Resources for going back to school

For some families, this is an exciting time of year as they get their kids ready to return to the classroom, shopping for new clothes, school supplies, sports equipment, and other necessary items. However, for others, all of these back-to-school expenses are extremely stressful and a tremendous financial burden.
This week, I wanted to share some resources that might be helpful.

There are many nonprofits and churches throughout Stephens, McClain, Garvin, and Grady Counties that can help provide clothing, school supplies, and assistance with housing, medical and other expenses. The easiest way to find the organization to best help you is by contacting Heartline 211 at heartlineoklahoma.org or call 2-1-1 to speak to a service specialist. You will then be connected to organizations in your area that provide free and low-cost services such as financial assistance, food, clothing, housing, counseling, healthcare and more. 

Another great resource is the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which services a majority of counties in the state and hundreds of local charities. You can visit  RFBO.org/Get-Help to find nearby food pantries. Some of these pantries are located in agencies where you can also get help with other needs like utility assistance. 

If you’re concerned about purchasing school supplies, most districts have assistance or provide free supplies for low-income families, so please call your local administration office to learn more. They also will be able to tell you about possible other programs available to help get your child the supplies they need.

This Saturday, Aug. 7, Connection Church in Duncan will be hosting its annual Fiesta in Fuqua Park with its many community partners to help area students get ready for school. The event is free, and students can get free school supplies, haircuts, dental and eye exams and more. School supplies will be available while supplies last from 9-11 a.m. If your organization or business would like to participate and provide a free service, contact Jeannie Bowden at 580-656-0530 or jeanniebowden4@gmail.com. This is just one of many examples of communities coming together to help their local students and families.

This weekend is also Oklahoma’s Sales Tax Holiday where families can save on sales tax on certain clothing and shoe purchases of up to $100. The annual event begins Friday, Aug. 6 and will end at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 8. To learn more about the holiday or see a list of sales tax-exempt items, visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission website at Oklahoma.gov/tax.html.

Speaking of education, I also want to remind parents about the state’s free college tuition program, Oklahoma’s Promise. This is an incredible program that is underutilized, so it’s important we help spread the word to assist more of our students get their college degrees or pursue further education at one of our wonderful career technology centers.

To be eligible, students must be Oklahoma residents enrolled in the 8th-11th grade or homeschooled and ages 13-16. Parents’ adjusted gross income must not exceed $60,000 at the time of program enrollment or $100,000 when the student starts college. In the case of divorced couples, only the income of the custodial parent is used. If the custodial parent is remarried, that individual’s income and the stepparent’s income must be counted. There are special income provisions for children adopted from certain court-ordered custody and children in the custody of court-appointed legal guardians as well as families receiving Social Security disability and death benefits. 

If approved, students can earn tuition at an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university, or a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university or for approved programs at Oklahoma public technology centers. To learn more, visit myOKPromise.org. This incredible program has helped pay millions of dollars in scholarships for thousands of hardworking, deserving students and we hope to see more apply in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me at the Capitol. Please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Jessica.Garvin@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5522.