Safe Schools Week: Celebrating the Work of Our Bright Futures Communities
- Kim Vann
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
As we enter Safe Schools Week, I want to take a moment to celebrate the inspiring work being done by our Bright Futures Communities to keep students safe and thriving!
Bright Futures, a signature program of Safe and Sound Schools, is designed to connect communities and classrooms through a proven framework that aligns community volunteers’ time, talent, and treasure with the needs of specific schools, classrooms, and students. These connections not only give every child the chance to succeed in strong, supportive environments where students and staff feel valued and safe.
As we celebrate Safe Schools Week, I’m reminded how much connection matters. Schools are the heart of our communities, and it is our responsibility to come together to meet basic student needs and build the foundation for their well-being, learning, and resilience. As Maslow Before Bloom tells us, when students know they are supported, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.
Today, I am excited to highlight a handful of our Bright Futures Communities who are leading by example in this vital work:
Bright Futures Harrisonville
Harrisonville High School has earned a spot in the Top 25 of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights competition! That means they are in the running for the $1 million grand prize. Let’s show the Harrisonville Bright Futures our support and push Harrisonville to the top!
Voting runs Sept. 25–Oct. 24, once per day
The school with the most votes at the end takes home the ultimate prize!
Bright Futures Marion
From hosting its 3rd Annual Kickoff Breakfast to organizing countless community-driven initiatives, the Bright Futures Marion team continues to show what it means to put the Bright Futures mission into action. Through partnerships with local businesses, faith groups, and student volunteers, they’ve met essential needs — from food and coats to hygiene kits and safe spaces — ensuring that every child feels supported and seen. We’re proud to celebrate the Marion community as they show how strong, connected schools truly are the heart of safe and thriving communities.
Bright Futures Chillicothe
We’re celebrating Bright Futures Chillicothe for their incredible partnership with the Livingston County Farm Bureau, which selected them as the donation recipient for this year’s Homerun for Ag Night with the Mudcats! Together, they raised an amazing $1,847—with one heartfelt request: “Use the funds to help feed kids.” Bright Futures Chillicothe is doing just that by directing every dollar to the CMS Cares Closet, which provides weekend food support to local middle school students. This is community connectedness in action—neighbors coming together to ensure every child has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Bright Futures Trenton
We’re inspired by the incredible work of Bright Futures Trenton and their Food Pals initiative, now serving 130 Grundy County students with extra food support for weekends and school breaks. This effort reflects the power of a caring community—neighbors, volunteers, and donors coming together to make sure no child goes hungry. From shopping and packing to distribution, every act of generosity helps strengthen the culture of care that keeps schools and students thriving.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped bring these meaningful initiatives to life. To all of our Bright Futures Communities, thank you for your commitment to this important work. Your dedication is creating lasting change and building stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Kim
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