About Us
Mission
The Bloom Foundation, also known as B.L.O.O.M.—Bringing Love, Opportunities, and Outreach to Many—is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to charitable and educational purposes. As the scholarship arm of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Psi Zeta Chapter, our mission is to empower future generations by awarding scholarships to deserving high school students pursuing higher education and to foster public interest in enhancing educational opportunities in the Greater Temple area.
Exectuive Board
LaVanda Bailey, Chair
Tiffany Brown, Secretary
Natasha Wilson, Treasurer
Goals
Scholarships
Award scholarship(s) to worthy high school student(s) in the pursuit of higher education;
Education Improvements
Promote public interest in the general improvement of the education of Greater Temple area. In an effort to initiate, plan, direct and coordinate programs of educational and vocational improvements for the community and schools;
Improve Quality of Life
Develop and implement the BLOOM Foundation, Inc. goals and to study and develop plans for improving the quality of life to the Greater Temple area;
Community Partnerships
Advise and coordinate plans with other agencies of the City, State and other charitable organizations that share the same vision of impacting the community in a positive manner.
Programming
1. BLOOM Scholarship Program
2. Teacher Support and
3. Community Education Forums
4. BLOOM STEAM Initiative
5. Quality of Life Enhancement Program
6. Community Partnership Network
7. Annual BLOOM Education Gala
8. Community Health and Wellness Initiative
Join Us
2025 Educational Heroes Gala
We are excited to announce the 2025 Education Heroes Gala! This year’s theme, "Growing the Future: Celebrating the Seeds of Knowledge," reflects our commitment to honoring education and its transformative power. This special event pays tribute to the legacy of Lydia Francis Gaines, a true icon in education.
Our Speaker
DR. SHARON D. JONES DELOACH, ED.D
Keynote Speaker, Educational Visionary
Dr. Sharon D. Jones Deloach brings over 30 years of unparalleled experience in designing and implementing organizational systems within educational and industry leadership. Her passion lies in empowering educators, industry leaders, and organizations to better understand and support dynamic workforce
Keynote Speaker, Educational Visionary
Dr. Sharon D. Jones Deloach brings over 30 years of unparalleled experience in designing and implementing organizational systems within educational and industry leadership. Her passion lies in empowering educators, industry leaders, and organizations to better understand and support dynamic workforces. By applying research-based, culturally relevant pedagogical strategies, she has transformed countless schools, civic, and business across the nation and abroad.
Dr. Deloach’s illustrious career spans numerous leadership roles, including campus and district administration in both large and small districts, professional leadership instruction at the university level, and serving on the national stage with the U.S. Department of Education’s State Scholars Initiative. Her expertise in turning around schools and driving organizational excellence has earned her recognition as an industry accountability leader.
Dr. Deloach earned a Master of Education, and Doctorate of Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. An alumna of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Deloach holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Nonprofit Certification from Baylor University. Her global perspective was enriched through international studies in Europe, where she collaborated with institutions such as the University of Maastricht, ZuydUniversity, and Fontys University of Applied Sciences.
Dr. Deloach has conducted specialized training sessions, empowerment seminars, and professional development workshops nationwide and internationally. Her work focuses on fostering high expectations for academic, professional, and personal achievement, nurturing thriving organizational cultures, and equipping leaders to create influential accountability systems.
Dr. Deloach is the author of An Answer to Disenfranchised Students and the founder of Instructional Leadership Consulting (www.InstructionalLeadership.net). She has also spearheaded several educational nonprofit organizations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to creating systemic change.
Her honors and certifications include EC-12 superintendent, principal, and teacher certifications, as well as nonprofit and executive leadership coaching credentials. Dr. Deloach’s expertise spans roles such as Education Director, Analyst, Consultant, Principal, At-Risk Facilitator, Counselor, and Teacher. These diverse experiences have shaped her belief that education is the greatest equalizer, capable of transforming lives and communities.
She has inspired thousands of educators, parents, and professionals across more than two dozen states with her innovative approaches to culturally relevant instruction and leadership development training.
A trailblazer in service and leadership, Dr. Deloach is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Executive President of Region 12 Texas Council of Women School Executives, and a Founding Board Member of the Making Awesome Things Happen (M.A.T.H.) Educational Nonprofit Organization. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and leadership development.
Grounded in her faith and inspired by Christ's teachings, Dr. Deloach cherishes time with her family, including her husband Sidney, six children, and thirteen grandchildren. When she’s not transforming lives through her work, she enjoys Caribbean cruises, cooking, and gardening.
Education Hero Award
The Lydia Gaines Temple Educational Hero Award
The Lydia Gaines Temple Education Hero Award is a prestigious honor created to celebrate and recognize individuals who embody the values and legacy of Lydia Francis Gaines. This award pays tribute to Lydia’s extraordinary contributions to education, her unwavering commitment to the Temple community, and her tireless dedication to foster
The Lydia Gaines Temple Education Hero Award is a prestigious honor created to celebrate and recognize individuals who embody the values and legacy of Lydia Francis Gaines. This award pays tribute to Lydia’s extraordinary contributions to education, her unwavering commitment to the Temple community, and her tireless dedication to fostering excellence in learning and service.
Lydia Gaines was a pillar of the Temple Independent School District and the broader community. As an educator, administrator, and mentor, she shaped countless lives through her passion for teaching, leadership, and advocacy. Her journey, from elementary school teacher to Director of Recruiting, demonstrated her relentless pursuit of educational excellence and her ability to inspire both students and colleagues.
The Lydia Gaines Temple Education Hero Award celebrates individuals who exemplify her qualities: a deep dedication to education, a servant’s heart, a commitment to fostering opportunities for others, and an enduring impact on their community. This award honors those who, like Lydia, go above and beyond in their mission to enrich lives and empower the next generation.
By awarding the Lydia Gaines Temple Education Hero Award, we carry forward her remarkable legacy and is a tribute to our mission of Bringing Love, Opportunities, and Outreach to Many.
Lydia Francis Gaines
Lydia Francis Gaines attended a Temple public schools, graduating from Temple High School in 1975. Lydia continued her education at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in May of 1979 in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in May of 1984. In May of 1993, Lydia obtained her second Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.
recipient JoMeka gray
recipient JoMeka gray
JoMeka Gray, a kindergarten teacher at Kennedy-Powell Elementary, has earned the prestigious honor of Education Service Area Region 12's 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year and a regional nominee for Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year!
Honor Where Honor Is Due
Join our cause in education and service
Support the BLOOM Foundation and Empower Our Community!
At the BLOOM Foundation—Bringing Love, Opportunities, and Outreach to Many—we are committed to transforming lives in the Greater Temple area. Through scholarships for deserving high school students, educational improvement programs, and partnerships that uplift our community, we strive to create a brighter future for all.
Your donation helps us:
- Award scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
- Provide resources and training to improve local schools.
- Host workshops and programs that inspire lifelong learning.
- Partner with organizations to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact. Join us in shaping the future of education, opportunity, and success.
Donate today and help BLOOM bring hope and growth to our community!