ISD Resource Centers Boost Family and Staff Support

**Montgomery & Willis ISDs Launch Vital Resource Centers to Support Families, Staff**

MONTGOMERY & WILLIS, TX – Two Montgomery County school districts are leading the way in comprehensive community support, having recently established dedicated Family and Staff Resource Centers designed to assist students, their families, and district employees with a wide range of needs. Both Montgomery ISD (MISD) and Willis ISD (WISD) opened their centers in late 2023, creating essential hubs for critical resources and referrals.

Montgomery ISD’s center first opened its doors in October 2023, initially housed within Lake Creek High School. The district has announced plans for the center to relocate to a more permanent and accessible location: the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation building, formerly Lone Star Elementary on Stewart Street in Montgomery. This move is expected to provide expanded space and better serve the community.

Following MISD’s initiative, Willis ISD launched its own resource center in December 2023. Located conveniently behind the district administration building at 204 W. Rogers St. in Willis, the WISD center quickly became operational, mirroring its neighbor’s commitment to holistic support.

“The well-being of our students and staff is paramount,” stated Dr. Heath Morrison, Superintendent of Montgomery ISD. “We recognized a growing need within our community for accessible resources that address not just academic challenges, but also the fundamental needs that impact a person’s ability to learn and thrive. These centers are a testament to our commitment to removing barriers and fostering a supportive environment for everyone.”

The centers are designed to be comprehensive support hubs. Both offer crucial tangible resources, including well-stocked food pantries, clothing closets, and essential school supplies. They also provide hygiene items and toiletries, addressing often-overlooked but vital personal needs. Beyond physical goods, a cornerstone of their mission is robust mental health support, facilitated through strategic partnerships with organizations like Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare and Montgomery County United Way. These collaborations enable access to counseling services, crisis intervention, and mental health navigation resources for families and staff members.

Elizabeth Taylor, who leads MISD’s Family and Staff Resource Center, and Becky Brown, who spearheads WISD’s efforts, are key figures in the daily operations. Their teams provide direct assistance and crucial referrals to external community resources covering a broad spectrum of needs, including financial assistance, housing support, medical services, and utility aid.

“We believe that a strong community is built on a foundation of support,” said Dr. Tony Hunter, Superintendent of Willis ISD. “Our resource center is more than just a place to get supplies; it’s a beacon of hope and a pathway to stability for those facing difficult circumstances. Becky Brown and her team are doing incredible work connecting our families and staff with the help they need, ensuring they can focus on what matters most.”

Since their respective openings, the impact of these centers has been significant. MISD’s center served an impressive 1,027 families and 377 staff members between October 2023 and April 2024. Willis ISD’s center supported approximately 800 individuals from December 2023 through April 2024, demonstrating a clear and immediate demand for their services.

“We’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of support can make a huge difference in a family’s life,” commented Elizabeth Taylor of MISD. “From ensuring a student has a meal over the weekend to connecting a staff member with housing assistance, we’re dedicated to improving overall well-being and engagement within our district community.”

Becky Brown of WISD added, “Our goal is to be a consistent, reliable point of contact. By providing these essential resources and referrals, we’re helping to alleviate stress, allowing students to focus better in school and staff to feel more secure and supported in their roles.”

These vital initiatives are largely sustained by generous grants and community donations. Both districts emphasize that ongoing community support is crucial for the centers to continue and expand their services, working diligently to remove barriers to learning for students and improve the overall well-being of their communities.

**How to Access Support or Donate:**

**Montgomery ISD Family and Staff Resource Center:**
* **Current Location:** Lake Creek High School (Future relocation to Montgomery ISD Education Foundation building, former Lone Star Elementary, Stewart Street, Montgomery)
* **Contact:** For assistance or to donate, please visit the Montgomery ISD website (www.misd.org) or contact the district directly.

**Willis ISD Family and Staff Resource Center:**
* **Location:** 204 W. Rogers St., Willis (behind the district administration building)
* **Contact:** For assistance or to donate, please visit the Willis ISD website (www.willisisd.org) or contact the district directly.

Community members interested in volunteering or making contributions are encouraged to reach out to their respective district’s administration for more information on how to support these impactful new programs.