The Blueprint
July 2019 Edition
“I flew to the moon not so much to go there, but as part of developing the system that would allow it to happen.”
– Neil Armstrong, First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen
Fair Housing Advocate Civil Rights Award
The 16th Annual Fair Housing Luncheon will be featuring Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo as a speaker and recognizing these outstanding leaders for their work in obtaining social justice for all people with the “Fair Housing Advocate Civil Rights Award”: Activist Maria Jimenez and Activist Omowale Luthuli-Allen.
Omowale Luthuli-Allen is one of our beloved community involvement coordinators at the Houston Health Department's Bureau of Youth & Adolescent Health. He is deeply rooted in our Houston community and currently works on many simultaneous projects:
- MBK Area Action Team
- Circle of Men
- 400 Points of Light
- Diploma to Dollars
- WIN-WIN
This list is not exhaustive of the impact he has made across the Houston community and even in his travels to South Africa. We are so proud to have him on our team!! Please register and RSVP by Friday, 7/26/19 to join the luncheon and celebrate our Mr. O for receiving the Fair Housing Advocate Civil Rights Award.
In the News and Updates
Apollo 11: 50th Anniversary
July was an exciting month for Houston as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and astronaut Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon. As Houstonians, we are proud of our city’s historic role in developing human spaceflight.
Mayor Sylvester Turner represented us and Rung the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange in honor of the city of Houston’s significant ties to the mission launch. He led a Greater Houston Partnership delegation which promoted business opportunities in Houston.
"Houston leads the world in space exploration, medicine, energy and much more. Houston will always be the threshold for ideas and solutions that provide the answers for a better tomorrow. As we salute the past, let’s look forward to the next giant steps for mankind and more amazing accomplishments from NASA astronauts." -Mayor Sylvester Turner
'It gave me hope': Youth Reach in east Houston offers 2nd chance to troubled boys
"Here, they have to work hard to receive everything. And I tell ya, the work ethic is big here," said Curt Williams, the founder and executive director of Youth Reach. "We're raising a generation of young men who come through this program that are very familiar with blisters, sweat and sore muscles from good, hard work.
Once a teen arrives, the boy starts off each weekday with a one-mile run before breakfast. Then, teens perform the countless chores around the 26-acre camp.
Reminder: Students of all ages can ride Metro for free through August
Don't have a card?
- Go online to RideMETRO.org under the blue Summer of Fun Link
- Download the mail-in application in English or Spanish. Or call 713-635-4000 and METRO will mail you one
- Visit a downtown METRO RideStore at 1900 Main St. or 1001 Travis St.
For more information on the program visit RideMETRO.org or call 713-635-4000.
Thanks, and be safe this summer!
#RideMETRO
#ICYMI: The Bulletin | July 11 | MBK Network
What We're Reading
Obama Foundation: Leaders- Africa at Joburg
The Chronicle of Evidence-based Mentoring: Talking about transference
Building a Community of Practice
$7K+ Donated to Clifton MS Library Project
If you or someone you know would like to support the final phase to complete the installation of the library please contact Francisco.garcia@houstontx.gov.
-->View more library photos here
Photo Courtesy: Frank Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
Everyone Has Absolute Purpose (EHAP)
The Houston Health Department's Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health (BYAH) would like to recognize EHAP (Everyone Has Absolute Purpose) for its continuous efforts in the Scarborough community through its “Kick’ n it with EHAP” soccer program. Providing youth and young adults the outlet to stay healthy and acquired the skills needed to become successful in life. With over 100 children from the Scarborough area engaged, EHAP is making a deep impact in the lives of children and parents.
HAUL, HHD & BYAH Clothing Donation Collaboration
Photos Courtesy: Frank Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
Cities United's Sankofa Marketplace
On Thursday, August 22nd local vendors, national partners, innovative young leaders and convening sponsors will join with our participants to share products, resources and ideas relevant to both the moment and the movement.
Local SANKOFA 400 Houston
Want to participate locally? We have a steering committee made up of community, faith-based, non-profit, business, and educational organizations preparing for Houston Sankofa events leading up until the largest commemorative celebration in the next couple of months. For more information contact Omowale Allen at omowale.allen@houstontx.gov.
About 400 Points of Light
Commemoration of 400 years of survival and resilience in the face of slavery and segregation. Returning African Americans to their traditional greatness and reconnecting with the family and community.Building Black Futures by Promotion of transformative activities to improve the lives of African Americans. This is lead by our Community Involvement Coordinator Omowale Allen and the MBK Area Action Team.Get Moving Houston Farmers Market
Want to help support the markets? There are several ways to help:
- Go to a market and bring family and friends!
