BCS Together, a nonprofit organization serving families in the Bryan-College Station area, has opened a new, larger facility for its resource program known as 'The Closet'. The move to the new location at 3609 East 29th Street in Bryan was necessary after the organization outgrew its previous space due to increasing community demand.
Key Takeaways
- BCS Together has relocated its 'The Closet' program to a larger facility in Bryan, Texas.
- The new location is at 3609 East 29th Street and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The move was prompted by the need for more space to accommodate growing donations and serve more families.
- 'The Closet' provides free resources like clothing, toys, and baby gear to foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Responding to Increased Community Need
For six years, BCS Together operated 'The Closet' out of a small rental unit. As awareness of the program grew, so did the needs of the community and the volume of donations, making the original space insufficient.
The cramped conditions posed challenges for both staff and the families seeking assistance. The organization found it difficult to manage the surplus of supplies within the limited square footage.
A Six-Year Journey to a New Home
The previous location served the community for over half a decade, but its size became a significant operational hurdle. The decision to relocate was a direct response to the sustained growth in demand for the nonprofit's services throughout the Brazos Valley.
Jenni Olowo, Founder and Executive Director of BCS Together, explained the challenges of the former space. She noted the difficulty in organizing inventory and serving families efficiently.
"We had to squeeze in as many staff and items as we could in a small space," Olowo stated. "Having this new space is amazing for our staff and people we serve, and it’s also more centrally located and convenient."
Enhanced Services in a Larger Space
The new facility offers a significantly improved experience for the families who rely on the service. It provides a more organized and accessible environment where parents and caregivers can find essential items for children in their care.
'The Closet' is a vital resource for foster, adoptive, and kinship families, who often welcome children into their homes with little notice and immediate needs. The program allows them to acquire necessary items without financial burden.
Essential Resources for Families
The program provides a wide range of items, all free of charge to eligible families. These resources include:
- Clothing and shoes for various ages
- Toys and books
- Linens
- Sanitized baby gear and equipment
For families like that of Summer Palmer, a local foster mother, the service is indispensable. The ability to quickly access items for a new child placement provides critical support during a transitional period.
"It’s been a privilege to be able to run and grab something when we need it," said Palmer. "You never know what you’re going to need with each new placement. Being able to get what we need quickly is amazing."
Community Impact by the Numbers
Nonprofits like BCS Together play a crucial role in supporting the foster care system. Access to free, tangible goods reduces financial stress on caregiver families, allowing them to focus more on the emotional well-being of the children.
Successful Opening and Community Gratitude
The new location officially opened its doors on Monday, October 6, 2025, and was met with a positive response from the community. According to the organization, the opening day was a success, with both new and returning families visiting the facility.
Olowo noted the community's reaction to the expanded space, highlighting the appreciation shown by visitors.
"We had a lot of people come in even just to see the new space for the first time," Olowo said. "It was fun just to see the look on people’s faces and their gratitude for having a bigger space to shop in."
The organization's ability to operate and expand is heavily reliant on community support. BCS Together expressed gratitude for the volunteers and donors who make its work possible.
How to Access Services and Support BCS Together
The new facility is now fully operational and ready to serve the community. The central location is intended to provide more convenient access for families throughout the Bryan-College Station area.
Location and Hours
- Address: 3609 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BCS Together continues to accept donations from the public to keep 'The Closet' stocked. The organization accepts new and clean, gently used clothing and linens. They also welcome sanitized toys and baby gear to distribute to families in need.
The expansion marks a new chapter for the nonprofit, allowing it to enhance its support for the vulnerable children and dedicated caregivers in the Brazos Valley community.