The Blueprint
April 2019 Edition
“If we can get young leaders to begin to work together, if we can provide you more tools, more resources, more attention, mentoring, maybe a little bit of inspiration—above all, if we can get you to work in concert and teach and learn from each other—then you will change the world.”
-Barack Obama, POTUS 44
MBK Ambassador Spotlights
Spencer Tillman, Former NFL Star
College Football Analyst, FOX Sports: Former running back at Oklahoma, and in the NFL with the Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers, Spencer Tillman joined FOX Sports in 2015 as a college football game analyst, reuniting with play-by-play announcer and longtime colleague Tim Brando. Tillman and Brando are joined by reporter Holly Sonders for a full schedule of college football games on FOX and FS1 in 2018. Prior to joining FOX Sports, Tillman was the lead studio analyst for CBS’s “College Football Today” pregame show for 17 years (1999-2015), working alongside Brando for the first 15 of those years before Brando joined FOX Sports. Tillman held the lead studio role longer than any broadcaster in CBS Sport’s History. Tillman also co-hosts KTKR-TV’s “Houston Texans Inside the Game” in Houston.
Super Bowl-Winning NFL Career: Tillman, an All-American running back at the University of Oklahoma (1983-86) who helped lead the Sooners to the 1985 national championship, was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft. He played eight seasons in the league, including with the Super Bowl XXIV champion San Francisco 49ers in 1989, where he was a team co-captain along with Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott. Before joining the 49ers, where he remained through the 1991 campaign, he played for the Oilers from 1987 to 1988. In 1992, Tillman returned to Houston, where he played through his final season in 1994.
College Days: Tillman won All-America honors as a running back for the University of Oklahoma and captained the Sooners when they defeated Penn State in the Orange Bowl to win the 1985 National Championship. Tillman was a highly decorated collegiate player, winning UPI Player of the Year in the Big East Conference in 1982, the Big Eight Football Newcomer of the Year in 1983 and MVP of the Orange Bowl in 1987.
Broadcast Beginnings: In the off-season following the 1987 NFL Draft, Tillman served as an anchor and reporter at Houston’s KPRC-TV for seven months, simultaneously fostering the development of his football and broadcasting careers. Prior, he hosted two radio sports-talk shows in Oklahoma City while reporting for and anchoring a radio magazine show. Tillman went on to spend 10 years as a sports anchor at KPRC, and from 1997-99, helmed weekend sports for New York’s WABC-TV before CBS Sports brought him on board in 1999 as lead studio analyst for “College Football Today,” where he worked alongside Brando for 15 years.
While at CBS Sports, Tillman and Brando also teamed to call regional NFL games from 2000-03. Tillman also went on to serve as a reporter for CBS’s NCAA Tournament coverage and anchored regional broadcasts on FOX Sports Networks, in addition to a stint as host of DirecTV’s “NFL Sunday Ticket.”
Personal: In 2005, Tillman authored “Scoring in the Red Zone: How to Lead Successfully When the Pressure is On.” In 2009, he appeared in the movie “Horrible Turn.”
Born April 21, 1964 in Tulsa, Okla., Tillman graduated from Thomas Edison High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and in communications from the University of Oklahoma in 1988. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School & NFL’s OPM Program. He currently resides in Sugar Land, Texas, with his wife, Rita, and their four daughters (Alisa, Blair, Mir and Bailey). Tillman is active with the non-profit group Lift Up America and is a motivational speaker
INTERVIEW
1. How would someone describe you?
I'm a hard-hat and lunch-pale guy at heart. I can do a lot of different things well but I'm level-headed and understand that we're all conduits. Our gifts are intended to past through us to make the world a better place. Our talents make room for us so I don't worry about my needs as much.
2. What do you do when you aren't working or supporting a cause?
I'm always ON!
3. Tell me how you first got involved with BYAH/MBK Houston?
We were approached by members of the Houston Health Foundation (Bill Burge, and subsequently was asked to consider joining the board. Since, Noel Pinnock has been quality communicator regarding the heart and direction of the program, via Mayor Sylvester Turner's office. It's critical that any enterprise I engage have support from the Top.
4. What do you wish other people knew about BYAH/MBK Houston?
I wish people knew the organization appreciates the magnitude of the challenge it attempts to address. An informed change-agent is: strategic, focused and above all, resilient!
5. Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with the community?
There are too many to name but if pressed: Reverend, Dr. Greg Headington, My, Mother LaRue Helen Tillman and, my mentor Bill Noble and every coach I've sat under.
My mother taught me so much about the human condition, and how to effect it.
That competency together with some athletic prowess- and cultures fascination with performance- facilitated access to those in need of: Motivation, Facilitation and Empowerment. When we establish trust and provide a safe place, we can connect with people and inspire them to believe that something can be different in their lives. Then and only then will they be willing to learn the both hard and soft skills required to negotiate and navigate life. In the end its about developing the capacity to cope and ultimately thrive!
6. What might the community be surprised to know about you?
I play the piano....
7. What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting BYAH/MBK Houston?
As a person of faith, I can think of only ONE goal more consequential than that of playing an active role in unleashing human potential!
8. Why do you support BYAH/MBK Houston?
It is a worthy, end-to-end, social values solution!
Robert Reid, Former NBA Star
BACKGROUND
Robert Reid was born in Atlanta, Georgia, August 30, 1955 and grew up in a Military family, and traveled widely before the family settled in Schertz, Texas. He attended High School at Samuel Clemens in Schertz and went on to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas on a Basketball scholarship and then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education, with a minor in History in 1977. His high school and college jerseys retired, and is in the NAIA Hall of Fame as well at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Reid was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 2nd round, 40th overall and went on to a stellar career in the NBA, playing from 1977 to 1991. He played for the Houston Rockets from 1977 to 1988, where he set and still holds many club records, and is in the top 10 in categories such as 3 point shots, steals, total games played, rebounding, assists, blocks, and scoring. Most recently Reid was voted one of the top five players for the 80’s by the Houston Rockets. He was also honored during the 50 years of the Rockets celebration, and 30 years of the Charlotte Hornets. After his playing career ended he joined the coaching ranks, coaching in the CBA and the NBA, Southwest Basketball and United States Basketball Leagues, ABA, Overseas in Hungary and the ULEP, as well as at the College Level.
Reid retired as Head Basketball Coach for Ranger College and in the off season conducts basketball clinics around the world in places like China and India and is also an active public speaker, celebrity golfer, and celebrity auctioneer. His consistent involvement in charitable causes, and has earned him the NBA Humanitarian Award, Mayor’s Proclamation, Houston Proud Salute, and Savvy Award for his outstanding Charitable & Community Service. Today, Reid continues his charitable work through the Legends of Basketball National and Houston Chapters, volunteers with Barbara Jordan Endeavors and serves as a mentor in Yogi Bear’s Wellness Program.
INTERVIEW
1. How would someone describe you?
Fun, Caring, and willing to help those in need.
2. What do you do when you aren't working or supporting a cause?
Read, work out in gym, travel, spend time with family.
3. Tell me how you first got involved with BYAH/MBK Houston?
At an event. Heard about it when Noel got an award from President Obama.
4. What do you wish other people knew about BYAH/MBK Houston?
How they reach out to kids in a positive way.
5. Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with the community?
1977 I was looking thru a sports magazine and saw Willie Stargel read how he was delivering Christmas dinners to families. He did not look for publicity, but I thought it was great and this lead me to years of service.
6. What might the community be surprised to know about you?
That I am more laid back than people think. I like kids toys and western novels.
7. What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting BYAH/MBK Houston?
Be ready to know what these young people are really going through and have an open heart and mind to help them.
8. Why do you support BYAH/MBK Houston?
MBK is working with Wellness and Dr. Jones so there are now two programs working for young
In the News and Updates
Mayors for Mentoring: Mayor Sylvester Turner
MENTOR National has officially added our Houston Mayor Turner to their website! A more interactive experience is under development for this page. You can read what is currently displayed below and check back in during the next few months for future changes!
"Mayor Sylvester Turner, born and raised in Houston, has prioritized the city’s resilience and an improved quality of life for all residents.
He is an advocate for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Houston, including its focus on mentorship, to support boys and young men of color and the communities they live in. Mayor Turner served as a role model and mentor to Asa Singleton, MBK Youth Voice/Ambassador. He invited Asa to sit on the mayor’s Youth Council to speak about youth violence and helped MBK Houston become a national model for other cities to replicate.
