The Blueprint
October 2018 Edition
"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."
- Senator Edward "Ted" M. Kennedy,
We're excited to announce our next MBK Alliance Online Town Hall on Monday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. CST. You can register here to reserve your spot.
We're honored to be joined by Mrs. Sybrina Fulton, co-founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation, and mother of Trayvon Martin. Mrs. Fulton will share her powerful reflections on the docuseries, Rest in Power, which examines Trayvon's life and legacy. Reporter and ESPN Commentator Michael Smith will moderate this important conversation.
Joining Michael and Mrs. Fulton will be our friends in MBK Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner will discuss the city's leadership and reflect on the tremendous progress on Houston's MBK work.
The MBK Alliance Team will also provide an update on upcoming opportunities for MBK Community leaders. The Town Hall will be emceed by some familiar faces—MBKA Youth Advisory Council members Malachi Hernandez of MBK Boston and Senegal Mabry of MBK New York State.
Participants will be able to join the discussion via video and audio. Space is limited, so RSVP right away to reserve your spot!
All the best,
Michael D. Smith
Executive Director, MBK Alliance
Director, Youth Opportunity Programs, The Obama Foundation
2nd Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago
We'll be inviting the Foundation's inaugural program participants—from Obama Foundation Fellows and Scholars to Africa Leaders to Community Leadership Corps members to representatives of the Global Girls Alliance and My Brother's Keeper Alliance—to help advance an ongoing conversation on what community leadership in action means today.
We'll also engage participants in discussions about the development of the Obama Presidential Center and Museum, a place we hope inspires visitors in Chicago and around the world to realize their potential is limitless.
Be sure to tune in to the Summit on November 18 and 19 on Obama.org.
In The News & Updates
Houston is 1 of 21 Finalists - Obama Foundation Site Visit
Change Happens! and the City of Houston joined over 124 applicants from across the nation who submitted proposals in response to the Obama Foundation Community Challenge Grant Competition. We are now one of 21 finalists who have or had the honor and privilege to be afforded a site visit to further vet our proposal's intended impact and feasibility.
Listen to the Mayor Turner's Podcast: Investing in Youth with MBK Houston
"The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance was founded by President Obama to ensure that cities offer boys and young men of color an equal opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Houston was one of the first cities to accept the challenge, and worked with Bloomberg Associates to create a program with robust partnerships and a reliance on data to guide decision making.
In our latest Follow the Data podcast, Niiobli Armah speaks with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and program participant Asa Singleton about the success of the initiative due in part to the innovative local leaders in the government, education, and nonprofit sectors."
A Message from Greater Houston Partnership
Dear members,
Early voting for the November elections started on Monday, October 22. We want to remind you to vote and reiterate our position on City of Houston Proposition B, commonly referred to as firefighter pay parity.
The Partnership encourages you to vote AGAINST Proposition B.
To be clear, the Partnership respects and supports our firefighters and police officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect Houstonians. A petition to place this item on the ballot by the Houston fire union claims to equalize pay between firefighters and their equivalent ranking police officers. Prop B, however, actually creates an unequal system.
Based on special pay categories and differing retirement plans, Prop. B would force the city to pay firefighters substantially more than police. Plus, the City simply cannot afford the $100 million annual price tag of this ballot measure.
The passage of Prop. B would cause layoffs of several hundred police officers and firefighters. It would also degrade key City services including slowing the building permitting process, delaying construction inspections and other items essential to getting business done. Passage of the measure could also force the reduction of hours at community centers and libraries, reduce levels of parks maintenance, and cause interruptions of trash collection. To read our full statement on Prop. B (and Prop. A – ReBuild Houston), click here.
We do not dispute the notion that firefighters are due for a raise, and we encourage leaders from the City and fire union to go back to the negotiating table. We need to create a pay system that increases fairness and improves public safety, while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
As the region’s leading business organization, the Greater Houston Partnership carefully considers ballot measures with financial implications for the City. I hope you, your employees and colleagues consider this item - and the merits of our position - and join us in opposing Proposition B on the ballot.
Early voting begins Monday, October 22 and runs through Friday, November 2. Election Day is November 6. For polling locations and voting information, click here.
Thank you for your attention to this important election for the City of Houston.
