Youth Grassroots Initiative Uniting Non-Profits to Address Increased Demand in Services

CONROE, TX - During times of uncertainty and social isolation, a local student organization sought to make a difference in the lives of others; a reminder to the community that there is help and there is hope. TeachAcademic is a youth service organization that seeks to empower and integrate all aspects of the community through youth mobilization, and Jay Suresh, a student at The John Cooper School and TeachAcademic representative, wanted to find a way for youth to make an impact during the COVID-19 response. The project By the People, For the Community is a student led community initiative to raise awareness and funds to address the increasing demands for services and assistance from Montgomery County residents in need.

TeachAcademic has partnered with local nonprofits, including the Montgomery County Community Foundation and Community Assistance Center, to drum up support for neighbors- particularly youth- to help others during the pandemic. This united effort seeks to increase rent, mortgage, utility and food assistance to residents across Montgomery County, providing stability and a safety net during this difficult time. The Montgomery County Community Foundation is offering technical support for the project while TeachAcademic is assisting with social media outreach and engagement. Community Assistance Center as the funding beneficiary is providing financial assistance to Montgomery County residents in need through rent, mortgage, and utility assistance along with weekly drive thru mobile food distributions.

“Many members of our community are struggling now more than ever with reduced hours, being furloughed or even laid off, not to mention the lack of childcare,” says Jennifer Landers, Executive Director of Community Assistance Center. “This collaborative effort means that we are directly preventing homelessness, keeping the lights on, and food in the pantries of our neighbors.”