Victoria Independent School District (VISD) is dedicated to supporting students and families through VISD Connections. VISD Connections serves as a lifeline, offering essential assistance to those in need and serving as a valuable resource for the entire community.
The VISD Connections center, located at 3002 E. North St, Suite J, operates as a family resource center, extending its support to district students, families, and community members. The center offers a wide range of services and resources designed to address fundamental needs and improve the well-being of those it serves.
Among the resources available through VISD Connections are a food pantry, a clothing and hygiene closet, parenting workshops, case-management services, support for pregnant and parenting VISD students, and programs aimed at promoting attendance and preventing students from dropping out. Additionally, the program provides services for families in transitional living situations and offers referrals to community resources for housing, medical, dental, and mental health needs.
The VISD Connections Center provides two food pantries on site. The VISD Connections Pantry is stocked with food available for VISD families, staff, and students. The El Roi Pantry is a community-based food pantry open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. that provides food for the community.
The Connections Clothes Closet is accessible daily, offering a variety of clothing, shoes, coats, jackets, and essential undergarments for VISD students. VISD Connections collaborates with Driscoll Health to provide hygiene items to district families and community members. School supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, and pencils, are also available for VISD students.
In its efforts to engage and support parents, VISD Connections initiated Parent U, a program aimed at hosting workshops focused on topics such as the importance of time, attendance, managing behavior, and addressing parent stress. The program prioritizes feedback from parents to tailor future sessions to their needs and availability.
Another excellent example of VISD Connections’ impact is the GownShare program, which launched last school year. This initiative aimed to make graduation accessible for all by accepting donations of gently used graduation gowns from recent VISD high school graduations. VISD Connections staff inspected the donated gowns, ensuring they were in good condition and drycleaned before distribution. They then filled orders and sent them to the home campus to be delivered to the student. GownShare was and is a testament to VISD Connections’ commitment to helping students grow their genius by reducing financial barriers, strengthening our district community, and providing valuable support to students.
VISD Connections stands as a beacon of hope and support, enriching the lives of students, families, and community members. Through its various initiatives and unwavering commitment to addressing fundamental needs, the program embodies the district’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. As the program continues to expand, its impact will be felt across the district, creating a lasting impact of support and opportunity for all.
Graisyn Nieto is the communications specialist for Victoria ISD.