Greetings:
It is an honor to introduce you to Mrs. Brenda Dowdy. Mrs. Dowdy is the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Children Deserve Success (CDS) Homeless Education Project Manager.
Brenda began managing the SBCSS School Linked Programs and Partnerships (SLPP) – Homeless Education Department in 2006 with a small state grant of $25,000.00 which did not support her position, her position was paid for by general funds, she had no staff to help manage the department, she was a party of one.
In 2006 the county had over 12,000 homeless youth, those numbers increased over the years. In 2015-2016 school year the county had 36,491 homeless youth, and in 2020-2021 school year, 25, 673 homeless youth. This decline is due to being disconnected from school during Covid. Homeless students were not being identified and the need for supportive services increased. As the SBCSS McKinney-Vento (MVK) Homeless Education Project Manager Brenda works closely with MVK liaisons across the county to ensure homeless students were getting the support they need to be successful in school. We have 33 districts and 54 charter schools in our county and our county is the largest county in the nation geographically.
Brenda addresses the adversities homeless youth face daily and she understands the challenges in education, one being equity and inclusion being absent for students experiencing homelessness. Brenda’s mission was to change the minds and hearts of those who viewed homeless children and youth as forgotten, giveaway, thrown away, and run-away youth so that there could be a better understanding on how to best serve and support our most vulnerable youth in our county.
In partnership with local shelters Brenda implemented monthly parent resource meetings to parents experiencing homelessness community resources such as health care, medical insurance, employment, housing, and education. She also assisted parents with obtaining housing, employment, GED’s, and enrollment into continuing education classes and college. Tutoring services are also provided to children and youth so that they won’t fall behind in their studies.
Brenda loves surprising the families and youth who reside in and who have transitioned out of the shelters with field trips to Knotts Berry Farm, California Science Center, Museums, and Zoo’s. Thanksgiving Baskets are given to San Bernardino families who have transitioned out of the shelters and to families in San Bernardino County school districts. An annual Holiday Celebration is hosted for children and youth in local shelters.
Having close relationships and partnerships with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health – Transitional Age Youth Department, The Family Assistance Program, school districts and charters, Brenda created a youth ambassadors’ youth program where she and community partners meet with homeless, foster, and at-promise youth on a quarterly basis to have lunch and to talk with youth. This youth-based mentoring program was designed for youth so that there could be a better understanding of the needs of the most vulnerable youth in San Bernardino County through youth voice and self-advocacy.
With the support of our Superintendent of Schools, Ted Alejandre, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Houston, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and San Bernardino County Children’s Fund, Brenda was able to take youth ambassadors to Sacramento annually to attend the California Coalition for Youth Summit where youth met and spoke with legislators and representatives to self-advocate on the needs of homeless and foster youth in San Bernardino County.
Having a very small McKinney-Vento budget, Brenda works closely with San Bernardino County Sheriffs, Probation, District Attorney, State Senators, Assemblymembers, Giveback foundation, San Bernardino County Children’s Fund, local business, community agencies, and private donors in San Bernardino County to ensure youth experiencing homeless receive scholarships, laptops, printers, employment, housing, and food security while attending college.
Serving on several boards in the community such as the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs & Drugs Taskforce, the San Bernardino County Homeless Youth Taskforce, San Bernardino County Inter-Agency Counsel on Homelessness, and speaking at the county, state, and national level to advocate for homeless youth and to bring awareness on how SBCSS and the community at large are providing supportive services for homeless youth in the county. Brenda Dowdy’s effective message has been instrumental in changing one’s perspective on homelessness while opening minds and hearts of many. SBCSS – CDS now has 5 mentoring programs in 25 school districts serving 1,878 homeless and foster youth students in San Bernardino County, peer support associates, youth ambassadors, and full ride scholarships sponsorships.
Brenda has built strong lasting partnerships with local and State legislators, Assemblymembers and Representatives educators, law enforcement, district attorney, the housing authority, inter-agency counsel on homelessness, health providers, employment development all dedicated to ensuring vulnerable children and youth in San Bernardino County have housing and food security, access to employment, healthcare, higher education, and scholarship opportunities, so that they too can thrive and have the same opportunities as their peers.
With 17 years’ experience in education as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Project Manager, Brenda’s knowledge of state, legislative, school districts, and the local policies that impacts MVK children and youth is beyond compare. Brenda is considered an expert in her field. She is highly respected by her colleagues, co-workers, and peer’s. Working alongside Brenda is a testament to her knowledge dedication, compassion, and love for the children, and youth, and the community of San Bernardino County.
It has been a joy to share with you this amazing warrior who started her journey with SBCSS in 1999 and is now retiring after 24 years of service to San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the children and families of San Bernardino County.
Thank you,
Shonie Perry
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Homeless Education Program Specialist Manager shonie.perry@sbcss.net – 909-386-2914