- Tell your family and friends about the markets!
- Help spread the word on social media by sharing posts from:
Be sure to let people know about the many ways to stretch their dollar at our Get Moving Houston Farmer Markets. Chelsey Hernandez from ABC13 recently highlighted some of our food access programs.
The market season continues through the end of September. Please consider helping us spread the word!
The market calendar and more information is available at http://www.houstontx.gov/health/farmersmarkets/index.html.
Questions: 832-393-4054 or farmersmarket@houstontx.gov
Family Access Program
Your family may qualify for Medicaid and/or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Families in Texas without health insurance may be able to get low cost or free health coverage from CHIP or Medicaid. Both programs cover office visits, prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams, glasses, and much more. Ineligibility does not keep us from helping you find the resources for your family!
About Family Access Program
The Family Access Program helps parents and students gain access to care by assisting with enrollment in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid, Gold Card, and connecting to resources provided by the Houston Health Department and more.
MBK Houston Milestone Snapshots
Houston Basics
HIPPY Fatherhood Event
Houston Health Department's Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health (BYAH) division had the great pleasure of participating in the Houston Independent School District's (HISD) HIPPY Fatherhood Forum that showcase multiple interactive activities for parents and children at Law Elementary School. The event had a panel of dads, free lunch, gift for all who registered and activities for children. There were also breakout sessions on topics related to Child support, Kids & Technology, Self-Care tips for dads to reduce stress, and much more!
Photo Courtesy: Frank Garcia, Community Involvement Coordinator
About HIPPY Program
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a school readiness program that helps parents prepare their preschool child for academic success. HIPPY is a home-based, family-focused program that HISD provides to parents of children between the ages of 3 and 5 years-old, in English and Spanish, free of charge.
Out 2 Learn Announcements
CASE for Kids RFP Now Open
CASE for Kids is pleased to announce an opportunity for experienced after school and direct service providers, contracted services and trainers to compete for a contract to provide services to the after school community in the Harris and surrounding counties.
If you are interested in learning more about the RFP opportunity, click here for more information.
Girls on the Run Accepting Fall '19 Site Applications
Click here to learn more about this program, and if you are interested in bringing Girls on the Run to your campus, please contact Jamie Karns, Program Manager, at Jamie@gotrgreaterhouston.org or 608-290-6178. Site applications for fall 2019 are being accepted through August 1, 2019
Intro to Autism Resources & Services Workshop
Texas Children's Autism Center is hosting a 2.5-hour workshop to help families of newly-diagnosed autistic children gain an introductory working knowledge of the various supports and programs that exist in the Houston community and how to access them
See below and the registration page for more information.
- Event: Intro to Autism Resources and Services Workshop
- Date/Time:
- July 19, 2019
- 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location:
- TX Children's Autism Center/Meyer Center
- 8080 N. Stadium Drive, Suite 280, Houston, TX 77054
- Cost: None
The Living Room at the Library: Juneteenth with Bureau Chief Pinnock
Our Bureau Chief Noel A. Pinnock was invited as a speaker for The Living Room at HPL in celebration of Juneteenth at the Mancuso Library. Ana Frade, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at Houston Public Library, created a video slideshow highlighting the day's events and left kind compliments with our Bureau Chief:
"Your presence contributed substantially to the quality of the event. Your talk seemed to provide much needed understanding of what success is. Your comments were especially important for the families to understand how to prepare their kids to lead happy, successful lives. We really enjoyed it.
Also, thank you for highlighting the important role that libraries play in the community. As you said, libraries open a door to places you can’t even imagine. We very much agree with that, so we work hard every day to keep that door open for everyone.
Thanks again for a truly memorable evening. We hope you can join us again in the future."
HYPE Celebrating 20 Years
HYPE Freedom School Finale 2019
HYPE Freedom School, Inc. (formerly known as Waymaker Life Strategies, Inc.) is a non-profit organization that has been serving children and families in the Sunnyside/South Park communities for 17 years. HYPE was co-founded by Brandi Brown, an advocate with a long history of partnering with various churches, schools, and organizations in the Southeast Houston.
The partnership with the City of Houston Health Department, Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health and My Brother's Keepers Houston has helped to expand Freedom Schools to more location; the Bruce Elementary location has been sponsored for Summer 2019.
Photos Courtesy of Kesha McNeil, Community Involvement Coordinator
Check out Houston Public Library's Summer Programs!
- Jelly Belly Schmelly Show: Balloon Pop Art Workshop
- Jelly Belly Schmelly Show: Balloon Show
- Jelly Belly Schmelly Show: The World of Magical Bubbles
- HPL Digizine Project
- Indigo Entertainment: African Dance & Drumming
- Mermaid Storytime
- Wild Things Zoofari: Animal Show
- Wild Things Zoofari: Exotic Petting Zoo
- And much more!