MBK Houston partnered with Change Happens, a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of families and children in high-risk communities throughout Houston, to apply for the inaugural Obama Foundation Community Challenge Grant. Following a rigorous nationwide review, MBK Houston and Change Happens were selected as winners. As a result, Change Happens will leverage this funding to expand its flagship mentoring program at Jack Yates High School in Houston’s Third Ward."
View the Mayors for Mentoring Page in the link below:
Obama Foundation: Town Hall Europe Recap
Watch President Obama join hundreds of emerging European leaders for a town hall conversation to discuss the future of Europe and the importance of leadership in creating lasting change across the region.
What We're Reading
New study on the role of mentoring relationships and access to social capital
This study focus on how social capital contributes to the occupational attainment goals of adolescents, and how they strategize to achieve them. The findings the study revealed youth have a desire to pursue social capital, which appears to be a motivator and mediator of barriers to successful labor market attachment. Moreover, it points out the networking function of mentors, as they provided access to novel social resources that mentees do not have prior to participating the mentoring program.
-Summarized by Cyanea Poon & Rachel Thompson
Art Heals! How ART + MENTORS = RESILIENCE
The Free Arts model is based on resilience research from the Harvard Center for the Developing Child that states that positive adult relationships and active skill building are integral to resilience building in children. Art is a way to help children express their thoughts and feelings, regulate their brain activity, and understand their identity. Creating art together can help build and strengthen relationships between mentors and mentees as well as between peers. The impact has been clear throughout Free Arts’ 25-year history during which time more than 125,000 children have accessed Free Arts’ services.
-By Jessica Flowers, Program Director, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
National Mentoring Resource Center
Building a Community of Practice
Voice in Action: OJJDP Youth Mentoring Grant
The Grant is currently funded at $95 million, the mentoring movement is asking Congress to increase these funds to $120 million. You can make a difference by calling on your Members of Congress to close the mentoring gap in America today.
Voice in Action: HB 2184
There are less than 30 days left in the legislative session and things are coming down to the wire. We’re asking for your help! HB 2184, which would provide transition planning services for justice-involved youth re-entering public or open-enrollment charter schools, was unanimously voted out of the House Public Education Committee. It has now been referred to the House Calendars Committee which sets dates for bills to be heard on the House floor.
Here’s how you can help:
Please contact each of the Calendar Committee Members to express your support of HB 2184 – and share this message with your networks, especially those who are constituents of one of the below members (though you don’t have to be a constituent to make these calls)!
Here are the Committee Members:
Rep. Four Price (Amarillo): (512) 463-0470
Rep. Joe Moody (El Paso): (512) 463-0728
Rep. Joe Deshotel (Port Arthur): (512) 463-0662
Rep. John Frullo (Lubbock): (512) 463-0676
Rep. Craig Goldman (Fort Worth): (512) 463-0608
Rep. Oscar Longoria (Penitas): (512) 463-0645
Rep. Will Metcalf (Conroe): (512) 463-0726
Rep. Tom Oliverson (Houston): (512) 463-0661
Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (Austin): (512) 463-0674
Rep. Toni Rose (Dallas): (512) 463-0664
Rep. John Wray (Waxahachie): (512) 463-0516
Sample Script:
Hello, my name is ________. I am [calling / emailing] Representative _______ because I support House Bill 2184. It has been referred to the House Calendar Committee. HB 2184 will ensure the creation of transition plans for justice-involved youth upon release from a juvenile justice facility. Successful transitions of youth back on to school campuses reduces recidivism rates and gives youth the second chance they’ve earned. I encourage Representative ______ to support this bill by giving a chance to be heard on the House floor as soon as possible. Thank you very much!
Thank You
As always, we are grateful for your support and willingness to advocate for all of Texas’ students. With gratitude, Mental Health America Advocacy Team
Annalee Gulley, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs
Rebecca Fowler, Coordinator, Advocacy & Veterans Behavioral Health
Lauren Pursley, Training Specialist
Jasmine Major, Betsy Schwartz Fellow and Intern
Harris County: Harvey Project Recovery
On April 13, 2019 Harris County officially launched the Harvey Project Recovery and is asking for your support to help inform our community. If you or someone you know is a homeowner who lives inside Harris County but outside the Houston City limits, who suffered damage during Harvey, please go to www.harrisrecovery.org and fill out a pre-application for assistance. For those living within incorporated Houston here is a direct link to the city’s program.
