Supporting Families Through Summer and Beyond
As summer begins in the Houston area, we look forward to longer days, vacations, and time with loved ones. Many children look forward to summer for fun and freedom. But youth from low-income families face a different reality. Summer should be a time to explore new interests, build confidence, and dream big things. For many local families, summer comes with stress, uncertainty, and increased need.
When school doors close, challenges often open. Learning opportunities decrease and vulnerability increases. This is why Buckner’s summertime work is as important—if not more—than any other time of the year.
We invite you to see this season not only as a break from routine—but as a chance to make an impact.
If you’re looking for ways to support families in your own community this summer, here are few ways to start.
When children are home for summer break, families experience added pressures. Many rely on schools for daily meals, structured activities, and a safe environment for their children. Without those supports in place, families may struggle. Summer is expensive for anyone with children. Putting food on the table, paying for childcare, or keeping their children engaged increases their cost of living. At Buckner, we see this every year. It’s why summer programming is essential, not optional.
Summer doesn’t have to be a season of struggle. Buckner steps in with summer enrichment, a resource center, a family coaching program, classes for equipping parents and teens with life, language, or financial management skills, water distribution, and back-to-school events. All are designed to fill the gaps left while school is out.
In Houston at two Buckner Family Hope Centers, families can find:
Food pantry access with hygiene items and clothing to help with increased grocery needs, household items, and proper clothes.
Parent support, nutrition classes, Bible studies, educational workshops, and counseling groups strengthen the home environment and build resilience.
Fun and safe learning activities and summer camps keep kids engaged and give parents peace of mind.
School supply distributions prepare children for a successful return to the classroom in the fall.
Growing bright futures
One new experience offered this summer is our teen gardening project. They are getting hands-on experience in growing their own food. Led by Buckner staff, they built raised beds for growing vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Throughout the summer they are planting, watering, weeding, and (hopefully) harvesting. While a few garden beds may not feed the whole community, the project has been an example of the power of working together.
Following their lead, let’s come together to create a sense of belonging and stability. This is the misunderstood lifeline for families who otherwise feel isolated or overwhelmed. The values of faith, integrity, respect, service, and teamwork guide our teams. These values create a safe and inclusive environment. At each Buckner Family Hope Center®, children and families are welcomed by name. They are encouraged to be themselves and celebrated for who they are. Buckner teams build positive relationships, model empathy, and promote a culture of kindness and respect.
We invite you to see this season not only as a break from routine—but as a chance to make an impact. If you’re looking for ways to support families in your own community this summer, here are a few simple ways to start:
Host a school supply drive at your local church to equip children with the tools they need for learning.
Invite children from local neighborhoods to summer events at your church, like VBS or day camps.
Support organizations like Buckner to create generational change.
Volunteer your time to lead youth activities, serve at a distribution event, or mentor a child.
Host a shoe drive to send kids back to school prepared for the year ahead.
Together, we can make the summer months a season of growth, hope, and opportunity for every family.
Thank you for standing with us to strengthen families and protect children. The need is great—but so is the potential to create lasting change.
Whitney M. Steen is the Regional Director of Buckner Family Hope Centers of Houston
How can churches and organizations support vulnerable children throughout the summer months?