John P. McGovern Summer Reading Program
Explore the Unknown with SRP! Receive a free book and lanyard just for registering. Then earn more free books and pins to decorate your lanyard by reaching reading goals and exploring the world around you!
2019 Battle of the Bands
As you may have already heard, Houston will be hosting the Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands this year and our team couldn’t be more thrilled! The event will kick off at NRG Center on September 1 with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair and MD Anderson Heath & Wellness Fair. Following the educational experience will be a step show just before the university bands battle it out to see who the best in the nation is at NRG Stadium!
Harris County – Houston Sports Authority would like to provide 2,000 of our region’s high school students an educational opportunity to talk to some of the most prestigious HBCU representatives around the nation from: Shaw University, Winston Salem State, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Central State, Tuskegee University and many more! Students are encouraged to bring their resumes and cover letters to provide to these HBCU representatives during the college fair.
After the college and health & wellness fairs, groups will be escorted from NRG Center to NRG Stadium for the step show and battle of the bands!
If your high school, band, team, or organization is interested in being a part of this special field trip, please let us know. The bus transportation, parking, boxed lunch and tickets to the event will be provided for by our organization. The pre-event activities will kick off at 3:00pm and the Battle of the Bands competition will begin at 6:00pm on Sunday, September 1, 2019.
Will you join us? Not only will there be free entry to the competition, but also an educational component to benefit your high school students to get in front of college and university representatives. View the flyer below for more information. We will go through all of the details with you or the person you direct us to within your establishment.
If you are interested in participating contact:
Kaelum Messer by Thursday, August 1, 2019
713-308-5922
2019 Battle of the Bands Pre-Event
Sunday, Sep 1, 2019, 03:00 PM
NRG Stadium, NRG Parkway, Houston, TX, USA
Join Worthing's First Day of School
College Prep
Consider tackling these tasks before you get to campus or during your first week of classes.
- Enroll for online access to your school’s website or confirm your access still works from last year.
- Review your class schedule. Check your class times to make sure they don’t overlap with work or other responsibilities. Make any necessary changes. Look into any last-minute openings in classes you might have gotten locked out of during initial registration.
- Know when to expect your financial aid disbursements. It varies by the type of financial assistance you're receiving, but, generally, colleges pay out aid at least twice during the academic year. Usually, the aid gets applied to tuition and fees and any leftover money is disbursed via check, bank credit or other means. The Education Department has a good explainer for anyone confused about when they'll get their financial aid.
- Get the appropriate textbooks and software for classes on your schedule, whether you purchase or borrow these items.
- Check in with your roommate(s) to see what they may be bringing to your dorm or apartment so you don't wind up with multiples.
- Discover school-based clubs in your areas of interest and look for volunteer or mentorship opportunities.
- Fill out your personal planner with your daily course work, study time, exercise and/or personal development, work hours (if applicable) and weekly/monthly goals.
What to Pack
Step One: Find a lot of boxes, because this is one long list.
- Bedding including a comforter, sheets, pillowcases, light blanket, pillows, throw blanket and sleeping bag.
- Food preparation tools including dishes, a microwave, utensils, paper plates and bowls, toaster, coffee maker, blender, coffee mugs, bottle opener and a dorm-size mini-fridge.
- A basic assortment of food such as peanut butter, ramen noodles, canned fruits and vegetables, crackers, instant oatmeal, granola bars and soup.
- Room décor and furniture that fits your space including (but not limited to) a small table and chairs, sofa, dresser chair, lamps, alarm clock, armoire, futon, end tables and a coffee table.
- Laundry and clothing storage including totes, a laundry basket, hangers, detergent, bleach, hamper, laundry bag and liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets.
- School supplies such as notebooks, loose paper, computer paper, pens, pencils, notepads, stapler and staples, calculator, desktop calendar, paper clips, backpack, envelopes, sticky notes, erasers, markers, highlighters, three-hole punch, personal planner, binders, white out, a ruler and glue. Don't forget to take advantage of these back-to-school freebies.
- Cleaning supplies such as a broom and dustpan, mop, dish soap, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, Windex, hand soap, disinfecting wipes, a handheld vacuum and trash bags.
- Tech like your laptop, chargers, portable chargers, flash drives, camera, tablet, HDMI cable, surge protector, headphones, speakers, extension cords, a printer and toner.
- Bathroom supplies such as a shower curtain, toilet bowl cleaner, shower organizer, shower caddy, bath towels, washrags, hand towels, shower shoes or flip flops, bathroom robe, bathrobe, scale and bathroom cleaning supplies.