Possible avenues for help include:
- Up to $80,000 for help repairing a damaged property.
- Up to $160,000 for reconstruction on your own property.
- Up to an additional $40,000 on homes qualifying for reconstruction that require elevation.
- Up to $50,000 for reimbursements on repairs already made.
- Opportunities for buy-outs and relocation for those who qualify.
In the meantime, we hope that you will share this information with your friends, neighbors, and anyone else who you know took damage to their property during Harvey. The County is working hard to make sure that we are reaching out to as many people in our community as possible to let them know about the program.
If you would like Harris County to send additional information to your church, civic club, school, or volunteer organization, the most current downloadable flyers are available on their website www.harrisrecovery.org
Bellaire High School Students Presents: Fresh Hub
The Bellaire Future Problem Solvers Association is leading the Fresh Hub project with a mission to lessen food inequality and its negative effects. 40% of total food is wasted and 1 in 5 people are food insecure. Excess food is collected from places including Trader Joes, Slow Dough and Breadman to be distributed to multi-service centers in neighborhoods that qualify as food deserts or areas that lack grocery stores with healthy food options. Stay tuned for another Fresh Hub event at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center in May and in Kashmere Multi-Service Center in June.
2019 Get Moving Houston Farmers Market Open Season
The 2019 markets will offer SNAP beneficiaries a dollar for dollar match up to $20 spent on fresh fruits and vegetables through the Urban Harvest Double Up Houston program. In addition to the new incentive, the markets will continue to offer:
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers to eligible WIC clients
- The Fruit and vegetable prescription program FRESH RX to Houstonians participating in a health screening visit or a health education class available at a participating health center
- Various deals and bundles to make local fruits and vegetables more affordable
“Fruits and vegetables help prevent or delay the start of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease while helping people maintain a healthy weight and just feel better,” said Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays, head of the health department’s Office of Chronic Disease, Health Education and Wellness.“
Get Moving Houston Farmers Markets bring fresh fruits and vegetables to communities with low access, also known as food deserts. Since launching in 2011, the markets have benefited more than 20,000 underserved families and distributed more than half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in Houston.
“These markets provide a mutual benefit to farmers, shoppers and local economies by allowing farmers to sell high quality fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the community, meeting the area’s demand for fresh produce,” Foreman-Hays continued.
The markets accept cash, credit, debit and SNAP/Lonestar EBT.
The 2019 Get Moving Houston Farmers Market season runs April 3 through September 26. Markets are held twice weekly at multi-service centers across the city.-->The 2019 schedule and more information about the markets, incentives and health programs is available at houstontx.gov/health/farmersmarkets or 832-393-4054.
Community Council Meeting at Bruce Elementary
Photo Courtesy: Roderick Peoples
Positive Youth Development
Benbrook Food Distribution
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Garcia
K Smith Food Distribution
Our teammates Kesha McNeil and Roderick Peoples working the food drop at K Smith Elementary. Photo Courtesy: Kesha McNeil
Seedlings at Bruce Elementary
Photo Courtesy: Roderick Peoples
MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
Houston Basics
Houston Basics Workshops: May Workshops
Don't Miss May 2019 Workshops:
- May 1 at Ripley
- May 9 at Wesley
- May 20 at Carnegie
Ripley
Wesley
Carnegie
Ripley
Wesley
Carnegie
Featured Book: Dear Black Boy By Martellus Bennett
Dear Black Boy is a letter of encouragement to all the brown-skinned boys around the world who feel like sports are all they have. It is a reminder that they are more than athletes, more than a jersey number, more than a great crossover or a forty-time, that the biggest game that they'll ever play is the game of life, and there are people rooting for them off of the courts and fields, not as athletes, but as future leaders of the world. The same things that make these boys great on whatever playing surface they choose are the same things that will propel them forward in life: mental toughness, dedication, passion, determination, and effort are all things that carry over into the game of life. With the right preparation, every Black Boy can win.
