The Blueprint
August 2018 Edition
"I would like to thank all of our partners that have continued to support our MBK Houston movement for over 4 years. Keeping everyone engaged is like a dance, sometimes you have to change the music but you got to keep moving."
-Noel Pinnock
In Memoriam of Donald Ray Perkins, Jr.
District K, Chief of Staff
1972-2018
Donald Ray Perkins Jr., aged 46, a resident of Pearland, Texas, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 3:00 pm.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Donald Ray Perkins Sr., his paternal grandparents, Earl and Ethel Perkins, and his maternal grandparents, Carroll and Audrey Lyons.
He leaves to cherish his memories; mother, Brenda Perkins Farris and stepfather, Charles Farris of Baton Rouge, LA. One sister, Chelsea Nicole Farris of Houston, TX, and one niece whom he loved dearly Gabrielle Nicole Mongo of Houston, TX along with a host of relatives and friends.
Donald developed a love for maps as a child. He graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He moved to Houston and began a life long career with the City of Houston. He later received his master's degree from Texas Southern University in Transportation Planning and Management.
Donald started his career with the City of Houston in 1995 as an Associate Planner in the Planning & Development Department. Donald had a love for trees and his communities. He loved working with neighborhoods, planning events and making sure every person he met was well taken care of.
Visitation took place on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Sugar Land Mortuary. The Celebration of Life service took place on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at The Fountain of Praise Church.
Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 23, 2018
MBK Houston Executive Leadership Meeting Recap
Cities United Convening 2018
Houston’s City Lead, Karlton Harris, was invited by Cities United to serve as a panelist to discuss Houston’s vision for Black men and boys, Houston’s top 2 goals and current accomplishments of Houston’s work. Melissa Bing, Houston’s Youth Violence Strategic Plan Lead, was invited to be a panelist to discuss how to construct a strategic plan by identifying evidence-based practices and strategies. Houston was highlighted as the city leading the way with the creation and implementation of its strategic plan. The Showcase of Plans will take place in Louisville, Kentucky on November 27-28, 2018. Cities United provided all the cities great resources to help prevent youth violence amongst brown and black young men.
Cities United Upcoming Events
- Roadmap Academy Showcase of Plans: November 27-28, 2018 Louisville, Kentucky
- 2019 6th Annual Convening: August 21-23, 2019 Hampton, Virginia
Photos Courtesy of Karlton Harris
In The News & Updates
Visions for the Obama Presidential Center
Harvey One Year Later
Mental Health America Call for Proposals Coming Sept 20
MHA will be encouraging those who have innovative thoughts and ideas about how we best serve the whole person to share them and will be looking for programmatic initiatives that are succeeding by addressing the whole person, to share insights about programs that work. MHA will be valuing both “single condition” initiatives and multi-condition initiatives, so long as they demonstrate effective outreach, or raiser meaningful challenges, in integrating health, behavioral health, and other services.
What unique perspectives do you want to share with over 900 attendees from across the advocacy, policy and health care community? What great ideas do you or your organization have? Consider submitting a proposal - MHA's Call for Proposals will be available starting September 20, so look for that day’s News from National for more details.
Save the date for MHA’s 2019 Annual Conference, held June 13-15, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with Pre-Con day for Affiliates on June 12.
Building a Community of Practice
Rice Business Interviews MBK Houston
Sewa International: ASPIRE Program
At present, Sewa serves over 100 students across three after school programs in Southwest Houston, all at no cost to the students and their families, and plans to open a fourth in Gulfton in the next few months. As a nonprofit organization, Sewa relies heavily on volunteers to provide assistance in the ASPIRE centers as tutors, activity organizers and role models. Outside of the classroom space, volunteers allow the ASPIRE program to plan field trips during the school year and summer events while the students are on break. Sewa is always building new relationships with partner organizations in order to provide the best possible program to its students."
Go Healthy Houston 2018 Farmer's Markets
Throwback Thursday: Mister Roger Testifies before the senate subcommittee
Postive Youth Development
Bi-annual Adolescent Health Stakeholders Meeting
Our Adolescent Health team hosted the Bi-Annual Adolescent Health Stakeholders meeting on Tuesday, August 21st. Health professionals and youth-serving organizations were invited to engage in strategic dialogue on methods to promote youth-friendly services that will improve adolescent healthcare utilization. Adolescents are not utilizing the healthcare system for a variety of reasons, including financial and social factors. Adolescent healthcare is a growing public health concern, and with partnering community organizations and new initiatives from the Houston Health Department, we hope to improve the healthcare outcomes of youth across Houston. The next Adolescent Health Stakeholders meeting will take place in the Spring of 2019.
