With a focus on outreach that meets families where they are, Bastrop County Cares (BCC) has launched a new series of pop-up outreach events at HeadStart campuses across Bastrop County.
This grassroots effort, led by the Community & Family Resource Center (CFRC), the Care-A-Van, and a team of dedicated Parent Ambassadors, is transforming everyday school pick-ups into moments of connection and empowerment.
“So far, we’ve visited campuses in Bastrop and Smithville,” said Phyllis Jefferson, one of BCC’s Parent Ambassadors. “It’s about sharing resources and having one-on-one conversations with parents. From parenting classes to literacy to basic needs, we’re introducing families to a network of opportunities built for them.”
As parents arrive to pick up their children, they pass by a friendly BCC resource table. Some stop for a quick chat. Others circle back after gathering their kids, who are often delighted by the free fruit basket offered as a healthy snack. The interaction may be brief—sometimes just five minutes—but that’s all it takes to hand over life-changing information or sign someone up for a supportive program.
“You all make such a big difference to our parents,” said Abbe Embery from Smithville HeadStart. While children participated in Easter-themed activities, parents engaged with BCC ambassadors, learning about valuable services and how to access them.
Diana Villalobos from Bastrop’s Central Headstart echoed the appreciation: “Thank you to Bastrop County Cares for providing resources to our parents. We appreciate the willingness to help us every time we need it.”
Why This Matters
These pop-up outreach events are more than just convenient—they’re transformational.
- For Schools: These visits help deepen the relationship between educators and families. When schools serve as hubs for community resources, trust grows and barriers to student success shrink. Engaged parents are empowered parents—and that translates to stronger educational outcomes for kids.
- For Families: Many families struggle to find the time or transportation to seek out resources. By embedding support directly into the places they already go—like their child’s school—BCC reduces those barriers and shows families that help is within reach, no matter their circumstances.
- For the Community: This kind of hyper-local outreach strengthens community bonds. When families are informed and connected, they’re better equipped to thrive. That ripple effect improves neighborhood stability, increases civic engagement, and fosters a culture of care and collaboration across the county.
This ongoing partnership between BCC and Headstart programs is a model for what it looks like when systems align with community needs. It’s about showing up with intention, listening deeply, and building solutions together.
As BCC continues to expand these visits, the message is clear: Every family matters. Every connection counts. And every step forward—no matter how small—builds toward a stronger, healthier Bastrop County.