NFL Veteran Martellus Bennett Hopes To Plant Seeds Of Imagination For Young Black Men
On April 8, 2019 we had an amazing opportunity to hear Martellus Bennett, former Houston Texan, read his book “Dear Black Boy” at the Houston Public Library’s Gregory School.
Martellus Bennett spent a decade in the NFL, playing tight end for the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots. Now, Bennett has written and illustrated a children’s book, called Dear Black Boy. It’s an adaptation of a letter he addressed to black children after the 2016 police shootings of Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana.
In the letter and subsequent book, he aims to inspire young black men to dream big and aim for more in life.
HYPE Freedom School is Here!
Circle of Men at Clifton
Circle of Men Mentorship at Clifton Middle School attended The Hate U Give, Meet the Author Luncheon on April 24, 2019. The students were able to hear about the authors experience growing up in Mississippi and needing to navigate in two worlds. It was also discussed about the climate with POC and encounters with the police. The students took the time to actually hear it first hand on the several reasons that motivated the author to write this story and how the title also derives from a slain activist rapper, Tupac Shakur whom fought to bring attention to the racism, inequality, and police brutality in the 90’s that still exist to this day. The students were intrigued and excited to have experienced such a great lunch and learn experience.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Garcia
Clifton College and Career Night
Young students and families gather at Clifton Middle School to learn about possible colleges and careers to consider for their future success.
"You Got This" Mini Series Conclusion
We closed out the "You Got This" Mini Series at the Mickey Leland College Prep Academy which exposed the boys to college and career readiness, financial literacy, resume building and "The Man in Me". Great job young men!
Photo Courtesy Kesha McNeil
Young Adults Building Communities
Y-ABC Gulfton
Y-ABC Gulfton is currently comprised of 21 students: Cohort 2 (12 seniors) and Cohort 3 (9 seniors) who completed their 16 hours of Y-ABC training by April 6, 2019. Both cohorts were able to:
- Meet elected officials (Cohort 2 with Councilmember Michael Kubosh and Cohort 3 with Councilmember Mike Laster)
- Meet State Rep. Gene Wu and Council member David Robinson
- Take a tour of Gulfton guided by Sandra Rodriguez. The tour was very instrumental in helping the students identify some projects that they wanted to undertake
The real challenge was getting the students from both cohorts to come to a consensus on which projects they wanted to do. The last session, when they were together, we had to devote time to discuss which projects each group liked and try to get consensus on 1-2 projects they agreed to work on. Some of the ideas they came up with were: cleanup; badminton/volleyball court; resource kiosk; garden; after school activity for young children; space to hold recreational/sports like wrestling, mixed martial arts; fixing sidewalks; bike paths; swimming pool.
Both groups observed during the tour that there was trash and debris around the community. They both agreed that a community cleanup would be their choice. Since this was voiced soon after the tour, we were able to bring in the City of Houston Solid Waste Dept. to talk about what it would take to do a community cleanup. In addition, they heard from Maria Hernandez of the Madres de Parque about the cleanups they schedule twice a month at Bayland Park. Also, Jamaur Barnes, Community Engagement Manager with Baker Ripley, offered his support on their projects.
The second project that garnered consensus among the 2 cohorts was a Resource Kiosk. What struck them from the tour was the number and variety of services and resources in the Gulfton community. They felt that they would want to spread the word to others about what and where these services and resources were through both a physical map in a kiosk structure in busy areas frequented by people and via on-line through a website or app.
They were able to meet the director of Spark Park, Kathleen Ownby, and discuss possibly putting a sand volleyball court into the Jane Long Spark Park design. They also met with Shawn McGowan with the YMCA who said they could possibly add wrestling and martial arts in the sports activities at the Y's HUB. He also shared that they were hiring for the summer and encouraged them to come for the interviews.
We were also able to agree on a date for the cleanup so that everyone could schedule on their calendars- Saturday, June 8, 8 am-noon. Alyce Coffey with the Solid Waste Dept. would help identify areas in Gulfton in need of cleanup.