Coalition of Urban Resource Experts (C.U.R.E.)
Start with Hello Week
#TieTuesdaySpring
Community members who would like to donate new or gently used ties may drop them off at the reception desk at the Gordon M. Anderson Leadership Center, 16717 Ella Blvd. and then follow the project #tietuesdayspring on twitter.com/SpringISD.
For more information, call Carroll at 281-891-6019.
MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
Houston Basics Update
The Houston’s Children’s Museum, working in partnership with MBK Houston, was awarded a $300,000 to support the Houston Basics roll-out in the Near Northside and Gulfton Communities.
Join us for a 30 minute Early Childhood Development Focus Group!
We will soon be rolling out a campaign targeted towards parents and guardians of children age 0-5 years old, called HOUSTON BASICS and we need YOUR help.
The Basics are five evidence-based parenting and care-giving principles that encompass much of what experts find is important for children from birth to age three. Science shows that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three. The Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children aged 0-3 grow to be happy and smart.
Got Questions?
Please contact Sharifa Charles at sharifa.charles@houstontx.gov
Or Lisa Williams lisawilliams@cmhouston.org
Back to School Fests
- Mayor Turner's Back2School Fest at George R Brown
- HISD's Back to School Extravaganza at Delmar Stadium
- Meet the Teacher and Community Partnerse at Bruce Elementary
- HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) Awareness Community Event at Lilly Grove Baptist Church
- Back to School Event at Kashmere Multiservice Center
These events are a great way to coral resources in one place, so help can be a one-stop service to families in need. We have seen back pack give-aways filled with school supplies, immunizations, free haircuts, instructions on how to properly use a car seat and even a non-profit issuing new Nike shoes. Our families definitely loved contributing to our Positivity Board!
Check out some of the photos below:
Back to School Safety by Crimestoppers Houston
School is back in session! As we adjust to our new routines and school activities, please don't forget to remain safety-minded and to have important preventive conversations with your kids. How do we recommend you best prepare to keep you and your family safe?
- Review these Back-to-School Safety Tips for important information about your child travelling to and from school, after school care, leaving children home alone, and how to talk to your children about avoiding and/or handling dangerous situations.
- Know your school's plans and policies in case of emergency situations such as hazardous weather, fires, bomb threats, and active shooters. If you don't know, ask.
- Talk to your child about safety! Make it an ongoing and open conversation at home. You will never regret having that one conversation that could save your child's life.
- Learn more about our FREE Safe School Program. It keeps students safe by:
- Providing a safe and anonymous way to report crime and potential dangers on campus through our anonymous Tip Line
- Creating a proactive dialogue with students, parents, school staff and school-based law enforcement about personal and school safety through a number of crime prevention presentations
Download our mobile app "Crime Stoppers of Houston" on your child's phone.
University of Houston Student Teachers Volunteer to Read
Read Aloud 15 Minutes
The Urban Enrichment institute
EMPOWERING BOYS TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE MEN AND PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES.
For more than 34 years, the Urban Enrichment Institute (UEI) has continuously demonstrated its ability to render transformational impact on thousands of Houston’s most underserved young men. The UEI is a community-based, youth development and empowerment program whose mission is to empower boys to become responsible men and productive members of their families and community. The UEI’s holistic approach to youth development and mentorship has removed barriers and inspired the lives of over 3,000 inner-city young men.
Become a TX Certified Community Health Worker: Classes Begin Sept 8, 2018
Opportunities for Young Adults
Workforce Solutions wants to provide the youth of Houston and surrounding areas with opportunities to earn while they also learn how to successfully navigate the job search journey from beginning to end.
- Find employment opportunities in the local area
- Complete a job application
- Work / Study Assistance *
* Must meet additional guidelines to qualify.
For more information: Workforce Solutions seminars@wrksolutions.com
Obama Foundation Spring 2019 Internship
- The Obama Foundation is looking to hire a diverse cohort of passionate, mission-oriented, and qualified interns to serve in our Chicago and D.C. offices. This internship is open to current undergraduate and graduate students who are eligible to work in the United States
- The Spring 2019 internship will run for 18 weeks beginning on January 7, 2019 and ending on May 10, 2019. Interns will be required to work 40 hours a week in either our Chicago or Washington, D.C. office.
The application will close on Wednesday, September 12 at 5 p.m. CST. If you have any other questions, please head to obama.org/internship or reach out to interns@obama.org.
Harris County Employment Opportunities
Harris County currently has multiple positions open for you to apply. You can click on the links below to see the full descriptions for each job listing or click on the button below to view a brief summary of all the jobs listed.
