The Blueprint
March 2019 Edition
“It would obviously be a lot harder for young people to make positive decisions, especially when you pair it with the social-cultural environment where things like using violence is encouraged. Some of the things we can do but all of these things must done in collaboration with others to make our society, our schools, our communities a much safer place in which to live.”
- Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Commission Against Gun Violence Recommendations 2019
BACKGROUND
Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Clubs, an initiative of Sandy Hook Promise, is a founding partner of the National Youth Violence Prevention Week (NYVPW). Founded in 2001, this week-long, national education initiative involves activities that demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their school and community safer, and the role that everyone can play in preventing youth violence.
THE CAMPAIGN
SAVE Promise Clubs bring together clubs and partners from across the country to support this campaign, providing countless resources -- including the official campaign Action Kit that serves as a step-by-step planning guide with suggestions for how each sector of the community can support the campaign with activity ideas, links to national organization partners for this event, articles and interviews on violence prevention, and more.
This year’s theme is “Be a Superhero: Activate Your Superpowers” and underscores the ways everyone can play a role in violence prevention through the following daily challenges:
1. Knowing the Signs of potential violence or self-harm
2. Promoting respect and tolerance
3. Being an “upstander” by going above and beyond to connect with others
4. Resolving conflicts peacefully
5. Uniting in action to keep schools safe
At the center of this campaign are the daily activities that school communities are being encouraged to undertake and share widely on social media using #nyvpw.
Challenges: http://nationalsave.org/nyvpw/challenges/
Partners: http://nationalsave.org/nyvpw/sponsors/
Houston Public Media: Treat Violence Before it Becomes Violence
HOUSTON, TX – Health workers in the City of Houston’s Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health began studying how to prevent youth violence through health in 2011, with funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant. They expect to release their plan in March. They identified three environments they think affect youth violence, detailed in a draft of Houston’s youth violence prevention strategic plan provided to News 88.7:
- The physical/built environment: This involves the physical deterioration of a community: homes and buildings in disrepair; poorly maintained and unsafe public spaces, such as poorly lit public parks; and the lack of healthy infrastructure, such as a high volume of stores selling alcohol or a lack of stores selling fresh produce.
- The economic and educational environment: Experts view this as inter-generational poverty and long-term unemployment, as well as divestment from communities. One health worker describes this as a decrease in locally-owned businesses and a lack of funding for education and job-training opportunities.
- The social-cultural environment: This refers to “the elevation of destructive, dislocation social norms” and “a low sense of political and social efficacy” among a community, where violence and gang membership, among other social factors, are normalized.
Each environment informs and interacts with the others in a way health workers like Melissa Bing with the Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health describe as a type of feedback loop. The end result is sustained and generations-long trauma in a community.
“How resilient would you feel about making changes or doing positive things if you are in a community like this?” Bing asked, looking out at several dilapidated homes in northeast Houston.
“It would obviously be a lot harder for you to make positive decisions, especially when you pair it with the social-cultural environment where things like using violence is encouraged.”
Bing is the primary author of the city’s new youth violence prevention plan, and her work runs alongside another highly-publicized city effort — Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Commission Against Gun Violence.
-->Read the full report “How Houston Health Workers Plan To Treat Violence Before It Becomes Violence”
Unveiling our Houston Peace Plan: Save the Date!
Houston Peace Press Conference
Monday, Apr 8, 2019, 10:00 AM
Houston City Hall, Bagby Street, Houston, TX, USA
In the News and Updates
Georgetown Site Visit
The Multi-System Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Team at the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University visited the Houston Harris County LEAD program at Attucks Middle School on Wednesday, March 20th. Over the course of the past six months, they have provided the pilot juvenile LEAD team with technical assistance and helped to develop systems maps, create logic models, and formulate a communications plan with the intent of helping to establish a solid foundation for our pilot year.
During the site visit, areas in need of quality improvement were discussed, as were existing barriers. Additional topics discussed included:
- Ensuring law enforcement engagement
- Accessing targeted youth
- Working with appropriate school personnel.
Houston is one of 20 All-America City Finalist
DENVER, COLORADO - March 26, 2019 - The National Civic League is proud to announce the finalists for the 2019 All-America City Award (AAC). These finalists represent the diversity of American communities from the largest cities to the smallest towns, from east to west and north to south.
