(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Sept. 10, 2026) — El Paso ISD is expanding its network of family support services with the opening of the Franklin Feeder Pattern Family Resource Center, also known as the Cougar Care Center, at Franklin High School.

The new center provides families throughout the Franklin Feeder Pattern with a convenient place to access essential resources, educational opportunities and community support, all within the school community they already know and trust.

“I think this initiative is extremely valuable because this resource center is about removing barriers,” said Franklin High School Principal Amanda Bowser. “Any time there’s a family in need, we want to come together as a community to make sure everyone has what they need to help students succeed in school. This project has been in the making for a while, and we’re really excited to see it come to fruition and be able to support our community.”

The Cougar Care Center will offer services based on the needs of families in the feeder pattern, including food, hygiene and clothing resources, as well as English and citizenship classes and other family support services.

“Every family has different needs, and our goal is to meet families where they are,” said Simon Chandler, Coordinator of Community Schools. “These centers give families a place to find resources, learn about opportunities and connect with people who can help. When we support families, we create stronger conditions for students to thrive.”

The Franklin center joins a growing network of Family Resource Centers serving El Paso ISD families across the district. Centers currently serve the Bowie, Jefferson, El Paso, Irvin and Austin feeder patterns, providing families with access to resources and services tailored to the needs of their communities.

The centers are part of El Paso ISD’s Community Schools initiative, which is designed to strengthen connections between schools, families and the communities they serve. The initiative focuses on four key areas: integrated student supports, expanded learning opportunities, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: Franklin High feeder pattern Family Resource Center Opens

“Family Resource Centers are an important part of how we bring the Community Schools model to life,” Chandler said. “By bringing resources closer to families and working alongside community partners, we can help connect families with the support they need while strengthening the relationship between our schools and the communities we serve.”

El Paso ISD is continuing to expand its Family Resource Center network, with a goal of establishing a center in every EPISD feeder pattern. Through these centers, the district is working to make resources more accessible to families and strengthen the support systems that help students succeed.

For more information about the Family Resource Center, visit the El Paso ISD Community Schools webpage.