Regards,
Bob Harvey
President and CEO
What We're Reading
Building a Community of Practice
AAPOL Awards: Congrats Noel and Karlton!
Guiding Star Award Nominee: Congrats Sharifa Charles!
honors superstars in K-12 public school education. One of our team members, Sharifa Charles was nominated an unsung hero and was chosen due to her work in leading the sfforts to supply food and needed supplies to Hurricane Harvey survivors. She was celebrated among others at Rice University's Memorial Deter Grand Hall on Thursday September 27, 2018.
CONGRATS Sharifa Charles!
Community Innovation Challenge - Third Ward
On Friday October 19, 2018 – Two HHD representatives participated as subject matter experts for the University of Houston’s Community Innovation Challenge. The Community Innovation Challenge is a weekend-long competition between 100 UH students (mostly from STEM backgrounds) to develop solutions to the challenges identified in the Third Ward Complete Communities Action Plan.
Challenge topics include Education, Public Safety, Mobility and Public Health. The Innovation Challenge afford these undergraduate students the opportunity to learn more about the topics, brainstorm, and pitch their ideas to the community and a panel of judges.
This initiative is anchored by the Mayor’s Office of Innovation. Constance Carron – MBK/Adolescence Health and Guilmate Pierre – Chronic Disease served on the Public Health table providing feedback, data, resource, and guidance on the Public Health topics of Access to Care and Access to Healthy Foods for Third Ward.
Discussion highlights include:
- Transportation, hours of operation, eligibility processes, community trust and political climate as it relates to barriers and utilization of preventive care and social programs
- The value of youth engagement, feedback and community/civic engagement
- The definition of food access as it relates to proximity, affordability, stability, nutrient value, and culture acceptance
- Food access as it relates to economic development, median household income, population density and gentrification
- The 3-Ps – projects, programs and policies as it relates to sustainability and long-term impact of the proposed solutions
The students participated in a candid and real conversation with our HHD panel, brainstormed, and test ideas.
For more information on the Mayor’s Office of Innovation visit http://innovation.houstontx.gov/ and follow @InnovateHouston on social media platforms.
5th Annual Jensen Jubilee's Community Parade and Fair: We Won Best Best Trailriders!
We would like to thank our Houston Health Department Director, Stephen Williams, and Administrative Coordinator, Barry Barnes for the invitation!
Make Your Voice Heard
We need your help. We want to hear how the youth in your family and community have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and other traumatic experiences, so that we can amplify your voice while advocating for more resources during the 2019 Texas legislative session. Join us in your community to share your story and make your voice heard.
The last two sessions are:
November 1, 2018
District E
Kingwood Community Center
Rustic Woods Drive
November 6, 2018
District K
Stimley-Blue Ridge Library
7007 W. Fuqua Street
All Community Conversations will take place from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and dinner will be provided. Youth are welcome! RSVP preferred, but not required.
Everyone Has Absolute Purpose (EHAP)
We would like to take a moment and recognize a champion in the Scarborough community. Emanuel Perez still is a great collaborator and supporter of our MBK Houston. He has stepped up to the plate and worked towards the empowerment of young people through arts, music, dance, and academics. Emanuel Perez has been working with kids since he was a kid himself. He volunteered at the local YMCA from the age of 14 until he was old enough to get hired. 14 years later he’s still working with kids and youth in the community. After 6 years of working in an elementary school his spirit led him to begin a movement that reminds the kids there is an absolute purpose for every life and every soul. Everyone Has Absolute Purpose (EHAP), established by Emanuel Perez, is a nonprofit organization with purpose as it's destination. The mission statement is “breaking down the walls that keep our youth from reaching their goals and fulfilling their purpose” EHAP empowers low-income youth, who primarily have unfortunate home lives, to spend their afternoon in productive environments to find and pursue their purpose. EHAP invites people with passions in different areas (sports, music, dance, and academics) into after-school programs to teach youth participants different skills and to give them an opportunity to participate in diverse activities.