Photos Courtesy: Francisco Garcia
Y-ABC Acres Home
The Acres Home Y-ABC leadership concluded our 16 hours leadership training with HBI (Home Builders Institute), and OBO (Office of Business Opportunity) graduating 14 students from the program. The young adults have focused on using the skills acquired through the HBI training to put to use in the planning of community projects led by them. In the process of bringing in multiple guest speakers, Y-ABC also focused on how the students can tie in their projects to use the skills learned through HBI and OBO and apply them to the community with partnering agencies. After the tour the students realized there are several homes that need structural repairs or improvements for the seniors living in them. The students committed to working with HCAAA to identify homes with senior citizens that are in need of repairs or installations of wheelchair ramps and grab bars. This is one of the many projects that will be implemented by the YABC HBI-OBO cohort in the Acres Home community.
Top 3 projects that will be led by the cohort:
1. Making repairs to homes of senior citizens in Acres Homes
2. Building a community garden
3. Conducting informational outreach pertaining to Continuing Education, Certification, and Vocational training
Photos Courtesy: Francisco Garcia
2019 Bank of America Summer Youth Internship Program
The application is now available for an awesome summer work experience opportunity (ages 16-21) through the 2018 Bank of America Summer Youth Internship Program.
- 87 intern positions are available working with various non-profit organization worksites throughout Houston. Most positions are located within Houston city limits and within the 610 loop.
- 10 intern positions are available working at Bank of America financial centers (Interns assigned to these positions must be 18 and over)
- Applications must be submitted by the 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019
- The application is available at: www.serhouston.org/summer
Questions or need assistance? Please call us at 713-773-6000 ext. 144 or email us at BOA@serhouston.org.
Juma: Houston Director of Development
Position Description:
Juma is seeking an experienced community leader to drive fundraising and partnership development efforts in our newest site, Houston. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development (Houston, TX) will play a critical role in the growth and impact that Juma has on young people in Houston. Launched in 2017, the Director of Development will, individually and with the support of the national development team, help establish and grow Juma Houston’s local base of philanthropic support.
This position requires exceptional drive and passion for our work, significant capacity for relationship building and an entrepreneurial mindset. In order to be successful in this role, you’ll have exceptional organizational and communication skills, and will be able to work independently and collaboratively with peers across departments, showing resourcefulness, flexibility and a high level of professionalism.
As a member of the small but growing Houston team, the Director of Development (Houston, TX) will also interact with Juma’s young people, supporting enterprise and programming activities on an occasional basis.
Job Details:
- Reports to: Chief Development Officer
- Job Location: Houston, TX
- Starting Salary: Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience
- Classification: Full-time, Exempt
- Hours/Week: 40 hours
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required
- Years of Experience: Minimum of eight years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the nonprofit philanthropic, private or public sector
- Benefits Include: Employee benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 403B plan, and a significant paid time off package
Please submit the following to Cassandra Yee, Director of Operations at cassandray@juma.org:
- A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and Juma’s focus and mission
- Current resume
- Salary requirements
Due to the volume of responses, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Empowering Immigrant Storytellers in Greater Houston
The Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC) is a consortium of legal and social service providers, advocates and funders who work with low-income immigrant families and undocumented individuals. We are looking for local creatives who are interested in helping to advance an inclusive and proimmigrant narrative about the diversity of immigrant experiences as an Art Producer and/or Coach. Our goals are to highlight stories of bravery and truth; to bring together the Houston community to support its vibrant diverse immigrant population with a sense of hope, dignity and respect; and to be inclusive of the broadest array of immigrant stories, including those that challenge the conventional notion of who is a “deserving” immigrant.
-->See the full Request for Proposal Here
We welcome creative interpretations of this Request for Proposals from organizations, individuals, and groups of individuals.
