TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County woman has dedicated countless hours to helping migrant worker families. Barbara Howard even started her own organization to help families with everything from food and furniture to education. It’s called “You Matter to Me.”

What You Need To Know

  • Barbara Howard was inspired to start “You Matter to Me” when she saw children of migrant farmworkers struggling with their studies while schools were closed during the pandemic

  • Howard and volunteers source and deliver furniture to migrant families in need among many other things

  • "You Matter to Me" volunteers helped with a recent banquet honoring migrant students graduating from high school

  • Howard wants to make sure that the students and families in need know that someone cares about them 

Howard said she saw the need for the organization as migrant students were struggling to keep up with their studies while schools were closed during the pandemic.

Howard recently helped setup a banquet for graduating students who were part of the Hillsborough School District’s migrant education program.

Howard had organized lots of details to make the students and their families feel like they were part of a special evening. “We had some volunteers put together some flowers that would fit over some lanterns that we had. We are going to use them as decorations on the tables,” she said.

Each of the students would get a hand decorated goodie bag with some gifts inside. “These are cookies that we will put in the goodie bags,” said Howard. “Each student will receive a goodie bag.”

They also received personalized cards with advice from volunteers. The details show that Howard and the volunteers care. “I think everybody needs to know that someone cares about them. And we don’t want this group of students to lose hope.”

Howard and her group of dedicated volunteers also look for furniture that they can provide to migrant workers in need. Howard often picks up and delivers the furniture.

In another example of looking out for migrant students, Howard and the organization delivered Valentine’s Day supplies to schools for migrant students.

Volunteer Karla Diaz is inspired by Howard’s efforts. “I don’t think there are enough words for the organization she’s done,” said Diaz. “The community outreach across so many different sectors of the community.”

Howard was thrilled with being part of the banquet for the graduating students. “It’s a tough road to move as much as they do and to be the new kid at the different schools throughout the year. And I just want them to know that we are really proud of them for making it all the way through high school and they have graduated.”