- Medical supplies such as prescription drugs, Aspirin or Tylenol, a first aid kit, bandages, pain reliever, throat spray, cough drops, eye drops and a thermometer.
- Toiletries you use at home, which can include makeup, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, comb and brush, soap or body wash, toothpaste and toothbrush, floss, razors, tissues, toilet paper, tampons or pads (if applicable), nail file, fingernail polish, shaving cream, sunscreen, deodorant, mouthwash, blow dryer, hairspray, hair gel and a hair straightener or curling iron.
- Clothing for this season and the next, including pants, shirts, sweaters, underwear, bras, socks, shoes, shorts, skirts, scarfs, gloves, winter coats, a jacket and other seasonal apparel.
- Important personal documents such as your passport, driver’s license, medical insurance information, credit or debit cards, checks and banking information, financial aid documents, lease information and emergency contact list.
By the way, while you might want to pack plenty of entertainment, there is one big item you no longer need to shell money out on.
Preparing for #adultlife
Sure, you're going to college to learn how [insert your major here], but it's also a time to start building solid financial habits. To set yourself up for future success, here are some money moves to tackle.
Ensure you have renters insurance to protect your belongings in the event of fire or theft. Your parents' homeowners or renters insurance might provide coverage if you’re under 26 and living in a dorm, but, if their limits are low, consider standalone dorm insurance. If you're living off-campus, you'll need your own renters policy. (We can help you compare and buy renters insurance.)
Create a weekly or monthly budget so you know what you can afford to spend on food and fun. This simple spreadsheet can help.
Find a place to park your car if you’re bringing one to school. Make sure your auto insurance policy is up-to-date or shop for coverage. Look into student car insurance discounts.
Consider getting a part-time job on or off campus. Or find a fitting side hustle. Here are 11 side hustles for full-time college students.
Free Training Programs in Houston
The free training programs in Houston, TX are meant for you to gain new skills for some certain jobs. At the same time, these free training programs can come in handy to sharpen the skills that you already have. To take advantage of these free training program, you have to know who is offering them and the conditions at which they offer. Many free training programs are available in Houston, Texas.
Some of which are:
- CDL Training
- CNA Training
- Welding Training
- Forklift Training
- Computer Training
- Security Guard Training
Visit will your local Workforce Solutions office or a career coach at your local community college (like Houston Community College) to connect to more opportunities like these!
Cashier, Cook or Food Runner Positions
Juma offers youth a great opportunity to work and make career dreams a reality. We offer employment opportunities, the chance to build workplace skills, training on how to manage money and save, counseling to develop a plan for building a career and connections to jobs and education opportunities to help get there.
Juma Provides:
- Employment at one of our concession businesses in a major sporting or entertainment venue
- Job skills training
- Financial guidance
- Career tours
- One-on-one mentorship
- Career exploration and coaching
- Connection to an alumni network of support
Data Collector Positions
Warehouse Helpers with Forklift Exp (77004)
The Southwest Office of Workforce Solutions is looking to fill Collections Agent Position immediately. Reply to this email NOW with your resume in “MICROSOFT WORD OR PDF” format (ONLY). Also be sure to be fully registered in WorkInTexas.com
Positions: Warehouse Helper with Forklift Experience a Must
Pay: $12/HR
Position Description:
Safety
- Safety caution, has common sense based on the situation
Pulling order
- Read ticket, make sure the right quantity,
make sure it's the right manufacture and the right species, size .... etc
- Marked the bundle properly, check the quantity count. In some cases, check the certification on the products.
- Shrink wrap some pallets during the rainy day, strapping and secure the bundle, make sure it's not too loose and it's safe for the transportation.
- Loading the truck, understanding weight, spread the weight evenly on the truck. Strapping down the load,
make sure, it's safe and secure for the transportation
- Keep warehouse nice and clean, rotating to clean the rest room
- Maintaining the equipment
If you have some interest in this position please email Corry.Worrell@wrksolutions.com with:
- Copy of your resume
Financial Services Consultant
PAY: 1st year Commission $30,000 - $60,000
Position Description:
* Building relationships
* Meeting face to face with clients to find the proper solutions for their financial future
* Becoming a resource that clients can trust and rely on to fulfill their financial goals
* Educating clients on their financial obstacles
* Providing financial guidance for client's retirement
Convictions considered on a case by case basis.
