Mrs. Ida Fiore, a retired teacher who spent 32 years teaching various science classes in Highland Park, has founded a non-profit organization called SaLT: Service and Learning Together.

SaLT is a non-profit organization that creates meaningful service-learning experiences that meet the needs of the local community. 

Fiore, who now works as an assistant teacher in the science department here, says the inspiration for the organization started when she found a way to combine her passion for education and community service. 

“My involvement in service-learning initiatives, such as leading the Schuler Program, the Highland Park High School Interact Club, and founding a service-learning club at Northwood Middle School allowed me to see the transformative power of these experiences in shaping students’ empathy, leadership skills, and commitment to giving back,” Fiore said.

Fiore and Brad Swanson, her co-founder of SaLT, created the organization to expand opportunities by taking students across the country on service trips. These service trips allow participants to engage deeply with communities to address real world challenges, such as food insecurity and migrant support.

“After traveling with SaLT, I understood what it meant to travel with a purpose. On SaLT trips I have made some of my best friends while experiencing and learning about new communities. A SaLT trip is an opportunity to expand your world and make meaningful memories in an amazing new place and I’m so grateful I’ve gotten to experience it,”  service trip participant Jagger Barnes said.

SaLT collaborates with other nonprofit organizations around the country. More specifically in Juneau Alaska, San Juan Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Orlando Florida, and New Orleans  Louisiana. 

“Each of our trips has a different personality when it comes to the type of service. In Orlando, we work with Give Kids the World and support families who have children experiencing life-threatening illnesses. In New Orleans, we work with restoring and repairing houses that have been damaged from natural disasters. In Alaska, we partner with a Native American tribe to understand their culture and do a variety of service projects to support their community,” Swanson said.

These trips focus on disaster relief efforts, environmental conservation, food insecurity support, and educational outreach.

The organization’s work was featured in The New York Times highlighting their work with migrant families. 

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our volunteers, supporters, and the communities we work with,” Fiore said. 

Some ways students at LFHS can get involved in the service opportunities is participating in their various events, such as their Shop N’ Drop or “Take Care” packages. Even going on one of their service trips is another fulfilling way to get involved in all that SaLT has to offer. 

“Service and Learning Together taught me that some of the most important things in life come from helping others and making lasting impacts. Every effort, no matter how small, is one step closer to filling an empty pantry, helping someone pay for a warm coat, or giving a kid a reason to smile,” freshman Francesca Nottoli said.