In 2020, DeSoto ISD began working with area non-profit Serving with a Purpose to create a parent resource center at East Middle School under the guidance and support of the campus principal. In early Spring 2021, EMS hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the center.
See NBC DFW news coverage here.
Despite the temporary closure of EMS, the campus is still in use as a temporary storage solution and as a housing space for the SWAP Parent Resource Center which is in the process of expanding to serve students and families districtwide.
“I am so excited to be a part of the village that is coming together to fill this need in our community,” said SWAP Founder and President Melissa Toney.
The center will utilize a case management approach to service initiated by a teacher or counselor referral to a student's family. The family may either, then, create a request to have a 30-min phone call with SWAP's partnering counseling arm, Restored Life, or complete a needs assessment.
The center will offer the following services to families across DeSoto ISD:
- food pantry
- clothing
- furniture (disaster or emergency resource)
- counseling
- life skills classes
- Resume Writing
- Interviewing
- Parenting
- Financial Literacy
- Other Courses
The Parent Resource Center will also have a Teacher Resource Room supported by the DeSoto ISD PTO with the goal of providing resources to district teachers.
Given the planned expansion of the Parent Resource Center, the district is working with SWAP to plan and promote a relaunch event set for mid-November during which families and community members can tour the center and learn more about engagement, volunteerism, and donations.
“DeSoto ISD is fortunate to have such dedicated partners like Serving with a Purpose,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. D’Andre Weaver. “The resources, training and services that will be offered as a result of this partnership will positively impact our community on so many levels and I look forward to the expanded reach of this effort across our schools and community.”
The Parent Resource Center is currently servicing families in the DeSoto and Glenn Heights communities. Visit the links below to access center support: