When Your Family Needs a Little Help: Resources for Texas Families

At Brainy Kids Place, we know that raising young children is hard — and that hardship can come in many forms. Sometimes it’s a stretch financially. Sometimes a parent is struggling with their own mental health. Sometimes a family just needs to know what help is available and how to ask for it.

This resource guide is for families in Texas — and specifically for families in the Santa Fe and Galveston County area — who are looking for support. There is no shame in using the resources your community has built. They exist because raising children well takes a village, and strong communities invest in families.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

Texas WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to health and social services for income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC covers foods like milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula.

• Who qualifies: Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women; infants; and children under 5 who meet income guidelines (up to 185% of federal poverty level)
• How to apply: Find your local WIC clinic at hhs.texas.gov/wic or call 1-800-942-3678
• Local: Galveston County has WIC offices in Texas City and Galveston

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries. It’s one of the most impactful anti-hunger programs available and serves millions of Texas families.

• How to apply: Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or at your local Health and Human Services office
• Check eligibility: A family of four with income up to approximately $3,250/month (gross) may qualify

Local Food Pantries

The Galveston County Food Bank and local churches and community organizations operate food pantries throughout the county. Dial 2-1-1 to find the nearest food pantry to your zip code.

Child Care Assistance

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) — Texas Child Care Subsidies

Texas uses federal CCDF funding to help income-eligible families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. The subsidy covers a significant portion of child care costs, with families paying a co-payment based on income.

• How to apply: Through the Texas Workforce Commission; apply at your local Workforce Solutions office or at childcare.gov for information
• Local: Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast serves Galveston County: workforcegulfcoast.com

Note: Child care subsidy waitlists exist in many areas. Apply as early as possible, even if you’re not immediately in need.

Health Insurance and Medical Care

Texas Health Steps (CHIP and Medicaid for Children)

Texas Health Steps is the program through which children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP receive comprehensive health check-ups (well-child visits), dental care, vision care, and hearing services. If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, these services are free — but you have to schedule them. Many families don’t know they’re available.

• How to access: Schedule checkups with a Texas Health Steps provider. Find a provider at txhealthsteps.com or call 1-877-847-8377

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

CHIP provides low-cost health insurance for children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance. Premiums are low (often $0–$50/month) and coverage is comprehensive.

• Apply: At YourTexasBenefits.com

Local Resource Navigation

211 Texas

211 is the one resource that leads to all others. Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a live navigator who can connect you with local resources for food, housing, utilities, health care, child care, mental health, and more — in multiple languages, 24/7.

You can also search at 211texas.org.

Developmental Support

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

Texas ECI provides free developmental evaluation and services for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. If you have concerns about your child’s development — speech, motor skills, social development — ECI can evaluate and provide support at no cost to you.

• Contact: 1-877-787-8999 or visit hhs.texas.gov/eci
• No referral needed — you can self-refer

Texas School District Evaluations (Ages 3–5)

Children ages 3 and up are entitled to a free evaluation through their local school district if they may have a disability that affects their learning. Contact Santa Fe ISD’s Special Education department to learn more.

Mental Health and Family Wellness

Texas Parent Helpline

Parenting is hard. When you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or don’t know where to turn, the National Parent Helpline can help. Call 1-855-427-2736 for emotional support and guidance.

Texas Health and Human Services — Mental Health Resources

Texas HHS offers a mental health resource locator for finding local services: hhs.texas.gov/mental-health. For crisis support, call the Texas Crisis Helpline: 1-866-729-3848.

Postpartum Support

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect up to 1 in 5 new mothers — and are also experienced by fathers and partners. Postpartum Support International Texas chapter: postpartum.net, helpline 1-800-944-4773.

Substance Use Support

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7: 1-800-662-4357. Or find local resources through 211.

Domestic Violence Support

If you or your children are experiencing domestic violence:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (also text START to 88788)
• Bay Area Turning Point (serving Galveston County): 281-338-7600 or bayareaturningpoint.org

How BKP Supports Families

At Brainy Kids Place, we believe that supporting children means supporting families. We are not a social service agency, but we are a trusted presence in your life — and we know that families sometimes need more than what we can offer directly.

If you’re going through a hard time and aren’t sure what’s available or where to start, talk to us. We’ll help you identify the right resources and make the connection. No judgment, no bureaucracy. Just help.

We also want you to know: using support programs doesn’t make you a less capable parent. It makes you one who is doing everything possible to take care of your family. That’s something we respect deeply.

Learn more about how BKP partners with families. Schedule a tour and meet our team. We’d love to get to know your family.