City of Baytown Community Development Division officials urged Kiwanis Club members Thursday to support two initiatives aimed at helping local children prepare for the school year.
Sharon Rose, community development supervisor, detailed the federally funded “New Year in New Shoes” program and the community-supported Back-to-School Fair during the Kiwanis Club meeting. She was joined by Community Outreach Specialist Stephany Medina and Community Development Generalist Monica Fabela.
The New Year in New Shoes program provides new school shoes to low- to moderate-income children in Baytown. Families must prove city residency and eligibility through public assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid or free lunch. The division has approved about 270 children so far and aims to reach 300, with vouchers not exceeding $50 per child.
Rose said the program relies on HUD Community Development Block Grant funding and requires strict documentation to ensure aid reaches eligible residents.
The Back-to-School Fair, set for Aug. 8, distributes free backpacks and basic school supplies to students enrolled in Goose Creek CISD schools. Unlike the shoes program, it has no residency requirement beyond GCCISD enrollment. Last year, the event served 1,420 students and raised $13,500. The division has matched that amount this year and anticipates additional donations.
“Everything’s expensive now,” Rose said. “We’re trying to see how we can help.”
Organizers partner with groups including Communities and Schools, Houston Methodist and local businesses. Houston Methodist employees alone contributed more than 450 backpacks last year. The fair also features resource tables from agencies such as the Baytown Police Department, Hearts and Hands of Baytown, and the Lions Club, which provides vision screenings.
Backpacks are stocked with essentials — spiral notebooks, composition books, folders, and a pencil pouch with crayons, colored pencils, pens, pencils, erasers, a sharpener and scissors — rather than full school supply lists to maximize the number of children served.
The division is seeking volunteers for the Aug. 8 event and additional donations. Medina is the contact for volunteer shifts or supply lists.
Rose encouraged attendees to avoid low-quality bulk backpacks from online retailers, noting Walmart purchases and select durable options under $20 have proven reliable.
The Community Development Division administers a range of HUD-funded programs including housing rehabilitation, sewer line repairs, first-time homebuyer assistance, transportation for elderly and disabled residents, and support for local nonprofits serving food needs and at-risk youth job training.
Photo: Members of the City of Baytown Community Development Division came to speak at the Kiwanis Club of Baytown. Pictured from left are Stephany Medina, community outreach specialist; Monica Fabela, community development generalist; and Sharon Rose, community development supervisor.