Veterans Program Eligibility Specialist
Heavy Equipment Operator II (Road and Bridge)
Executive Assistant - Housing and Community Development
Mosquito and Vector Control Inspector
Parks Caretaker II (Part-Time) Houston
Road Maintenance/Equipment Operator
Road Maintenance/Equipment Operator
Seasonal Inspector Operator - Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Spray Driver
Houston Happenings: Hire Houston Youth Spotlight
Senate Bill 30: Community Safety Education Act
TAPS Academy Training will take place tomorrow at the South Central HPD Station with Asa Singleton as a special guest. We have developed for prospective logos that will be displayed for officers to vote on their favorite and help bring suggestions to our SB 30 Community Safety Education Act Houston logo.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
- Natural Access
- Natural Surveillance
- Territorial Behavior
- Maintenance
Recycle Center
WM Joins CPTED
Worthing HS Greenhouse
Youth LEAD
County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who is supporting the implementation of the, first in the country, Youth Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program at Attucks Middle School, has opened the discussion up to a community with regards to implementing the Adult LEAD program in the county. A community meeting was held on August 21, 2018 in his office a contingency of attorneys, law enforcement officials, activists, government agencies, faith-based organizations, NAACP-Houston, and community-based interests learned more about the program and several more gatherings will be scheduled to deepen the discussion to move the effort forward. MBK Houston has prompted this discussion and is leading the way to provide alternatives to incarceration.
Logic model for Youth LEAD program is being developed. 25 - 30 participants attended the training session presented by the LEAD National Support Bureau. The attendees were from the following agencies/programs/schools: Harris County Protective Services, Harris County Juvenile Probation, MBK Houston, AAMA Charter School, HISD, HISD-PD, Houston revision, and the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program. The launch event on September 25th is being planned by HISD Office of Social and Emotional Learning. The program includes comments from HISD, MBK, Commissioner Ellis, HHD, and Houston-Revision
HISD Police Chief agreed to assign two officers at Attucks Middle School to ensure success of the program. Officers will attend training on August 20, 2018.
A Safer Community for Charter Schools
Judge temporarily blocks 3D gun blueprints
Sandy Hook Promise Message from Mark Barden:
Thanks to the tens of thousands of supporters who took swift action, a federal judge has temporarily banned distributing blueprints for 3D-printed guns online. The move came after attorneys general from eight states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit earlier this week against the Trump administration to stop the blueprints from being published nationwide.
This was an important first step, but our work isn't done. Defense Distributed is still pushing hard to make the blueprints widely available, and this ruling could be lifted at any moment. If we don't keep the pressure on, virtually anyone could make a gun – like the AR-15-style rifle that killed my sweet little Daniel – right in their home without ever undergoing a background check.
We urgently need 25,000 signatures asking state attorneys general to continue taking action to keep guns out of dangerous hands. Will you sign our petition right now to help protect children from gun violence?
Nobody who can't legally buy a gun should be able to print one at home. We must make sure state attorneys general keep the pressure on, and I simply can't do it without your help.
Thank you,
Mark Barden (Daniel's father)
Upcoming Events
SoulCycle Charity Ride
Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018, 10:15 AM
SoulCycle MEMO - Memorial, South Voss Road, Houston, TX, USA
Safety Series at the Park: Human Trafficking
Thursday, Sep 13, 2018, 06:00 PM
Evelyn's Park Conservancy, Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire, TX, USA
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
Sunday, Sep 23, 2018, 06:00 PM
Crime Stoppers of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
OFATX: The Healing Project
Thursday, Sep 20, 2018, 06:30 PM
2612 Scott Street, Houston, TX, USA
2018 Houston Stand Down
Stand down is military terminology referring tot he brief period of time a soldier leaves an active combat area in order to rest and regain strength. Houston Stand Down is open to ALL Homeless Veterans, male and female, including those at risk of living homeless, who have served the Armed Forces of the United States.
Free Meals, Free Clothing, Showers, Haircuts, Medical Screenings, VA Benefits, Vocational Training, Mental Health Resources, Employment Resources, Education Resources, Dentistry Resources, Legal Advice, Sobriety Resources, Housing, Credit Counseling
Hosted by the City of Houston Veteran Affairs Office and the Department of Veteran Affairs
Friday, Oct 5, 2018, 10:00 AM
5225 Calhoun Street
AAMA Sanchez Carter School Fall Festival
- Outdoor Festival on the Courtyard Square
- Free Admission to the public. Entertainment, kid’s games and food
Saturday, Oct 13, 2018, 09:00 AM
Sanchez Charter School, Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX, USA
2018 Illumine Gala Benefiting AAMA
Friday, Oct 19, 2018, 06:30 PM
Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, Post Oak Boulevard, 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