Frequently Asked Questions about the Shared Dreams Clothing Program

1. What is Shared Dreams?
The purpose of the Shared Dreams Center is to provide adequate clothing and toiletries for registered Fort Bend ISD students whose need has been determined by school nurses.

2. How does a student receive clothing from Shared Dreams?
The children who receive clothing from Shared Dreams are identified on their school campuses as those most “in need”. Each school nurse, with the assistance of campus staff, is responsible for identifying students on her own campus. The school nurse provides a form that the parent or guardian must bring to the facility in order to select clothing.

3. How much clothing may a parent or guardian choose from Shared Dreams?
Every child who is referred to Shared Dreams is allotted the same amount of clothing, regardless of age. The clothing checklist, in English and Spanish, is provided to the parent or guardian when he visits the facility.

4. How many times a year can a parent or guardian visit the Shared Dreams facility?
Shared Dreams has two sessions each school year. The Fall Session begins in late August. The Spring Session begins the week after Spring Break. Since Shared Dreams depends on donations, clothing sizes may be available sporadically. Parents who do not find all the items when they visit are allowed 30 days from the first date to fill their order.

5. What are the dates and hours of operation at Shared Dreams?
Shared Dreams opens the Tuesday after Labor Day for the “Fall Session”. Shared Dreams closes during all school holidays and in-service days. The facility is closed for the summer months beginning the first Friday in May. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Any exceptions to the days and hours of operation are noted on the recorded phone message throughout the year.

6. Does Shared Dreams provide any other services?
Shared Dreams provides other programs on a limited basis.

• “Holiday Cheer” is a program that was started in 2003. Students are eligible to receive “gifts” through this program when they are identified by campus nurses and administrators. They and their families are eligible to receive food, new clothing and toys that are provided through community sponsors just before the winter holiday break. The students and their families can receive this “donation” one time only.
• “Operation School Supplies” sponsored by United Way, the University of Houston, HEB, Houston Astros, and Coca Cola is another program benefiting students who are assisted by Shared Dreams. If available, school supplies will be provided to the parents or guardians of eligible students.

7. How much money is set aside by the district to assist Shared Dreams?
Fort Bend ISD provides space for the Shared Dreams Center. The district, through its VIPS program, assists in recruiting parent volunteers from all campuses to help at the facility. All clothing and toiletry items are donated by schools, churches and community members. Shared Dreams has also received money through grants, gifts from local service organizations, and individual donations. Volunteers from each school and the broader community assist during the year providing help to maintain the Shared Dreams facility by sorting clothing and toiletries for distribution to parents.

8. Do students ever volunteer?
Student participation is encouraged during scheduled hours. Group size is held to a maximum of 10 students who can help at the facility for one hour at a time. Many organizations, such as Rotary Clubs and Interact Groups, have volunteered time at the facility. Several candidates for Eagle Scout and the Girl Scout Gold Award have selected a support project at Shared Dreams as their qualifying service project.

9.Has anyone ever been told they cannot visit the Shared Dreams facility?
The altering or forging of the form brought by a parent or guardian voids the guardian’s right to “shop” at the facility. In this event, the school nurse measures the child and faxes measurements to the facility. Appropriate clothing and toiletries are then selected for the child and delivered to the nurse’s office for that child.

10. How can I contact Shared Dreams?
The Shared Dreams phone number is 281-634-2916. The fax number is 281-634-2959. The facilitator (Bobbie Steinert) can be reached by e-mail located on the FBISD website. Information is also available through the campus nurse or the Shared Dreams campus coordinator. The physical address for the facility is 1555 Independence Blvd., Missouri City, in the Fort Bend ISD Education Complex.