Learn, Grow, Succeed

AUTHOR: JASON PHILYAW

Richardson ISD Communications Specialist

RICHARDSON ISD is a place where all students connect, learn, grow and succeed. The school district’s strategic plan includes a commitment to ensure all families, businesses, and community partners are fully engaged in that mission.

RISD’s partnership with the Network of Community Ministries has provided invaluable support, not only for students and their families, but also staff members during times of crisis and need.

“Our relationship with the Network continues to bear fruit every day,” RISD Interim Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. “Every day one of our students needs a new pair of shoes or more school supplies, or a family is met with food insecurity, and every day Network steps up and fulfills that need. We are also grateful for all the RISD community members who donate to Network and to those who volunteer at the facility. We are a stronger school district because of this close partnership.” Throughout the pandemic, Network has supported RISD families by addressing food insecurity issues, clothing needs, school supply shortages, and even financial support during emergencies. Network CEO Cindy Shafer said the partnership has helped the nonprofit tremendously in reaching additional families in need within the district. “Through our collaboration in mobile food distribution over the past three years, to RISD's ongoing promotion of family services at Network through their marketing channels, more of our neighbors are learning about and benefitting from our crucial programs,” Shafer said. “It has been a pleasure having such a willing and enthusiastic community partner to walk with us as we work to improve the quality of life of RISD students and their families.” When the RISD community was hit by a tornado in October 2019, the district immediately leveraged the partnership with Network as part of a larger emergency response effort. The Network helped RISD provide basic needs, including shelter, food, clothing, and relocation services for students and staff who were impacted. Also that fall, Network launched its mobile food pantry that initially focused on four high-need schools, providing food monthly for qualifying RISD students and their families. During the summer of 2020, as the pandemic exacerbated food insecurity issues for many RISD families, the school district and Network further cemented their partnership by providing thousands of boxes of food each weekend at distribution centers across the district.

Network added a second mobile food pantry in December 2021 and immediately expanded weekly visits to nine RISD schools, reaching more families who are still struggling due to

the pandemic and other economic hardships. Network also provides RISD educators with a food pantry service that gives teachers healthy snacks for their classrooms for students in need.

In the fall of 2021, Network moved into a larger facility on International Parkway in Richardson. The complex also includes a new Richardson ISD Family Services Center that houses the district’s newcomer center, Student Services department and guidance and counseling teams.

Families new to RISD and enrolling for the first time now have access to this plethora of services provided by the school district with across-thehall access to everything Network provides, as well. The new facility is truly a one-stop shop for anyone new to the area who needs help registering kids in school, keeping food on the table, and connecting with people who want to help. “With RISD’s Student Service department being located in Network’s new building, it has truly never been easier for families to have access to Network’s services,” Shafer said. “If a family who could benefit from the Network comes into RISD’s Student Services department, they can immediately be referred to us for help with food, clothing, utility assistance, career services, adult education programs, and more. This convenient access provides a one-stop shop for more families in need, and those not yet familiar with Network's resources.” Later in 2022, Network, Methodist Richardson Medical Center and RISD plan to open an RISD Employee Clinic at the new Network facility that will be available for drop-in medical services for a low co-pay fee for the nearly 6,000 RISD staff members and their families.

Network is also a major sponsor of RISD’s annual Back to School Backpack Bash that furnishes students with school supplies, haircuts, and other wellness services ahead of the first day of school. Founded in 1985, Network began during an economic downturn when several churches and community organizations came together to form an alliance to assist families in need. Today, Network is a non-denominational, communitybased organization serving nearly 30,000 individuals annually through over 142,000 units of service. Network’s service area encompasses the entirety of the 14 zip codes within Richardson ISD.

“We are fortunate and so grateful to have the Network as a critical resource and strategic partner for the families and staff of Richardson ISD,” RISD Interim Superintendent Branum said.