Emanuel has been passionate about connecting young men and women all over the city of Houston to their designated purpose. Throughout the years he’s learned that it’s not just about telling someone to reach their goals, but about showing them the many goals available for one to reach. As he says “though dreams are often better than reality, without reality we would not dare to dream. Reality may not always be what we want, but it will always be what we have to see how strong we can truly be.” His vision of putting purpose back into the soul of the young can help us realize that we’re never too young to discover our purpose or too old to fulfill it. From serving as Youth Pastor in his local church(where he was born and raised), to mentoring in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Houston area to now being the president of the non-profit EHAP, Emanuel is fulfilling his purpose or as he says “Just doing what I was made to do...this is only the beginning it doesn’t matter if you failed before the time is now to get up and go! make a difference in this world! E.H.A.P. everyone is worthy! There’s no purpose without (u)and no meaning without (me)We’re all in this together to make our world a little better.” He wants to remind our youth that there is always a need of one's existence and a purpose to every life. Besides giving the kids a way to belong and be valued Emanuel wants to continue blessing the community with toy drives, school supplies giveaways, thanksgiving dinners to the less fortunate, and many more things through EHAP year round service projects. Emanuel strongly believes that you don’t necessarily have to hand a kid the entire world to make a positive impact in his or her life, simply offering a hand is all they need to see there’s a good world out there that is worth exploring!
Let's recognize Emanuel Perez and his organization EHAP (Everyone Has Absolute Purpose) for their hard work and dedication to the Scarborough community and to make sure we continue supporting and collaborating with organizations like EHAP that are making a deep impact in the community. We have encountered students in middle school and high school that still remember their first encounter with EHAP and it has made a profound impact in their lives.
If you would like to support EHAP through volunteering, collaborating, or donating towards service projects lead by the youth please contact Emanuel Perez at movehap@gmail.com
Graphic Courtesy: Christine Barron, Community Involvement Coordinator
MAPPS Community Forum: 5th Ward/Northside Community Forum
We are searching for community residents who may be interested in on canvassing efforts for the following dates:
- Nov. 9th at 3:30pm-6:30pm
- Nov. 10 at 10am-1pm ( Shift 1)
- Nov. 10 at 1pm-4pm (Shift 2)
Bilingual individuals are needed as well.
Please email me or Abel Chacko at if you are interested in participating.
Abel Chacko
O: 832-393-5154
C: 281-546-6922
Volunteers will need to complete a 2 hour online human subjects certification. This effort is vital and is important to helping make the Near Northside a safer, healthier community.
Obama Foundation: Meet a Fellow
Postive Youth Development
Registration is Open for the 2019 National Mentoring Summit
Mentors! We Need YOU at Crossroads HS!
If you know anyone who would graciously share only one hour a week and meet with students on various topics related to education, life, and planning for the future please contact Mr. Williams, CIS Student Support Manager, at awilliams@cis-houston.org.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
Clifton Cougar Food Pantry Training
During the food relief drop post hurricane Harvey, Clifton was a beacon of light to a local community that did not have access to food. Now Clifton Middle School has taken the charge thanks to the support of the Principal, Administration, and the Leadership of the school counselor Mrs. Guel.
Clifton is always in need of volunteers and if you would like to support the efforts please contact Mrs. Guel at Shabana.Guel@houstonisd.org.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
NPR: 5 Simple Ways to Encourage the Brain Development in Your Little One
Houston Basics
BYAH: Parental Engagement Leadership Training
Benbrook is always looking for volunteers, service agencies, and donations that will support the students, parents, and school functions. If you would like to support Benbrook Elementary please contact Francisco.garcia@houstontx.gov to further support the campus and its functions.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
Nurturing Parenting Program™ 3-Day Facilitation Training
In three days, participants will learn:
- Nurturing Parenting philosophy
- The five parenting constructs of abuse and neglect
- Impact of maltreatment on brain development
- How to assess high-risk parenting beliefs
- To tailor make programs based on family’s needs
- To gather process evaluation data
- To evaluate pre-post program impact
- To implement home and group program models
Dates: December 5 - 7 Location: Crosswalk Center 2103 N. Main, Houston, TX. 77009
Training by: Sonya M. Thorn, LCSW, National Trainer/Consultant
Sponsored by: Family Nurturing Center of Texas
Contact: Sonya Thorn, sonya@texasnurturingcenter.org, 512-757-0087
Cost: $350.00 (includes training materials)
Who Can Benefit?
Professionals and para-professionals working in education, childcare, mental health, violence prevention, child welfare, school systems, treatment facilities, social work, and social services have successfully used the Nurturing Program and philosophy to prevent the recurrence of child abuse and neglect.
