Welcome back to A Good Pour! I’m your host, Kathryn Good, and today I’m honored to have Kecia Ray with us. Kecia is a Family Advocate for Sumner County Schools and the Coordinator for the McKinney-Vento program. If you’re not familiar with McKinney-Vento, it’s a vital program supporting homeless students in our community. Bethany Sullivan from Gallatin Shalom Zone recommended Kecia for the podcast, and after hearing so much about the incredible work she’s doing, I’m thrilled to have her here.
What is McKinney-Vento?
Kecia is the go-to person for students who are homeless or in unstable living situations—whether they’re staying in hotels, cars, or doubling up with family. She explained how the process starts with a simple student residency form that flags when students are experiencing homelessness. “If someone checks that they’re living in a car or with relatives due to eviction, it comes to me, and I reach out,” Kecia explains. Then, she’s off visiting homes, coordinating transportation, and connecting families with resources.
I was surprised to hear that last year, Sumner County had 435 homeless students, and this year she’s already started with 50—and school hadn’t even begun yet. Kecia is right there, working with families from the moment they need help, making sure these kids stay in their schools and receive the support they need to thrive.
Providing More Than Just a Ride
One of the most impressive parts of Kecia’s work is how comprehensive it is. She’s not just ensuring students get to school; she’s making sure they have everything they need to feel like they belong. Whether it’s providing free lunches, clothes, or even gift cards for gas, Kecia ensures that no student feels left out.
“I want my McKinney-Vento students to feel like everyone else,” Kecia says. With help from organizations like Soles4Souls, she’s able to give these kids name-brand shoes like Nikes and Reeboks. “They shouldn’t have to deal with a stigma just because they’re going through a tough time,” she adds. And for those students wanting to participate in extracurricular activities like football, basketball, or swimming? Kecia makes sure they have that opportunity too.
Daily Challenges and Small Victories
When I asked Kecia what her typical day looks like, she laughed and said, “Every day is different!” She shared a story from that very morning, where a grandmother had taken in four kids after her daughter was incarcerated. According to the law, Kecia was able to get those students enrolled in school immediately—even without formal custody.
The work Kecia does is often urgent and emotionally taxing, but it’s clear that her passion for helping these families keeps her going. Whether she’s arranging transportation with Uber gift cards or finding housing referrals, Kecia is always working to ensure her students have a safe and supportive environment.
How the Community Can Help
When I asked Kecia how the community could help, her answer was simple: awareness. “Invite me to speak,” she says. The more people know about the program, the more help she can provide. Gift cards, clothes, and even gas cards are always welcome donations, especially because so many families are facing tough times right now.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Kecia left us with this powerful reminder: “It’s not the kids’ fault, and most of the time, it’s not even the parents’ fault. We’re all one paycheck away.” With the rising costs of rent and a lack of affordable housing, more and more families are finding themselves in difficult situations. But with people like Kecia in our community, I’m hopeful that we can continue to support those who need it most.
A Heart for Service
Kecia’s dedication to her work is inspiring, and it’s clear that she pours her heart into everything she does. From helping students get to school to ensuring they feel accepted and supported, she’s truly making a difference in their lives. When I asked how she takes care of herself amid all this work, she smiled and mentioned reading, traveling, and—excitingly—a new relationship!
If you’re looking for ways to support Kecia and the McKinney-Vento program, consider donating gift cards, and clothes, or inviting her to speak at your next community event. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and ensure they feel seen, supported, and loved.