Finalist communities include the 4th largest city in America (Houston, TX) and a city of only 3,500 people (Gothenburg, NE). The 20 finalists share a common bond of working to create healthy communities through inclusive civic engagement.
The award, given to 10 communities each year, celebrates and recognizes neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges.
The National Civic League's President, Doug Linkhart explains the importance of using inclusive civic engagement: "These finalist communities are building healthy communities through collaboration with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. While many people are concerned about the ability of our nation to improve lives, these communities are showing that great things can happen at the local level."
What We're Reading
MBK Rising! Portraits and Stories
Every day, young men like Elliott, Emanuel, and Geomar are helping forge a path for the brothers and sisters who will come after them with resilience, courage, and hearts full of love. Their stories as mentors, coaches, community organizers, and brothers reveal a powerful truth: that our potential is limitless.
To being the change we want to see in our communities,
The Obama Foundation
MENTOR: Conversations about Masculinity: How Mentors Can Support Young Men of Color
MENTOR just released a new, free resource to support mentors everywhere to help promote healthy expressions of manhood. The guide is titled Conversations about Masculinity: How Mentors Can Support Young Men of Color and is available now at www.mentoring.org/masculinity.
This research-backed and youth-informed guide is a roadmap for unpacking toxic masculinity with all young people, and particularly young men of color. Masculinity is not monolithic - supporting young people in exploring gender and navigating difference is an essential part of preparing them for an increasingly complex, global, and interconnected society and workforce. MENTOR worked with JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s The Fellowship Initiative to ensure this how-to guide reflects the experiences and perspectives of young men of color, by interviewing them and highlighting their insights.
Building a Community of Practice
Houston Community Data Connections (HCDC)
HCDC seeks to facilitate the practical use of data by city and community leaders for decision-making and capacity building in Houston’s disadvantaged communities. Through the support of the Houston Endowment, we serve as a local data intermediary and provide a cluster of data and research services to the community.
Community Scientists Wanted
Community Scientists are regular people like you, who provide value to research in community settings by sharing their insight and first-hand knowledge based on their lived experience.
Free Sugarland Opioid Overdose Prevention Training
Texas Overdose Naloxone Initiative (TONI) has engaged a wide range of stakeholders and partnerships to advance their mission, including key state agencies, universities, the pharmacy sector, dozens of non-profit organizations and associations, and most importantly community members. TONI seeks to expand access to overdose prevention and support education, tools and naloxone itself through conducting public education and advocacy, cultivating individual and family support, and conducting trainings with the professional and lay public.
The TONI Team will be in the Sugarland/Houston area and would be available to do free training(s) on Tue April 24th from 200--400pm and again on Wed April 25th from 900am--11:00am. They can do either of those dates/time or do 2 trainings if there is a need. Contact Charles Thibodeaux at 512-517-9566 and use the links below to request training or medication.
Training 4 Trainers 2019 Leadership Series
GO (Great Opportunities) Neighborhoods Initiative, Houston LISC offers leadership development workshops for resident leaders, organizational representatives, and other community stakeholders. These trainings build important leadership capacity to transform communities.
The 2019 training cycle will focus on the intersection of health and housing. Sessions will explore identifying and addressing issues within neighborhoods and how to create environments where all residents can be healthy and safe.
Neighborhood leaders are welcome to participate in our 2019 cycle of the Training 4 Trainers (T4T) program. T4T is a rigorous program for candidates with an interest in developing grassroots leadership to create strong, healthy communities.
Training Topics Include:
- Facilitating Great Meetings
- Using Data for Community Initiatives
- Community Health & Equitable Opportunity
- Employing Shared Leadership
- Community Power & Resolving Conflict
- Asset Mapping Your Neighborhood Strengths
- Best Practices for Engaging Community
- Planning, Implementing & Evaluating Community Projects
Schedule of Training:
Workshop 9:00am-2:00pm - lunch provided
- June 8
- July 13
- August 10
- September 14
- October 12
T4T is for emerging and seasoned leaders, residents who have been involved in community building OR individuals who work for an organization that supports community development. T4T participants must be able to attend 5 monthly learning sessions, connect to a coaching partner between sessions, co-facilitate another leadership training session (Leading Together), and commit to teaching other leaders after they graduate the program.
