New Shoes, Big Smiles: Arrow x Famous Footwear Back-to-School Event Empowers Foster and Kinship Youth

More than 60 foster and kinship youth received brand-new shoes, backpacks and school supplies Saturday July 26 during Arrow Child & Family Ministries’ back-to-school event with Famous Footwear and the Ticket to Dream Foundation.

The event, held at the Copperwood Village Famous Footwear store in northwest Houston, gave children the opportunity to pick out their own shoes, try them on and leave with supplies they’ll need to start the school year with confidence.

The partnership is part of Arrow’s ongoing effort to support families in practical and personal ways. Each child walked away with new socks, a backpack, tons of school supplies and a pair of shoes selected just for them, by them. For caregivers, the event also offered a moment of relief during a time when back-to-school costs can quickly add up.

“Being able to hand a child a brand-new pair of shoes, picked out for them and by them, captures the very heart of Arrow’s mission,” Associate VP of Capacity Development and Treatment Foster Care, Scott Batson said. “We want every young person to know they are worthy of care, dignity and celebration.”

Arrow’s partnership with Famous Footwear sends a message to families that they are not alone. The support helps ease financial pressure, boost kids’ self-esteem and shows that a broader community stands behind them as they prepare for the school year.

Batson said the confidence kids gain from something as simple as new shoes can ripple into how they engage with peers, show up in the classroom and see themselves.

“It’s more than a shopping trip,’ Batson said. “It’s a reminder to our families and our youth that they matter.”

You can see the joy and excitement of the morning by checking out the photos here.