If you have some interest in this position please email Corry.Worrell@wrksolutions.com with:
- Copy of your resume
1605 PV TAPS HYPE Summer Leadership Week
Afterwards they participated in a mock trial in which they were assigned roles as Prosecutors, Defense teams, Jurors, Judges, and Bailiffs. The students had an opportunity to review a real case, complete with video footage and arresting officer testimony. They were joined by current students, graduates and staff for a round-table discussion before they moved on to the student cafeteria where they were able to experience collegiate cuisine at its finest.
The day was concluded at the Prairie View Bowling alley where the women’s bowling team coach provided information on scholarships, work ethic, scholastic and social balance as well as a few helpful bowling tips. I’m excited to say that the students walked away with a full week of education and entertainment. We look forward to next year!
Youth LEAD in New Mexico
The Youth LEAD program start up was described including the challenges faced during the first year. After questions, the group determined next steps for creating a Youth LEAD in Northeast New Mexico.
Fantastic job to our Youth LEAD team for representing Houston and "LEADing" the way!
Peacekeepers Movement: SB 30 News
Our Community Safety Education Act (CSEA) training is state-mandated for police officers, high school students and those acquiring a driver's license, but that does not limit our ability to train everyone in Houston and surrounding cities. We believe that all people have a right to learn more about how to safely interact at a traffic stop to greatly reduce unnecessary casualties and increase the peace in our communities. We will accept training groups from social circles, church families, employing agencies and organizations at no cost for a limited time.
Email Willis.Robinson@houstontx.gov to schedule your free training today!
Featuring "The Tall Cop"
Officer Jermaine Galloway, known as the “Tall Cop”, is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter who researches drug trends and the drug culture of a community. In this training, he will cover alcohol and drug clothing, alcoholic energy drinks, alco-pops, alcohol and drug concealment methods and containers, drug paraphernalia, drug related music and groups, logos, stickers, new technology, youth party tendencies, party games, non–‐traditional alcoholic beverages, social networking sites, synthetic drugs, OTC drugs, inhalants, concentrates, E-cigarettes, and popular party drugs.
High in Plain Sight: Current Alcohol, Drug and Concealment Trends and Identifiers
For each person to help prevent youth and adult substance abuse, you MUST know what is going on in your community. We hope you will join us!
Open to Anyone | Registration Fee: $25
Thursday, Sep 5, 2019, 09:00 AM
Crime Stoppers of Houston, Main street, Houston, TX, USA
Upcoming Events
CO-OP Equestrian Clinic
Saturday, Jul 27, 2019, 09:00 AM
Williams Ranch at 5709 Van Zandt Houston, TX 77016
Goodwill Houston: The Cube
It’s a quarterly networking social to grow and strengthen your professional and personal networks.
More info: KTheus@GoodwillHouston.org
Wednesday, Jul 31, 2019, 09:00 AM
9606 Hillcroft Street, Houston, TX, USA
13 Reasons Why - Adolescent Suicides: Unlocking the Mysteries
Fees: FREE for Task Force Members
$10 for Non-Members
RSVP: Online or via email hccatf@hccatf.org by July 25th, 2019.
Learning Objectives: This workshop is designed to help you:
- Discuss the mental health issues surrounding depression from a clinical standpoint, and suicide prevention measures.
- List the Signs and symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation and treatment options
- Discuss current trends that are contributing to suicide, self-harm, and suicidal ideation
- Analyze statistics about suicide such as age, gender, sexual preference, and race/ethnicity
- Discuss resources for children, adolescents and families in The Harris Center
Thursday, Aug 1, 2019, 01:00 PM
The Children's Assessment Center, Bolsover Street, Houston, TX, USA
Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest presented by Shell
Families and Students:
Please complete and submit the online form. After clicking submit, you will receive an Email Confirmation. Please be sure to check your email inbox as well as the junk folder. This email contains important information on event location, free event parking and free rides courtesy of METRO.
Volunteers
Register as a volunteer for the Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest. You will be contacted regarding your assignment very soon. All volunteers need to attend the training session.
Saturday, Aug 3, 2019, 09:00 AM
George R. Brown Convention Center, Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX, USA
Crime Stoppers Houston: be nice. Volunteer Training
Tuesday, Aug 13, 2019, 08:30 AM
Crime Stoppers of Houston, Main street, Houston, TX, USA
Back to School Bash (1st Annual Madison Feeder)
Ms. King 318-272-5129
Mrs. Smith 832-971-9183
Wednesday, Aug 14, 2019, 09:00 AM
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, West Fuqua Street, Houston, TX, USA
Southside Takeover Parade & Community Fair
Saturday, Aug 17, 2019, 10:00 AM
Worthing High School, Scott Street, Houston, TX, USA
Annual Crime Stoppers Gala
Wednesday, Oct 2, 2019, 06:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Houston, Louisiana 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