Postive Youth Development
Teen Health Week
About TEEN HEALTH WEEK℠:
Established in 2016 as a joint program of the Center for Education of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Real Talk with Dr. Offutt, and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, TEEN HEALTH WEEK℠ is a global initiative to raise awareness of the unique health issues facing teens all over the world. Through a wide variety of local, state, national, and international programs and activities, TEEN HEALTH WEEK ℠ encourages teens to take charge of their physical and mental health to facilitate healthy habits they will carry with them throughout their lives. What originally started in Pennsylvania as a statewide health initiative expanded to a global program, with participating events and activities in 37 countries on 6 continents!
Mark your calendars! TEEN HEALTH WEEK℠ will take place April 1-7, 2019. Each day will focus on a specific theme related to teen health. The themes for TEEN HEALTH WEEK℠ will be:
• Monday, April 1: Gender and Sexual Development
• Tuesday, April 2: Nutrition and Oral Health
• Wednesday, April 3: Preventive Care and Vaccines
• Thursday, April 4: Violence and Mental Health
• Friday, April 5: Substance Use and Misuse
• Saturday, April 6: Community-Specific Teen Health
• Sunday, April 7: Community-Specific Teen Health
(April 6 and 7 are open for individual organizations to focus on other themes relevant to their audiences and communities.)
“Kick’n it with EHAP”
EHAP (Everyone Has Absolute Purpose) presents “Kicking it with EHAP” which is an opportunity to kick it and hang out with young people who are driven by meaning and purpose through the sports. A soccer program kick started in the Scarborough with motivated EHAP community members who are passionate about putting purpose back into the soul of the young. Providing youth with an opportunity to participate in positive youth programs related to team work, physical fitness, and identifying life goals. “A lot of our young generation faces a lack of clarity when it comes to goals in life. It is hard to reach something you can’t clearly see. It’s not just about telling our youth to reach their goals but about revealing to them the many goals one can reach.” -Emanuel Perez president of EHAP. Our coaches, mentors, and volunteers, understand the importance of having genuine interest in our kids and their future! Please join us by volunteering, participating or supporting today as we help these kids reach their purpose, one goal.
EHAP will run “Kicking it with EAHP” from March -July, meeting every Saturday in from 10 am to 1pm, please email for location information due to calendar schedule.at a time!
Practice Monday - Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm
Langwood Park. (Park In front of Benbrook Elementary)
If you would like to volunteer, participate or support our community soccer league please contact: movehap@gmail.com
Nutrition Food Distribution
Volunteers Needed for “Growing U”
Alief ISD’s Hearne Elementary School recently introduced a new after school program for 3rd-5th graders to enroll in called Growing U which teaches kds about healthier habits, food and environmental science, and how to garden. This exciting FREE after-school program will include activities such as (but not limited to):
- Science of gardening and school gardens
- Writing in student garden journals and blogging
- Fresh vegetable tastings, easy vegetable recipe
- demonstrations, easy vegetable recipes to take home
- Preparation and participation in 4-H food contests
- Physical activity lessons and challenges
- 4-H Youth Enrollment and opportunity to hold a club
- office
- Service learning project
- Family nights and FUN FUN FUN!!!
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help make this program a success. Guest speakers are welcome to family nights, so students can be exposed to more career opportunities at an early age.
If you are interested, please contact: Jennifer A. Ramos at 832-866-5859MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
Houston Basics
Houston Basics Workshops at 3 different locations
Ripley
Wesley
Carnegie
Ripley
Wesley
Carnegie
21 Day Challenge
People don't become fully-formed adults until their 30s: ABC 13 Report
On-Time Grad Academy-Southwest MSC Graduation
On March 3/27/19 students enrolled in the On-Time Grad Academy at the Southwest Multi-service Center received their certificates for successful completion of the program and will now be able to join alongside their peers in graduating high school.
One student named Alejandro shared his thoughts on one of sessions covering Career Lessons and Costs of Living taught by Mr. Richard Prathers from Workforce Solutions:
Three things I’ve learned:
-Professionalism, in every sense of the word. How to properly greet others, punctuality, appropriate speech, expressing yourself correctly, etc. I learned what is valued in a person in the workplace.
-I feel like I’ve gained a confidence in the things I say thanks to Mr. Prather; his encouragement will help me assert myself better without the fear that what I’m saying is could be wrong.