--> Learn More Here
Read Aloud 15 Minutes: 15 Read Aloud Tips
Every child. Every parent. Every day.
Clifton Library Renovations
"Great Day Houston" with Urban Enrichment Institute
Cherrie on Top Lifeskills Club
Watch movies?
Make plans to always have money?
Discuss hot topics?
Join our teen life skill club! Ages 13 -16 teen Parents email connect@cherrieontop.org to sign your child up.
Out 2 Learn
Mission
Often times communities in the most need have the least access to quality afterschool and out-of-school programs. The Out 2 Learn Network is committed to increasing access so that all youth in the greater Houston area can take advantage of what these outstanding programs provide. Use this site and our program tool to find developmental opportunities for your child.
About
Initiated in 2017, the Out 2 Learn Network's guiding partners are the City of Houston, the Harris County Department of Education, Houston Endowment, and the United Way of Greater Houston.
Save the Date! Career & Education Day 2019
College Knowledge Fest
For those already out of high school... Do you remember your last college fair? What was it like for you? Feel free to reply to this newsletter with your response, so we can share with students that could benefit from your experience!
NCCER Core Curriculum Certification Training
Cyber Security Awareness Month Tip: Mobile Payments and Banking
More and more frequently, consumers are using their mobile devices for online banking, payments and shopping. We can now check our bank account balances, deposit a check using a mobile device’s camera, pay bills, transfer money between friends, and make purchases directly on our mobile devices. However, since these activities require users to provide sensitive personal information such as their names, account numbers, email addresses, and passwords, it is important to weigh the perceived benefits and potential risks associated with mobile payments and banking.
Did you know?
- More than half of adults (51 percent) bank online and 32 percent of adults bank online from their mobile device.
- Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 years old are leading the mobile banking trend, with 54 percent banking on their mobile devices.
- 22 percent of all mobile phone owners have made a mobile payment, up from 15 percent in 2012.
- 62 percent of non-mobile payment users cited concern about the security of the technology as the reason for not using mobile banking or mobile payments.
Simple Tips
- Use stronger authentication. Always opt to enable stronger authentication when available, especially for accounts with sensitive information including your email or bank accounts. Stronger authentication helps verify a user has authorized access to an online account. For example, it could be a one-time PIN texted to a mobile device, providing an added layer of security beyond the username and password.
- Create strong and complex passwords. Create a password with 8 characters or more and a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Use unique passwords. Use different passwords for different programs, accounts, and devices. By having multiple passwords, even if attackers do get one of your passwords, they will not have access to all of your accounts. Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.
- Check your account statements regularly. Review your banking, credit card, or payment service statements regularly to ensure there are no unauthorized charges or withdrawals.
- Know your applications. Be sure to review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Be aware that apps may request access to your location and personal information. Determine what information you want the app to share or transmit. Delete any apps that you do not use regularly to increase your security.
Information Courtesy: City of Houston Broadcast Message
Photo Courtesy: seewhatmitchsee / Alamy
Hiring a Communications Leader
Please share with your networks and let us know of any stellar candidates that will apply.
AT&T Houston Job and Resource Fair
ARS Rescue Rooter: HVAC Positions
Duties:
- Promptly diagnose and correctly repair HVAC units
- Determine required parts for field repair
- Knowledgeable about refrigeration
- Perform preventative maintenance, installations, modifications, and repairs to HVAC equipment
Requirements/Qualifications:
- HVAC technician experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing HVAC equipment
- Ability to work without supervision
- Must have the ability to work flexible hours including occasional overtime and on-call rotation
- Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to climb ladders and stairs on a regular basis
- Ability to represent company in professional manner and provide excellent customer service
- Ability to follow proper safety protocol
- Desire to perform beyond the minimal requirements
[Any criminal convictions and/or criminal activities identified as a result of background checks will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily bar a candidate’s employment.]
Hub Safety Monitor / Bus Driver Hiring Event
Workforce Solutions - Astrodome Office
9315 Stella Link Rd
Houston, TX 77025
October 30, 2018
9:00 am – 12:00pm
$12/Hr
Position Description
1. Monitors the arrival and departure of buses for reporting purposes.
2. Assists in loading and unloading students from the buses.
3. Reports any safety concerns to HISDPD or to the Transportation Office. Adheres to safety guidelines and policies. Collaborates with school administrators, staff, parents, and students regarding students/safety issues. Assists in maintaining student safety.
