HISD celebrates one year of serving families through Sunrise Centers

November 1, 2024, marked the first anniversary of the Houston Independent School District's (HISD) seven Sunrise Centers. Over the past year, these centers have served more than 30,900 families.

The Sunrise Centers are crucial community hubs within HISD. They work with local partners to provide students and their families with supplies, resources, and various services to address barriers affecting student learning.

“When I thought about how we turn around HISD, how we support our kids in HISD, it can’t just be great instruction—It has to be more comprehensive,” said Superintendent Mike Miles. “It’s equally important to address the challenges not just our students face, but their families at home, too.”

The centers' impact is significant and growing. Each week, they serve 200 families with food assistance. Following events like the derecho and Hurricane Beryl, thousands received essential food and water supplies. The centers also offer free afterschool care, summer programs, health care services, school uniforms, and supplies to hundreds of students. Detailed information on their mission and impact is available in the 2023-2024 Annual Report.

“As we continue this work, we’re doing a lot of things to expand our impact,” said Najah Callander, Deputy Chief of Family and Community Partnerships. “We’re increasing our supports for our homeless and foster care students; we’re integrating our data systems; we’re continuing to improve accessibility to Sunrise Centers; and we are going deeper because we know that without that our families won’t see improved outcomes.”

The anniversary was celebrated at the West Orem Family YMCA on Friday. This location was the first Sunrise Center established in September 2023 as part of an important partnership.