-It gave me perspective when it comes to housing and living costs, before this class I wasn’t aware of how much it cost to live, where exactly does money need to go, and how to best manage it to make the best use of the money you earn.
-->You can view the graduating class representative speak at the ceremony here
About On-Time Grad Academy (formerly known as Momentum Schools)
On-Time Grad Academy engages students in an online learning environment through rigorous instruction. Each student is given an individualized learning plan that promotes progress to graduation. We welcome the all learners and provide them an opportunity to earn a high school diploma.
On-Time Grad Academy offers a nontraditional, alternative school setting for students who are unable to attend high school during the regular day. Students may take advantage of a flexible schedule while engaging in blended learning coupled with online resources and personalized support. Students are provided with academic support from certified teachers, and all online courses are self-paced. Students who have dropped out or who are in danger of dropping out of school are also welcomed.
Urban Scholars Program Updates
“You Got This Series” at Mickey Leland Academy Updates
We invited First Convenience Bank to conduct a financial literacy workshop for young men at the Michey Leland College Pre Academy as part of our “You Got This” series organized by our Educational Community Involvement Coordinator Kesha McNeil. We had the pleasure of having Mr. Selwyn Maloy present to our small group and it was a success! Kesha McNeil shared with Mr. Maloy, “Our students were very engaged and had lots of fun learning about banking and the aspects that comes with it. Thanks so much in advance again! Have a great and blessed day! I look forward to having you come back again!”
“I had the pleasure of speaking to an amazing group of 25 young men that will make a difference in today’s society. They were very intrigued with the information I had to share and had a lot of questions. It was an awesome day” Maloy Selwyn, Vice President Business Development Officer, First Convenience Bank
About "You Got This"
Our new College Readiness series for the year at the Mickey Leland College Prep Academy will be called “You Got This” which takes place every 4th Wednesday of every month. January 23, February 27, March 27, and April 24 at 11:30am-1:00pm. There will be 25 young men participating in this series ranging from 9th-11th grade. The series will consist of the following themes: Financial Literacy, “The Leader in Me”, Workforce Development, & College Readiness.
Destined For Success: Scholarships Seminar
A Scholarship that “Pays to Run”
The Scholarship is named after Houston Marathon Foundation co-founder and past Houston Marathon Committee board member, Susan Poorman Blackie who embodied the leadership, generosity and volunteer spirit that exemplifies the Houston Marathon community of volunteers. It is this, along with her passion for life, that we honor Susan by continuing her legacy to the Houston Marathon Foundation (HMF) and promoting our organization's mission to advance running as a healthy lifestyle opportunity.
The scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female student who will receive, $5,000 a year/ $20,000 for four years. Eligible recipients will have participated in high school cross country or track and who show a love of running, community and exemplary performance in school.
Pathways College Intern
On March 22, 2019 one of our BYAH Pathways college intern Jordy Mendoza received a $2,000 Greater Texas Foundation Scholarship from University of Houston Downtown. There were a total of 40 students inducted into the GTF scholar program and Jordy was number seven to receive the award. The scholarship is given every year for 3 years for early college students.
Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education
“For many years Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education has been awarding scholarship funds to various college and university students in our area that are seeking associate or bachelor’s degrees in Marine STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Maritime Logistic, Transportation, Distribution, or other related Maritime fields of study. We are excited to announce PHPME’s Collegiate Scholarship opportunity to qualified students for the 2019-020 scholastic year!
The scholarship will be awarded to the recipients in late April. The amount of the awards will also be announced at that time. Please go to: www.porthouston.com/maritime-education/ for information surrounding scholarship opportunity. All completed scholarship applications must be received at Port Houston office by the close of business on March 31, 2019.
We look forward to receiving applications from the many deserving students in maritime and the related fields of supply chain, transportation, and logistics.
If you have any questions, please submit them to Jacquie Young-Hall, Maritime Academy Coordinator at jdyoung@poha.com.”
Regards,
Gilda Ramirez, PHPME President and Jacquie Young-Hall, Maritime Academy Coordinator
AAPOL Scholarship Application Due By March 31, 2019
The Afro American Police Officers League (AAPOL) is accepting scholarship applications. This opportunity is available to all graduating high school seniors in the Houston area who wish to further their education. Graduates must have a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
AAPOL will be awarding (8) eight scholarships in the amount of $1000 and (2) two scholarships in the amount of $2000 during this event. The recipient of the scholarship can use the funds to supplement the cost of tuition, boarding, and books. Funds will be awarded directly to the university/college the recipient is enrolled for Fall/Spring 2019. As such, recipients must provide documentation of enrollment/registration and a copy of their high school transcript.