4. Establishes and maintains a good rapport with students, parents, co-workers, and school personnel.
5. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
High School/GED required.
No experience required.
Candidates must pass a drug screen and background check.
No convictions: Due to the nature of the employer's business, company policy requires that candidates having criminal background or convictions will not be considered for employment.
If you know someone who is interested in these opportunities, then please contact and send resumes to Corry A. Worrell at corry.worrell@wrksolutions.com.
Work for Houston's Home Teams!
Please see the flyer for more details and contact members below for any questions:
Marvis Huff
832-206-7550
Dollie Adams
713-970-1770
Big City Gardener Community Project Launched
Phase 1 - Weed/clear and prep garden beds
Phase 2 - Learn about seasonal crops that can be planted
Phase 3 - Learn about soil food web and soil fertility
Phase 4 - Pest control
Phase 5 - Harvesting
Phase 6 - Planning for following season
We would like to turn this into a testosterone driven mentorship experience to increase and enhance the community support for the young men that we serve.
Contact Domini Bryant at domini.bryant@houstontx.gov or 713-703-0416 for registration or additional information.
Peacekeepers Movement is Moving!
The Community Safety Education Act may seem like another thing "to-do". We get it! Your time is very important, which is why we feel even more IMPELLED to tell you WHY this training should be at the Top of your list. If you knew you could increase the chances of saving a life (even your own) and all it took was one more training, would you do it?
We know that we can't fix anything overnight. We do believe that communication could help to heal the world; one session at a time. All we ask is that you attend with an open heart and a willing mind, so we can teach you to do the same. We cannot change alone, but together we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our youth.
We are diligently working on developing a robust website to help support the process of receiving requests, maintaining our list of trainees and answering frequently asked questions.
--> Learn more at our developing website and request a training today!
Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (DC
2019 Community Policing in Action Photo Contest
For questions regarding the contest, please see the Frequently Asked Questions on the COPS Office website or contact the COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770 or by email at tellcops@usdoj.gov.
Upcoming Events
G.O.A.T. 2018 Link Up Greater Houston
Saturday, Oct 27, 2018, 02:00 PM
1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX, USA
Buor Live 2018
October 28, 2018
BUOR Talk Special Presentation
Jessica Dupart- @DaRealBBJudy
Today's Madame CJ Walker
Talks About
-Entrepreneurship
-Being CEO of Kaleidoscope
Hair Products
-How to be Social Media Influncer
IG 758K Followers
October 29, 2018
Barber Experience (Look and Learn)
Sunday, Oct 28, 2018, 03:00 PM
2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX, USA
Clifton Cougar Food Pantry
The food pantry is open to the community and always welcomes agencies and services providers that can connect families with local resources.
Volunteers Wanted!! Service Hours Provided!!
Contact Francisco Garcia at francisco.garcia@houstontx.gov
Monday, Oct 29, 2018, 01:00 PM
Clifton Middle School, Golden Forest Drive, Houston, TX, USA
North Side Community Partnership Exchange Breakfast
Thursday, Nov 1, 2018, 09:00 AM
6915 Curry Rd, Houston, TX, USA
1st Annual "Save a Life Know Your Number Health Fair"
- Sons of Hiram #1
- Central Care Integrated Health Services
- 100 Black Men of Houston
Featuring:
- Free Non-evasive PSA Screening for men 18yrs and older for the first 100 Men
- Free Mammograms for Women 18yrs or older, DEXA screenings are $85
- Free Cholesterol Screening for all Adults
- Free Blood Pressure Screening for all Adults
- Free Diabetes Screening for all Adults
- Free HIV Screenings for all Adults
- Free Dental exams and screening for Children up to 17yrs of age
- Healthy eating samples
- Hospice Services Information
- Behavior Health Services
For more Info contact:
Frederick Pickrom @ 832-390-8138 or
Mark Black @ 281-460-7793
Saturday, Nov 10, 2018, 10:00 AM
14087 South Main Street, Houston, TX, USA
#GreenHouston
Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018, 11:00 AM
901 Bagby 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