs
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals. Meeting basic needs strengthens student success by improving retention, academic performance, and mental well-being while fostering long-term resilience. We encourage you to explore the resources available to you.
Basic Needs Resources
The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program offers educational and workforce training opportunities to students receiving Basic Food Assistance (food stamps).
The primary function of the BFET program at YVC is to ensure eligible students continue receiving vital services such as Basic Food Assistance and/or Child Care Subsidy while completing a professional technical program of study with the goal of future employment
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Food Pantry is funded and operated by students for students facing food insecurity.
The pantry is open to any person that is in need. Students can pick up a pre-packaged bag of groceries, and special needs items like baby supplies in the Student Life Offices on either the Yakima or Grandview campus during regular operating hours.
We also stock quick snacks and meals for students who need to eat before or between classes.
The Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) program aims to assist students experiencing homelessness, are at risk for homelessness, and/or who were in the foster care system when they graduated high school. It was established in 2019 when the Washington Legislature passed Second Substitute Senate Bill (2SSB) 5800 concerning homeless college students, followed by an expansion in 2021 with Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1166.
Support Provided
- Housing: Emergency, short-term, long-term and homelessness prevention funding
- Food Assistance
- Case Management: Referrals to campus and community resources
- Technology Support: Access to computers, internet devices and/or support with internet access fees
- Transportation: Bus passes, vehicle repairs and funds for fuel
- Books and class supplies
- Non-tuition fees and fines
- Child and health-related expenses
- Additional Support: Access to showers , hygiene kits, laundry facilities, clothing and mailstop
WorkFirst at Â鶹ÊÓƵ can help TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients gain the skills they need to prepare for a better job.
TANF parents can achieve their educational goals by enrolling in a variety of vocational and training programs. WorkFirst students are also eligible to receive financial assistance to pay for tuition, fees and books. ​
Worker Retraining is a state-funded program designed to help eligible individuals update their job skills and return to employment.
What services does Worker Retraining provide?
- Payment of tuition and fees
- Assistance with the Employment Security Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) /Training Benefits (TB) application (permission to attend school while collecting your unemployment)
- Educational advising and planning
- Assistance in locating additional funding for training
- Priority registration
- Liaison to other agencies, programs and funding
Need a professional outfit for a job interview or other important meeting? The ASYVC Rodeo Drive can help. Rodeo Drive is operated by students for students.
About
ASYVC’s Rodeo Drive, offered in memory of Business Technology Instructor Alen Janisch,
provides business casual and professional clothing to YVC students. Students can shop
for free each quarter and help build their professional wardrobe for when they graduate.
Locations
On the Yakima Campus Rodeo Drive is located in the Hopf Union Building, Alcove 124.
On the Grandview Campus the Student Life office located in the Student Activity Center,
Building #52.
Donations
Have clothing you’d like to donate? Bring your gently used items to the Student Life
Office on the Yakima Campus. We ask that clothing be in good condition with no rips
or stains and freshly laundered.
What's Available
- Jackets and coats
- Vests and ties
- Suits
- Sweaters and tops
- Dresses
- Pants and slacks
- Shoes
- And more
Additional Resources at YVC
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is committed to helping veterans make the best choices possible while attaining the maximum assistance, guidance, and support using the new and other programs.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Veterans Program assures its students they will receive outstanding veteran support services, and the encouragement they need to facilitate the transition to college life, while maintaining an environment that espouses respect, high ethical standards and aids student intellectual, personal growth and development and educational success.
Services Provided
- Assist you in processing your initial application for VA Educational Benefits and completing the actions required for enrollment certification.
- Assist you in completing the administrative actions necessary to ensure you receive your monthly VA Educational payments.
- Assist you in the process of applying for enrollment at Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
Disability Support Services (DSS) arranges accommodations, makes available a barrier-free campus, and educates the campus community about disability.​
DSS is committed to providing appropriate accommodations to individual students, access to adaptive technology, and barrier-free facilities. We offer eligible students and staff equal access to all YVC sponsored programs and academic resources.
Available accommodations include (but are not limited to):
- Alternative Exams Format/Time
- Taped texts/Lectures
- ASL Interpreters
- Note Takers
- Registration Assistance
Â鶹ÊÓƵ students have access to TimelyCare, a free virtual health and wellness service designed specifically for college students. Whether you're feeling under the weather, dealing with stress, or just need someone to talk to, help is available whenever you need it — day or night.
Assistance with tuition, living expenses, academic/ employment support, and referral to other resources.
Eligibility:
- Former foster youth or unaccompanied homeless youth
- Enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college program
- WA state resident
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress: 2.0 GPA
Contact:
Raymond Navarro
509.574.4603
rnavarro@yvcc.edu
The Corrections Education Navigator Program supports justice-impacted individuals in successfully accessing and completing educational opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers and community reintegration.
Contact:
Alex Bazan
Re-Entry Navigator
509.834.4506
abazan@yvcc.edu
Contact
Basic Needs Navigator
Rachel Villanueva serves as Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Benefits Navigator, helping students connect with vital resources that support their academic and personal success. She provides guidance on accessing basic needs assistance, financial support, and community services to ensure every student can focus on their educational goals.
Contact Rachel