High school seniors who are interested may submit a minimum of 400-words in essay form answering the following question: “As a high school Senior do you believe that schools in the United States are proactive in stopping bullying and provide adequate support as well as safe environments for those who have been targeted by bullies(Why or Why not)? Clearly state your position and give three supporting facts for your position.”
Please electronically forward your application and essay to AAPOL Houston at AAPOLScholarship@gmail.com by 5:00 pm Sunday, March 31, 2019, if you have any questions, please call Officer DeAndre’ Hutchison at 713-857-8634. In additional, all AAPOL members please update your contact information by contacting AAPOL via aapolhpd@gmail.com with your name and “personal email address”.
Astros Internships
An internship is the best way to gain experience and create a network of contacts in the world of sports. The Houston Astros Internship Program proves to be a once in a lifetime experience that offers insight and exposure to various aspects of the sports industry. The goal of the program is to provide an educational experience, knowledge, tools, and tangible skills that an intern can immediately apply and reference in their future professional pursuits. Our program is intended to challenge and reward a select group of college students and recent graduates from across the country with an opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized professional staff in a world-class facility. In addition to the opportunity to experience the various departments with the Astros, the internship program facilitates intern involvement in the community, special events, and media coverage.
The Astros internship program welcomes all eligible applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and an interest in one of the many disciplines available. The Astros organization is committed to creating a diverse environment and urges students from all backgrounds to apply. The club believes diversity fosters an open, forward thinking, positive and satisfying work environment for everyone. Although interns are primarily college juniors and seniors, opportunities are available for non-traditional students, graduate students and recent graduates. This organization also strongly supports our military and makes a concentrated effort to offer internship opportunities available to women and men returning from active duty who wish to continue their education.
If you are looking for an opportunity to grow professionally and have fun in the process, the Houston Astros have an internship for you.
Adolescent Health – Summer Jobs Presentation
Hire Houston Youth (HHY) Summer Jobs Program Application Extended Date
The City of Houston 2019 Summer Jobs Program (SJP) online application will be extended to the following dates April 6, 2019 for City positions. Corporate and Nonprofit positions will remain open to May 3, 2019.
Interested SJP participants must be 16-24-year-old, reside within Houston city limits and must meet eligibility requirements. (see flyer for more details). Corporate and Nonprofit positions for inside/outside of city limits and must meet eligibility requirements.
Other opportunities available are Job and Resource Fair for city and non-city residents. (See flyer for more details).
Constance Carron serves as the program liaison for the Houston Health Department. For questions, please contact her 832-393-4801 or email at constance.carron@houstontx.gov.
Hire Houston Youth (HHY) Summer Jobs Job Fair Houston Food Bank
On March 14,2019 BYAH staff Constance Carron attended the very first job fair that took place on Thursday, March 14th at the Houston Food Bank 535 Portwall Drive, from 10am - 2pm. Constance provided career coaching and application assistance to 47 students.
This was a great opportunity for employers to engage with youth ages 16 to 24 and make additional hires than what they may have in the CitySpan/HHY Portal and to hire for immediate needs for those of employers that are looking to hire now.
Houston Food Bank bused over HUNDREDS of youth from around the City who will be looking for jobs and resources!
Summer Jobs SER: Apply by March 31
Construction and Safety Training
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training
Participate in 7 weeks of hands-on Commercial Driver License Training
Earn CDL Endorsement - Class A
Eligible training candidates must meet the following criteria:
Released from City or State Jail within the last three years
Criminal Background DOES NOT INCLUDE: Arson or Sexual Offenses
Resides in the City of Houston
Ages 21 and older
Valid driver license & Clean driving record
Complete links below!!!
