On a crisp December morning, the halls of YES Prep White Oak Secondary transformed into a winter wonderland of hope and community support. The "YES for the Holidays” resource fair brought together 150 families, creating moments of joy that extended far beyond typical school offerings.
This holiday celebration builds on YES Prep's commitment to serving Houston families, which began with an emergency resource fair following Hurricane Beryl earlier this year. These events have evolved into regular community gatherings where education meets essential family support.
"Events like this showcase exactly how YES Prep goes beyond supporting students in the classroom by plugging into communities as an active participant," explains Morgan, Director of External Projects. "Seeing every child leave with treats, a new toy and a huge smile - full of excitement for the upcoming holiday season - that's what makes these events so special."
Children's eyes lit up as they were handed brand-new toys - from racing Hot Wheels to colorful Barbies. Parents shared smiles of delight watching their little ones bask in their new treasures, while also receiving essential food items and health resources for their families.
“In founding a new elementary school in the White Oak community, we want our families to see our school as partners in the vital work of supporting and educating their child,” shared Matt McMahan, Principal of YES Prep White Oak Elementary. “The holiday event at White Oak did just that. By providing families with resources, exciting gifts and connecting in authentic and meaningful conversation we were able to demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our families beyond the academic sphere. Events like this allow us to establish the partnership between our founding elementary school and the pre-existing relationship that YES Prep has with the White Oak community.”
Making Real Impact
The fair resonated deeply within the White Oak community, with 64% of attending families being new to YES Prep. Through partnerships with organizations like Houston Food Bank, HealthCorps Inc., Dental Defenders, Rodeo Dental and YES Prep Child Nutrition, families received comprehensive support during the holiday season.
"We collaborate with community partners because it takes a village to address the multifaceted challenges faced by underserved students and their families," explains Cynthia Rubio, Managing Director of YES Prep Student Recruitment and Enrollment.
Thanks to the generous partnership with Houston Food Bank, not a single family left empty-handed. Each household received a food bag filled with essential items to help make the holiday season brighter. The spirit of giving was prevalent across every community partner in attendance who showed up as a resource, ready to assist.
"Community partners bring expertise, resources and cultural understanding that enrich our work and enable us to tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve," Cynthia adds. "The alignment with our mission creates a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for our students and their families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential."
For Houston families, YES Prep isn't just a school system - it's a partner in building stronger communities. Whether providing academic excellence, essential resources or moments of holiday joy, our mission extends beyond classroom walls.
Join Our Community
If you are a family or guardian interested in joining the White Oak Elementary community to prepare your student for an unforgettable educational experience, apply with us at https://bit.ly/whiteoakes.
To learn more about enrollment at YES Prep, visit yesprep.org/enroll.