The saying goes, “closed mouths don’t get fed.”

In other words, if someone remains quiet about their needs or expectations, they will likely go unfulfilled. The saying embraces assertiveness and proactive communication.

That’s a good way to describe Vanessa Ausley, a bus driver by title at Academic and Behavior School (ABS) East but someone who does a little bit of everything to support all students at Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) four Special Schools.

Her latest gesture found her in Katy this week, filling drawstring bags with khaki pants, polo shirts and socks. Academy Sports + Outdoors held a clothing drive July 28 for its Day of Giving, collaborating with area families, child service agencies and organizations at its corporate headquarters to provide a set of clothing and a sports ball to children in need. Attendees “shopped” for items while employees were on hand to assist or lead the youngest shoppers in fun activities.

Ausley and campus secretary Alicia Washington – with the help of numerous Academy staff members – shopped for the more than 130 ABS East and ABS West students set to start classes on Aug. 24.

“I don’t have a problem with asking,” Ausley said as she wheeled another wagon filled to the brim to an HCDE van. “I’m not ashamed about it. I ask because that’s how you get things done.

“If you don’t ask, it won’t get done and you’ll be left wondering, ‘Where will I get help from?’ Well, did you ask anybody?”

Like many of her fellow staff members at HCDE’s Special Schools, duties routinely go beyond the scope of their actual job description. Paraprofessionals and support staff are as vital to a student’s success as his or her teacher.

Ausley is a former HCDE Employee of the Month (December 2022) for this very reason. With HCDE for five years, Ausley has decorated campus walls to celebrate monthly observances, driven buses for students at multiple campuses and simply built relationships to better everyone’s experience at ABS East.

She connected with Academy’s event through inspiration from her daughter, whose own philanthropic efforts propelled Ausley to reach out to Be A Resource. The organization works with child and family protective service departments and other agencies that provide services for children in need.

The initial contact led Ausley to Katie McGee, who oversees development and events for Be A Resource. She told Ausley about the Academy event.

Ausley explained hurdles for ABS families – lack of transportation or the sheer driving distance, to the inability to get work for the Tuesday event. She asked if she could pick up the items herself for all 130-plus students.

She was able to do so and everything worked out.

“It’s awesome because the fact is if you don’t open your mouth, you don’t get fed,” Ausley said. “So, I did.”

Parents registered their students and indicated sizes.

Washington joined Ausley where they helped families in addition to packing their own bags.

A few AB parents made the trip to Katy, including Lashonda Conley, who attended with daughter Tremeshia, an incoming senior at ABS East and Clear Creek Independent School District.

“This was very, very helpful and a great experience for her,” Conley said.

After five trips to the van, Ausley and Washington filled the floor and all three rows of seating. They’ll distribute the bags in the coming weeks, giving each family one less thing to worry about as classes begin.