https://www.tfaforms.com/455915?tfa_4=7011Q0000008dmA&tfa_917=SER%20Jobs
Southwest Workforce Solution: Child Care Worker Position
Position Duties:
Maintain a safe play environment for children 6 weeks to 12 years
Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues
Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts
Observe and monitor children's play activities
Qualifications:
- Candidates must pass background check
Contact:
Corry A. Worrell
Recruiter
Workforce Solutions – Astrodome
9315 Stella Link, Houston, TX, 77025
TEL 713.661.3220 EXT 1018 FAX 1.713.266.2495
corry.worrell@wrksolutions.com
There will be high number of candidates. Reply to Corry Worrell with your Resume in “MICROSOFT WORD OR PDF” format. Also be sure to be fully registered in WorkInTexas.com
32nd Annual Juvenile Law Conference
The 32nd Annual Juvenile Law Conference took place in Austin February 24-27, 2019. On Wednesday February 27, 2019, Bureau Chief Noel Pinnock presented on behalf of MBK Houston and spoke to over 150 juvenile justice practitioners from around the state with regards to the work Houston is doing around the city to reduce crime and violence and provide juveniles with second chance opportunities through collaborations and implementing prevention, early intervention, and post-adjudication strategies.
Project Hope Press Conference
Baker Ripley: STEP Forward-Career Success Initiative for Justice Involved Citizens
Dear Community Partners,
I am excited to announce that BakerRipley in partnership with Texas Southern University is pleased to launch the pilot of a new career success initiative for justice involved men and women called STEP Forward. STEP Forward is a holistic and multi-prong pre and post-release college to career reentry initiative that will offer a broad range of supportive services and programming to justice involved men and women primarily between the ages of 18-25.
In addition to college admission and career support, STEP Forward will also offer wrap around family services in order to meet the needs that men and women with felony convictions face post incarceration. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with college and career mentors, receive academic and career support, intern and apprenticeship opportunities, and social and leadership development and training. The ultimate goal of STEP Forward is to change the trajectory of our school to prison pipeline, by creating a prison to college to career pipeline.
We are currently recruiting applicants for the inaugural cohort, which will officially begin class in the Fall 2019 Semester. The requirement for application is as follows:
- Applicants cannot have a Sexual Assault Case
- Applicants conviction/offense must be at least three years old
- Applicants must have a GED or High School Diploma prior to the start of school semester
- Applicant must submit a letter of intent and STEP Forward Application
If you would like to recommend someone please send them the application link. I have also attached a paper application for those that need it. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me at msmith@bakerripley.org.
Sincerely,
Marlon Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Manager, Policy and Engagement
Baker Ripley
CPTED at South Early College High School
“Friday March, 8, 2019 between 12:00- 2:30 we [helped] the students of SECHS build a garden as a part of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design service Learning Project. Unlike any other garden in the city, this school will feature vegetables, compost center, Bee garden, and exotic flower “exhibit”. As we know our children are 100% of our future and by investing in them, we are in essence investing in ourselves. South Early is a dynamic school that began with 45 students in one single hallway, and grew to where it is now. The Principal is welcoming and entirely invested in making a positive contribution to the lives of ALL of his students. I guarantee that you all will be amazed at the school’s growth and cutting edge approach to learning, which includes the CPTED program and is part of our Providing Youth Opportunities initiative in the Houston Peace Citywide Strategic plan. Come by to visit and make time to volunteer to be a part of this positive contribution to greatness!” -Paul Johnson, CPTED Coordinator
ReDirect: Big City Garden Project Celebration with Whataburger
The first end of the month celebration took place on 02/25/2019. We celebrated the achievements of the youth with the meals provided by Whataburger. (“Just Like We Like It!”) The youth participated in the Big City Garden project and learned the process of chitting potatoes to prepare them for planting. Dates are set until April and done on the last Tuesday of the month.
Here are the dates for the next four months:
- May 28, 2019
- June 25, 2019
- July 30, 2019
- August 27, 2019
If you would like to become a program sponsor or learn more about the ReDirect Program Contact Lead Counselor Domini Bryant at domini.bryant@houstontx.gov.
Win-Win Program at Scarborough High School
More than 140 Scarborough High School students joined law enforcement officers from the HISD Police Department, Houston Police Department and the Metro Houston Police Department in [the Win-Win] program on Wednesday [02/20/19] to reduce the number of hostile encounters between juveniles and law enforcement officers.
The sessions provided an intimate setting for students to ask candid questions, raising concerns about issues that affect them daily. Participating law enforcement officers were able to directly address those issues, as well as explain to the students the realities they face on a day-to-day basis.