Please submit proposals (including timeline, budget, and description) to Kate Vickery: kate@houstonimmigration.org by May 1, 2019SERJobs May 2019 Trainings and Summer Job Opportunities
Earn industry-recognized credentials, learn the skills you need to land, keep a job and start your path to financial stability! Check out the flyers below:
Network Data Cable Technician Training
- Participate in a PAID 10 week hands-on Network Data Cable Installation Training
- 1 week of job readiness
- 1 week of workplace safety, cable installing, cable termination
- 8 weeks on-the-job training in the field
- Earn a nationally-recognized credential: OSHA 10
- Put the credentials you earn to work immediately
- Eligible candidate requirements: Must be ages 18-24, have HS Diploma or GED, not currently enrolled in school, and be low income (income verification required)
For information contact Cody at 713-773-6000 Extension 129
Warehouse & Forklift Training
- Participate in a 2 week Warehouse & Forklift Training
- 1 week of job readiness
- 1 week of Warehouse & Forklift Operator Training
- Earn industry-recognized credentials:
- OSHA 10
- Forklift Certification
- Put the credentials you earn to work immediately
- Graduates connected with employers ready to hire
For information contact Veronica at 713-773-6000 Extension 164
Construction & Safety Training
- Participate in a 3-week Safety Training and Construction Fundamentals training
- 1 week of job readiness
- 2 weeks of OSHA & NCCER training
- Earn nationally-recognized credentials:
- OSHA 10
- NCCER CORE
- Put the credentials you earn to work immediately following training
- Graduates connected with employers ready to hire
For information contact Freelander at 713-773-6000 Extension 165
AAMA Finance Job Vacancy Announcement
At AAMA we believe strong families means strong community. For over 40 years we've empowered learners and inspired leaders. Our Controller & School Finance Director is retiring and we are actively searching for a successor. The right candidate has the opportunity to become our Chief Financial Officer.
Reporting to our Chief Financial Officer you will oversee all financial and audit aspects of our non-profit and charter school divisions with a combined budget of approximately 19 million. You will be instrumental in the strategy and budget process as we grow new charter school campuses. Our budgets are complex with multiple state, federal and foundation grant compliance matters to attend to as well as knowing the intricacies of school finance.
Qualified candidates will have a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or business, at least 7 years of school finance and non-profit accounting experience overseeing a school finance or school business office, experience with process improvement, system implementations and experience with TxEIS business applications. Strongly prefer a CPA.
Must also have demonstrated experience supervising a small finance team, working with boards, developing budgets and working with auditors. We are looking for candidates who can help us improve our processes and be the best we can be! Confidential inquiries can be directed to:
Lisa Schott, PHR
Human Resources Director | lschott@aama.org | 713-929-2314
Equal Opportunity Employer
Houston Peace Press Conference Recap
Houston Peace is a comprehensive strategic plan that reviews the current state of youth violence in Houston and identifies where youth violence is most impactful. The plan also explores various ways to prevent violence at the individual, community, and societal levels, and narrows its approaches to focus on the following three goals to ensure our youth are safe, healthy, and have hope for the future.
Photo Courtesy: Paul Johnson
NPR: Preventing Youth Violence Podcast with Bureau Chief Noel Pinnock
On Monday’s Houston Matters, April 8, 2019, The Houston Health Department has released its strategic plan to prevent youth violence. We discuss the department’s plan and why it should be the purview of public health versus law enforcement.
ReDirect: Nutrition, Food Service and Mentoring
Our ReDirect young men trained in hospitality and food services. Dinner and dessert was served! Special thanks to their hard work and Teexas A&M AgriLife Extension for our nutrition class and health desserts!
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.
Photos Courtesy: Domini Bryant and Belkis Gonzalez
"Smart'n Up" Black Male Summit 2019
“Smart’n Up” Black Male Summit is designed to address the unique need of black males in Houston and Harris County (ages 13 and older). This years summit will focus on the importance of Education, Goal-setting and creating options for the future.
The Black Males Summit serves as a informational catalyst in the lives of thousands of inner-city youth and young adults. The summit will include motivational speakers, interactive presentations, door prizes, free giveaways and most importantly critical resources needed for participants to succeed in life.
Admission was free and our young men were able to enjoy the empowerment generated by so many positive Black men under one roof at the Shrine of The Black Madonna Cultural and Event Center on Saturday, March 30, 2019.
Photo Courtesy: Karlton Harris
Upcoming Events
Maker to Inventor Spring Showcase
Friday, Apr 26, 2019, 05:30 PM
205 Roberts Street
Family First: Health Fair and Family Fun Day
Saturday, Apr 27, 2019, 10:00 AM
4204 Yale Street, Houston, TX, USA
City Hall Local Lunch Market (Every WEDS)
Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 11:00 AM
901 Bagby Street, Houston, TX, USA
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Monday, May 13, 2019, 08:00 AM
4014 Market Street, Houston, TX, USA
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