Mostyn Moreno Foundation continues annual shopping tradition with life skills programs

Published 3:50 pm Monday, December 16, 2024

WHITEHOUSE — The annual Christmas Lights shopping trip for the Life Skills program at Whitehouse ISD took place once again thanks to the Mostyn Moreno Foundation. Students and teachers gathered Dec. 11 at the Walmart on Troup Highway in Tyler for a morning filled with shopping and learning experiences.

“Our Christmas Lights program holds a special place in my heart,” said Amber Anderson Mostyn, co-founder of Mostyn Law. “This tradition is more than just holiday shopping; it’s about empowering students with life skills, creating special memories, and honoring the legacy of Steve’s mother, Glenda Jean Mostyn, whose passion for special needs education continues to inspire everyone.”

Created in 2006 by Amber and her late husband Steve, co-founders of Mostyn Law, the Mostyn-Moreno Foundation is a tribute to the memory of Glenda Jean Mostyn who dedicated her career to teaching special needs students in East Texas. Carrying their mother’s legacy, board member Jackie Mostyn-Zigtema collaborated with her brother Steve to start the Christmas Lights program.

The foundation also honors the memory of Joe Moreno, a Texas House representative who passed away in 2005, and continues its work through the Mostyn Law Firm in Houston. After Steve’s death in 2017, Amber took up the mantle, ensuring the foundation’s mission lived on.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these amazing kids during this special time of year,” Amber said.

Whitehouse ISD is appreciative of the foundation and its efforts to make their students feel special.

“The Mostyn Moreno Foundation makes it possible for our students to go shopping each Christmas,” said Dr. Melinda Jennings, Director of Special Programs of Whitehouse ISD. “It is truly a great day.”

The Whitehouse ISD Life Skills program ranges from kids who are highly functioning to kids who might have a hard time just carrying on the basic functions of life.

Tyler ISD’s Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs also participated Dec. 10 with some of their students.

“They enjoy spending time with their classmates doing the things that all kids enjoy — hanging out and shopping with friends,” Jennings said.

The foundation provides each student with up to $50. In the days and weeks leading up to the trip, students and teachers work together to plan their purchases by browsing the Walmart website to select items they would like to buy. The students print out their shopping carts or lists and take them into the store. They learn how to look for the items according to the printout, which tells them the location of the store.

This also helps the students sharpen their math and budgeting skills as well.

“The Walmart staff is courteous and accommodating to our needs,” Jennings said. “They make sure there are employees to help us locate items and check out when we are ready to leave. They are patient with us as we help our students make choices.”

After the shopping trip, West Erwin Church of Christ provided students with a meal, as they do each year. Santa also comes to see the kids and they have an opportunity to talk to him and take a picture.

The foundation works to support, promote, and operate programs, projects, and collaborative efforts across Texas that serve to encourage the abilities of children with special needs. Additional information is available at www.MostynMoreno.org.