“I want our students to leave today with a sense of ease, as well as a sense of urgency where they understand that the police are not their enemy,” said Chandra Richardson, Scarborough High School College & Career Readiness Advisor. “We have to change some mindsets. We need them to understand that they have a job to do – the students, as well as the police department.”
Peacekeepers Movement Updates
Congratulations to TAPS Academy for receiving a grant from the Governor of Texas Criminal Justice fund to teach The Community Safety Education Act (CSEA) in 20 cities throughout Texas. We made an impromptu announcement after one of the CSEA trainings at the Houston Health Department:
Our largest CSEA training was held at Sterling High School on March 22, 2019 for over 1000 students. This was a joint effort with about 10-20 PALS and GREAT officers and had the added fun of basketball tournament against Sterling High School’s boy’s and girl’s basketball teams.
We have trainings scheduled up until the end of April and will continue working through 2020 to reach our goal of 50,000 trained Peacekeepers!
Upcoming Events
Houston Children’s Festival
Two days of games, circus acts, rides, food, beverages, and entertainment for all ages centered in downtown Houston. The Festival excitement includes Fourteen Big Family Adventure Zones, Six stages of music and entertainment, over three hundred fun activities, as well as featured celebrities. Created 31 years ago by Child Advocates as an avenue to create awareness and funding to help the abused and neglected children of Houston.
Over 5.6 million dollars have been raised for the organization through the annual two days of children activities. Come celebrate, enjoy, laugh, and play at the 31st Annual McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival and create a lifetime of memories!
Saturday, Mar 30, 2019, 10:30 AM
Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Crimes Stoppers Kick-Off Event
Thursday, Apr 4, 2019, 06:00 PM
1423 Richmond Avenue, Shreveport, LA, USA
Houston Money Week: Health is Wealth
Saturday, Apr 6, 2019, 09:00 AM
1710 Telephone Road, Houston, TX, USA
Child Abuse Lunch & Learn + Training
Monday, Apr 8, 2019, 11:30 AM
3001 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Beyond Cakemaker: Policies targeting the LGBTQIA+
Please join ADL, the American Constitution Society Houston Lawyer Chapter, and Equality Texas for a special program on the intersectional impacts of harmful policies and the importance of standing together.
This event will cover some of the current policies, rules, and regulations targeting the LGBTQIA+ community that are not in the headlines. Our panelists will discuss not only how these rules impact the LGBTQIA+ community, but also how these rules have lasting implications for other groups and the broader community as a whole.
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2019, 06:00 PM
Crime Stoppers of Houston, Main street, Houston, TX, USA
The Eye of the T.I.G.E.R. Men’s Symposium
This is a day and a half dedicated to molding a better minority man. There will be many skills learned, educated conversations to be had, and great life lessons to be taught. Hope to see you there!
Friday, Apr 12, 2019, 06:00 AM
3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Career Day at Wheatley High School
Breakfast served at 8 am.
If you are interested in participating and sharing your profession with our scholars please RSVP your confirmation by April 5, 2019 and contact by cell phone or email:
Melodee Thomas | 11 Administrator
(832)771-0073 / school (713)671-3900 / mthomas3@houstonisd.org.
Kendra Yarborough | CTE Government Teacher/Instructional Excellence Coach
(832)382-4613 / kyarbrou@HoustonIsd.org
Thursday, Apr 18, 2019, 08:45 AM
Wheatley High School, Providence Street, Houston, TX, USA
Coffee & Collaboration: Human Trafficking
Purpose: to raise awareness of the issue, understand resources available locally and nationally, and discuss ways to address the issue via our respective faith/philosophical communities
-->RSVP here
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2019, 07:00 PM
1111 E 11th Street, Houston, TX
Reform or Abolish: Bringing Justice to the Criminal Justice System
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 09:00 AM
University of Houston, FH, Houston, TX, USA
2nd Annual Youth Mental Health Art Showcase
Thursday, May 9, 2019, 06:00 AM
2101 Winter Street Houston
Money Live 2019
A Career & Money Simulation Event for High School Students
For more info or to register groups contact: Lonnie Mathews at 281-386-7951
Saturday, Jun 8, 2019, 09:00 AM
8400 Kirby Drive 77054
Follow Us @MBKhouston for more updates
Email: mbkhouston@houstontx.gov
Website: www.mbkhouston.org
Location: 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: 832-393-5169
Facebook: facebook.com/MBKHouston/
Twitter: @MBKHouston