Creator of the Broad Care Center and Coordinator for Student Wellness and Academic Success Jessica Gray said the Care Center was established to take some financial stress off of students.

"It's just meant to be a quick resource to help for whatever need they have," Gray said. "And then also if they need something more long term, working with me to help them get connected to different resources in the area."

Supply chain management senior and a student assistant for the Care Center Martha Ramirez said the Care Center provides a place for students to rely on for items they may need.

"I feel like it's a source that we need, but we don't really talk about," Ramirez said. "It's kind of like a subject that many people don't want to bring up, just because people are nervous to talk about it."

Along with Gray and her student assistants, the Care Center was supported by the Broad Student Senate.

Supply chain management junior and President of Broad Student Senate Rhea Galbraith said the Care Center helps students focus less on financial shortcomings, and more on their studies during their time at MSU.

"It’s so important because it's resources for students that not everyone thinks about, like pads, tampons, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, all of those things that most people need as a human being and some things we take for granted," Galbraith said. "Just giving them that extra help can help them flourish."

When formulating the idea for the Care Center, Gray said she tried to emulate an environment where students would feel supported, especially since she personally experienced some food and basic needs insecurity during her time as a student at MSU.

"I wanted it to be a safety net for students, so that they don't have to worry about everything falling apart," Gray said. "There's people here to support you, and items here for you to get if you need it or if you want it."

As for the Care Center itself, Gray said it was modeled after the three other care closets offered at MSU, which consists of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), Fostering Academics, Mentoring Excellence (FAME), and the Center for Survivors. However, she wanted to create a Care Center that would fit the needs of students who didn’t specifically fall into those categories.

"I feel like a lot of times, like looking at it from the perspective of a spectrum,  if you're... in the between... A lot of times they get overlooked," Gray said. "So I really wanted to create a resource those who fall in the middle… they'll be like, ‘I'm not that bad,' (and) those who are 'not that bad,' they can still tap in and still be supported."

Galbraith hopes that students take advantage of the resources provided in the Care Center. She emphasized that the center is open for everyone in Broad, regardless of if they think they have enough resources or not. 

"It's just that one step to make your life easier," Galbraith said. "If you need anything, please take it. These are resources that are being given for your benefit."

Gray wishes that the individuals who utilize the Care Center will feel cared for and understand that the resource was created specifically to support them.

"College is hard enough, and it's even more difficult when you're going through stuff, or when money is tight or not as flexible as you want," Gray said. "I want (students) to be like 'Somebody cares about me, somebody hears me, I don't have to go through this alone.'"