Mission

• The Care Center at Lone Star College-University Park is committed to providing the resources necessary to meet basic student needs. Utilizing a holistic approach, the UP-Care Center offers various food options, clothing assistance, academic tools, and other essential resources to cultivate an environment where students can thrive.

Vision

• Our vision is to develop a thriving community at Lone Star College-University Park where students, faculty, and staff have access to the resources necessary to achieve stability and contribute positively to our society.

Location

• Lone Star College - University Park
• Commons Building Rm CB222
• 20515 TX-249
• Houston, TX 77070

Hours of Operation

• Monday-Wednesday 8am-5pm
• Friday 8am-2pm

Our partnership with the American Heart Association aligns with their initiative to work closely with college pantries, ensuring that healthier food options are made accessible. As a member of their Healthy Pantry Network, we are dedicated to providing not only nutritious food but also valuable educational resources to our students, further reinforcing our commitment to their long-term well-being.

Leo's Shelf Healthy Food Pantry Guidelines

Additionally, as a proud Food for Change Partner with the Houston Food Bank, we are committed to easing the financial burden of grocery costs for our students. Through this program, students who enroll receive food scholarships, granting them 60 pounds of nutritious food—half of which is fresh produce—twice a month.

Dominique Brown-Prevot- UP Care Center Manager

Welcome to the UP-Care Center! As the manager, I am thrilled to welcome you to a space dedicated to supporting LSC-University Park students. Our mission is to ensure you have everything you need for both personal and academic success. From food and baby items to clothing and valuable information, we offer a range of services designed to help you thrive. We're here to support you every step of the way—because your success is our priority.

Bobbi Shorter- PT Coordinator II

Welcome to the CARE CENTER-UP! I'm Bobbi Shorter, your PT Coordinator II for the Care Center- University Park. As a former military spouse with diverse experiences across the US and internationally, I bring a unique perspective to our campus community. Since joining Lone Star College- UP, I've dedicated myself to enhancing student experiences and promoting a healthy school-life balance. At LSC-UP, we understand that academic achievement is closely tied to overall well-being, which is why I am excited to share the resources that the Care Center has to offer. Let's work together to achieve your goals and ensure your success at Lone Star College-UP!

Hey there! Feeling hungry or need some supplies? Here's the scoop on Leo's Shelf, your one-stop shop for free food on campus:

• Essentials: Nothin' but good vibes at Leo's Shelf- food, household supplies, and toiletries available for LSC UP faculty, staff, or students.
• Grab & Go: In a hurry? No sweat! We have ready-to-eat meals for those on-the-go days available for current LSC students.
• Food for Change Food Scholarship: Need a little extra help? Apply for the Food for Change program and get monthly groceries from the Houston Food Bank! Distributions happen twice a month on campus. Stop by the Care Center to complete the application

Leo's Threads is all about helping students look and feel their best. Leo's Threads is your campus closet where you can score FREE gently-used clothes and accessories! We have a variety of gently-used clothing: tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes and accessories (items vary by availability). This campus clothing closet is open to EVERYONE - students, faculty, and staff.

Need school supplies? Don't sweat it! Roar & Ready, a program of the UP-Care Center, has you covered.

• Stock up on essentials: Grab free school supplies to get you started for the semester.
• Stay connected: Need Wi-Fi but don't have access? Borrow a hotspot from the UP-Care Center to stay online.
• Crunch numbers with ease: Check out a calculator for those tricky math problems.

Got a Little Cub? We've Got You Covered!

Calling all new mamas (and papas)! Being a parent can be tough and Cubs Care wants to make things a little  easier for you. We understand the challenges of juggling school and a little one. Cubs Care is here to help you navigate parenthood on campus.

• Essentials: Need diapers, wipes, or other baby essentials? Cubs Care has a stock of supplies to help you out.
• The Nurturing Den: Access to a comfortable lactation room for nursing mothers.

LIFT-UP is all about empowering students to succeed, no matter what challenges they face. We’re here to offer a helping hand, lighten your load, and get you back on track.

• Transportation challenges? LIFT-UP can help you score discounted metro bus cards to make sure you can make it to class. All current students are eligible for this service.
• Facing a tough situation? LIFT-UP can provide emergency assistance to get qualifying students through a rough patch.
• Struggling to afford textbooks? We offer textbook assistance programs to lighten the load for qualifying students.

We're Your Information Hub! Think of us as your student success GPS - we'll help you get where you need to go!

• Don't see what you need? No problem! We're like a giant information hub. Whether it's a specific resource or information, we'll do our best to track it down for you.
• Got a question? We're here to help! We have a wealth of information on campus resources and can point you in the right direction.

• Donate food, toiletries, household items or new/ gently used clean clothing directly to the Care Center or via the donation boxes around the campus. For a list of items and donation box locations click here.
• Use our Amazon Wishlist to purchase items directly and have them shipped straight to the UP-Care Center. View our Amazon Wishlist here.

• Donate securely using your debit or credit card. We accept cash donations in person at the Care Center.
  • UP-Care Center Storefront
• You can also donate directly! Swing by the UP-Care Center and make a cash donation. Every dollar you give helps stock our shelves with essential items for students.

• Join us in making a difference, one paycheck at a time! Sign up for payroll deduction to donate to the UP-Care Center! Your regular contributions, no matter the size, go directly towards providing essential items like food, toiletries, baby supplies, and emergency assistance – all at no cost to students.
  • Click here for PDF instructions on how to set up payroll deduction

• Individuals interested in joining the general volunteer list for Care Center events should complete our volunteer interest form. All students, faculty, and staff welcome.
  • Volunteer Interest Form 

• Unity in Action allows departments, student organizations, or any other groups to volunteer at the Care Center's Houston Food Bank distribution days on campus. Volunteers are needed on distribution days from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
  • Unity In Action- Group Distribution Sign Up Form

• Departments, student groups, or other organizations can collaborate with the Care Center to host a drive, collecting items such as clothing, food, diapers, toiletries, and more.
  • Host A Donation Drive Form