NISD offers assistance to families during government shutdown

With the announcement of the temporary government shutdown, NISD officials are reaching out to families potentially impacted, saying, “How can we help?”

“No child will go hungry because they don’t have money for meals,” says Dr. John Craft, NISD superintendent. “And we want to make sure that their emotional needs are met as well because I’m sure this is a scary and uncertain time for many of them.”

San Antonio is home to several military installations, and about 7,000 military-connected students are enrolled in NISD. Additional students have parents and guardians who work as government contractors or in other government sectors, and they are also not receiving pay during the shutdown. 

Principals, counselors, social workers, and teachers will be attentive to students and families who may need additional financial and emotional assistance. 

“We need to be diligent and reach out to them, saying ‘let us help,’” Craft said. “These families need to know that they aren’t in this alone, and we have the means to help alleviate some of their anxieties and stress as far as school dynamics are concerned.”

To support families affected by the shutdown, NISD has identified possible services and resources to assist families during these challenging circumstances:

• Child Nutrition Department.
  • NISD will offer a courtesy meal (breakfast and/or lunch) at no cost to any student in need at all non-CEP campuses during the shutdown period. For more information, please speak with the Cafeteria Manager at your child’s school.
  • NISD currently has 76 Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, where students can eat breakfast and lunch at no cost. This will remain unchanged.
  • Donor accounts can be set up for donations at a school to support students who may not have sufficient funds for meal purchases. This may also be set up at the district level to pay multiple schools (non-CEP).
  • Families with changes in household income may apply or reapply for Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits. For more information, please call (210) 397-4517. Applications are taken for non-CEP campuses only. CEP campuses will continue to provide meals free of charge.
     
• Northside Threads Clothes Closet. Referrals are made through campus counselors. The NISD Threads Clothes Closet is available to all NISD students needing clothing items. Families can either shop at the NISD Threads Closet or have someone shop on their behalf.
  • Donations of new or gently used clothing are also welcome, especially new underwear and socks. For more information or to volunteer, call 210-397-8930.
     
• Counseling services.
  • Students: If your child is experiencing signs of anxiety or stress, please contact the campus counselor. Signs to watch for include difficulty concentrating, irritability, disruption in sleep patterns, problems expressing worry, including irrational worries or fears, avoidance of social situations, and fatigue.
     
• Employment opportunities. The NISD Human Resources Department will work to expedite the application process for individuals affected by the government shutdown. Applications will be accepted for current vacancies, such as substitute teacher, bus driver, or other appropriate positions. For more information on employment opportunities or to begin the application process, please visit:  https://ess.nisd.net/ess/employmentopportunities/  
   
• Food pantries:
  • San Antonio Food Bank. Families are encouraged to contact the San Antonio Food Bank for information on food resources.  https://safoodbank.org/. Additionally, the Food Bank's Neighbor Services Program provides assistance with federal benefits applications, including SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and TANF, as well as referrals to local food pantries, community resources, and food distribution sites.
  • Campus-based pantries. Many NISD campuses offer food pantries for students. Please contact the campus counselor for more information.
     

Other non-NISD resources include:

• FindHelp.org: Enter your zip code to connect with financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or low-cost resources in your area.
• United Way of San Antonio: https://www.uwsatx.org/
• Texas Social Work Addressing Food Insecurity in Texas: multiple assistance programs listed at https://texassocialwork.org/addressing-food-insecurity/ (scroll down to San Antonio)
• Banks, Credit Unions & Wireless Providers: Many banks, credit unions, and wireless providers are offering personalized financial assistance for their customers who are furloughed employees. One example is USAA, which recently announced no-interest loans for its members impacted by the shutdown. Please contact your bank or wireless provider for more information.
   

For additional resources, please visit the NISD Military Families website.