Introduction to Shared Dreams Program
Fort Bend ISD is addressing economic challenges faced by many of its families through the Shared Dreams program, a community-driven initiative that helps students of all grades and campuses get access to essential items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, toiletries, and non-perishable food. This program is particularly important as school supplies for the 2025-2026 school year are projected to be more expensive.
The Importance of Volunteer Support
Bobbie Anderson, who leads the program, highlights the importance of volunteer support in making the effort successful. "We don’t do anything without volunteers," Anderson explained. The program receives ongoing backing from groups like Sienna’s Women’s League, whose members regularly contribute. Each care package prepared by volunteers provides the equivalent of 18 to 20 meals, demonstrating the tangible impact of these efforts.
Economic Hardships in Fort Bend ISD
Nearly half of Fort Bend ISD families face economic hardships. For many, the Shared Dreams program offers vital short-term assistance that can be life-changing. "When you have parents or guardians working, one unexpected event—like a car breaking down, a medical concern, or a student needing something extra—can throw everything off course," Anderson noted. "Those things change lives. We want them to know we’re here for them. There’s no judgment here."
Funding and Referrals
The program is funded through a combination of grants and private donations. Referrals come from school nurses, counselors, and social workers who identify students in need, ensuring help reaches those who require it most. This meticulous approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Community Support
The community’s support is visible in the steady stream of donations, including contributions from private citizens and local agencies such as Fresno Fire & Rescue and Fort Bend ESD 7. These firefighters have packed trucks full of supplies specifically for children in underserved areas on the east side of Fort Bend County, including Fresno and Arcola. "Over the last month and a half, we’ve been collecting school supplies predominantly for children in our area," said one firefighter. "The community cares. That makes us all successful in the end."
Volunteer Experiences
Volunteers like Bart Lindsey from Brave Church find participating in Shared Dreams rewarding. "It feels good to be part of something that gives back in such a big way," Lindsey said. "We come together realizing the blessings shouldn’t stop with us, but should flow through us. We brought a team to serve on Saturdays, and they were blown away. This is a one-stop shop where families are truly blessed."
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Anderson also emphasized the welcoming environment they strive to create for families. "Sometimes the hardest part for them is just walking through the front doors," she says. "We want them to feel good knowing we’re here to take care of them. Fort Bend ISD cares—and that’s what we do."
Conclusion
The Shared Dreams program is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing economic challenges faced by families. Through volunteer support, funding, and referrals, the program provides essential items to students in need. The community’s support and the program’s welcoming environment make it a vital resource for families in Fort Bend ISD. To learn more about the Shared Dreams program, visit the Fort Bend ISD website for more information.
