Going Back to School with MUST Ministries and Ticket to Dream
IST Gives Back
Going Back to School with MUST Ministries and Ticket to Dream
IST's
Passion Projects focus on our ongoing commitment to community outreach, local to Georgia or national. As Summer ends and the new school year begins, we would be remiss not to reflect on how the last few years have affected students and what we must do to help. An equitable academic journey is not always guaranteed for students experiencing homelessness or foster care, and recent transitions to digital classrooms neglect the lack of resources available to this population. One of our existing Passion Projects,
MUST Ministries, and
July’s Passion Project,
Ticket to Dream's Back-To-School Supply Drive, helped students enter the school year ready and supported.
Hope House and the Family Resource Center
Our collaboration with MUST Ministries has been integral to what frames IST's reputation as a company of passion. Providing shelter, food, and additional resources to the greater Atlanta community scrapes only the surface of MUST's outreach. In the Spring of 2022, MUST opened Hope House, a new facility serving over 136 individuals experiencing homelessness with flex space for inclement weather. Among the many resources available at Hope House is the Family Resource Center, which includes iPads and laptops for student use provided by IST Management.
The Family Resource Center provides a functional environment for school-aged children to access technology, including WiFi needed for school. Volunteers will help with assignments and academic support to ensure students do not fall behind while staying at Hope House. The Family Resource Center is used daily for families to gather and for hosting summer activities. MUST Ministries is currently operating at total capacity, and the need is overwhelming. Access to equitable tools like technology and tutoring keep opportunities open for any student, regardless of their living condition.
July’s Passion Project: Ticket to Dream Foundation's Back-To-School Supply Drive
Ticket to Dream Foundation is a new addition to our Passion Projects this year. This nationwide campaign collects and distributes school supplies for school-aged children in the foster program, benefitting over 200,000 students annually.
Children in foster care can be severely impacted in their academic opportunities. With limited access to resources and location vulnerability, only 50% of individuals in foster care programs graduate high school. Ticket to Dream supports these students in making sure the need for school supplies is not a factor in their education. IST Management participated in their Back-To-School Supply Drive, gathering money and supplies during July.
Access to equitable education is paramount to the values we hold at IST. All children should be guaranteed the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their living conditions. We were so proud to partner with Ticket to Dream Foundation as our Passion Project for July and with MUST Ministries to guarantee students have access and opportunity in their educational careers.
Contact Info
IST Management Services, Inc.
1341 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316