Fort Worth – In classrooms across some of the city’s highest‑need schools, Brittany Grover has become a familiar, steady presence for children who need more than just academic help. As a volunteer with Communities in Schools of Greater Tarrant County, Grover works one‑on‑one with students, offering reading practice, spelling drills, homework assistance, and simply a listening ear.
Consistent minutes that matter
“Even if I’m only there working with one child for 20 minutes, it’s better than nothing,” Grover said. “You don’t know how far that 20 minutes is going to go down the road.” Her commitment stems from a belief that stability—however brief—can be a lifeline for kids whose home lives are often in flux.
Volunteer roots and community ties
Now in her third year with Communities in Schools, Grover is regarded by staff as someone they can count on for any need. Volunteer manager Ivy Beasley recalled a summer when boxes of donated school supplies filled the nonprofit’s Westworth Village headquarters. “Brittany was ready to help,” Beasley said, noting how the two of them unloaded, inventoried, and prepared the supplies for distribution.
When the organization opened a new building in September 2025, Grover helped set up three resource rooms, further cementing her role as a reliable hands‑on volunteer. She also delivers food bags to schools; during the Christmas and spring‑break periods, the nonprofit filled roughly 700 bags so students could take meals home when school lunches fell short.
A lifetime of service
Grover’s dedication to children extends beyond her current role. She previously volunteered at Taste Community Restaurant for seven years, served at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County and The Warm Place, and worked with Girls Inc. of Tarrant County teaching friendship and financial‑literacy lessons. Though she studied psychology and hoped to enter casework, the 2008 recession redirected her path toward a series of nonprofit positions that equipped her with a practical “toolbox” for today’s work.
“Volunteering is not even really a hobby,” she explained. “It’s kind of just my work that I fit into my week.”
Impact on students
Grover sees each student once a week. Over the school year, small gains accumulate: handwriting steadies, spelling sharpens, and reading comprehension clicks. Yet her influence often reaches beyond academics. She strives to be a bright light on dark days, offering a steady anchor for children whose lives rarely stay still.
Simple gestures—like picking out a new pair of jeans for a girl who had outgrown hers—leave lasting impressions. “It’s just this type of work that really matters,” Grover said, noting that the kids notice when she can’t make it to school and often ask, “Miss Brittany, can you come every day?” Though she can’t be there daily, her weekly visits provide a reliable touchstone for families.
Recognition and future plans
Grover’s dedication earned her a nomination for the Fort Worth Report’s “52 Faces of Community” series, which spotlights local unsung heroes. The weekly series, sponsored by Central Market, H‑E‑B and JPS Health Network, will feature a luncheon for honorees at the end of the year.
As the nonprofit continues to expand its reach, volunteers like Grover remain essential to its mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has a caring adult they can rely on.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
