The Oak Forest Homeowners Association (OFHA) is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Taste of Oak Forest, now in its third year. The event will take place from Oct. 11-20, 2024, bringing together local restaurants, bakers, and chefs to showcase the vibrant culinary scene in Oak Forest, all while supporting community beautification efforts.
“Taste of Oak Forest is more than just a celebration of food—it’s a way for us to come together as a community and support the ongoing beautification of our neighborhood,” said Deena Alcorta,
OFHA Director of Public Relations.
“We’re excited to return to our roots and build on the success of the past two years.”
The inaugural event in 2022 raised an impressive $7,800, which was used to replace several dilapidated monument signs throughout the neighborhood. In 2023, the event continued its positive impact, raising approximately $5,500 to support the OFHA Beautification Committee. The committee plays a crucial role in maintaining Oak Forest’s charm and aesthetic by performing general upkeep and continuing the replacement of worn-out signs. Last year, 24 local restaurants participated, offering a variety of dishes
and promotions to showcase the best of Oak Forest. This year’s Taste of Oak Forest promises to be even bigger, with organizers encouraging more local chefs,
By RUBENA GRACIA
The Leader News Contributor
It is gratifying to see original homes and buildings in the Heights that are carefully restored and maintained.
One church has not only worked to restore its nearly 100-year-old building, but is continuing the church’s core commitment “to promote spiritual transformation in the lives of individuals, fostered in Christian community, that radiates outward to bless our neighbors and the world.”
Alan Cramer from the church’s leadership team spoke to the Leader. He has been a member of the church since 2018 and teaches a bible class.
Cramer explained that the church was originally established as The Heights Church of Christ, founded in February 1915. Services with 10 people were first held on the second floor
of the Frank M. Johnson Drug Store on 19th Street at Ashland. In 1916, a frame tabernacle was built on E. 16th Avenue at Harvard and the congregation quickly grew to 300–400 people. It was the first Church of Christ congre-
gation in the Houston Heights and the second in Houston, helping to start 15 additional congregations. Because the first congregation is no longer active, the Heights church is now the oldest active Church of Christ congregation in the city.
A gift from Heights resident Emerson F. Woodward provided most of the funds that allowed the church to commission Alfred C. Finn, then Houston’s leading architect, to design and build the new church. Finn’s projects include the San Jacinto Monument, the Rice Hotel, other important buildings in downtown Houston and in Texas, and many well-known homes in the Heights. Construction began on the original structure in June 1924. Finn’s plan called for distinctive stained-glass windows, imported custom pews,
By CHARLIE HARDWICK The Leader News Contributor
During September’s Healthy Aging Month, it is important for seniors and their families to recognize the challenges they face and the misconceptions that can arise regarding the aging process. Evan Harbison, a nurse practitioner with the Heights-area CenterWell Senior Primary Care Center, highlights some of the myths and misconceptions often associated with an aging population. Seniors are often dealing with multiple chronic health issues, with 80% over the age of 60
having one chronic illness, while 50% have two or more.
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE BATTLE
Evan Harbison has a masters degree from Texas Tech University in nursing, with 10 years of experience as an RN, in addition to seven years as a nurse practitioner. Harbison explained that seniors can face challenges receiving the care they need if they live in underserved areas. Even though Houston has access to a variety of health care options, there are still underserved areas in neighborhoods referred to as care deserts.
Seniors located in these care deserts may live near health care facilities but lack the transportation needed to get treatment. As a result, appointments may be missed or medications may not be filled creating a snowball effect, compounding a worsening of health issues. Harbison says his team does what they can to get the word out to seniors about the availability of the Metro Lift ride service to help them get reliable and affordable transportation. Harbison said, “We love Metro Lift! I have helped many of our clients fill out the Metro Lift application for service. They do a great job getting our
bakers, and restaurants to get involved. The event is open to all Oak Forest-area businesses, and those interested in participating are encouraged to reach out via tasteofoakforest@ofha.org.
“With over 5,500 homes in Oak Forest, this event brings our community closer together by encouraging neighbors to support the local businesses we frequent every day,” said Alcorta. “The funds raised will go directly to our volunteer efforts, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on our neighborhood.”
For more information on the Taste of Oak Forest and how to get involved, visit ofha.org or contact tasteofoakforest@ ofha.org.
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
201 Lofthaus is redefining the content creation experience for photographers, influencers, and creative professionals. Located inside the 610 Loop with proximity to the Heights, this unique venue combines the aesthetics of a modern, elevated home with the technical features that make capturing professional-quality photos and videos a breeze. With 7+ styled spaces, including a living room, kitchen, bedroom, reading nook, outdoor space, and an all-white area flooded with natural light, 201 Lofthaus is designed to feel like home—only better.
The concept behind 201 Lofthaus came from the personal experience of its owner, Novi Jones, who, like many entrepreneurs and creators, found it challenging to shoot content in a space that wasn’t always camera-ready.
“I had tried creating content at home, but I quickly realized how difficult it was without having spaces that
patients to CenterWell facilities located in the Houston area.”
THE DEPRESSION MISCONCEPTION
A common misconception is that depression is a normal part of aging. Harbison emphasizes that while depression can exist within the senior population, it is not necessarily a normal part of aging. Statistics show that most seniors will have a chronic condition of some kind that may be hard to deal with and, as a result, well-intentioned families, friends, or
Photo courtesy of 201 Lofthaus Novi Jones, right, with her team at
Lofthaus.
THE PEOPLE.
TEAM Abilities hosts Career Fair & Ice Cream Sundae Bar for special needs adults for Sept. 21 in Spring
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Get the Scoop on a Sweet Career Saturday, Sept. 21, 10
a.m.-1 p.m. TEAM Abilities, a local agency serving adults with special needs, is hosting a Career Fair & Ice Cream Sundae Bar as they look to hire for several positions proving a great opportunity for job-seekers to move into a recession-proof industry.
“In this day there is so much uncertainty, but the healthcare profession will always remain a constant in today's society,” Rachel Jelks said, Founder & CEO of TEAM Abilities. “We can provide training and instant access into the field of
healthcare with no experience needed.”
Positions available range from direct care, housekeeping, appointment runners, transportation, care coordinators, instructors and handymen. Training is provided for all positions and employees are paid weekly.
The way Jelks puts it, she would rather hire someone with a lot of heart and little experience saying, “You can always train someone on how to do certain procedures, but you cannot train someone on how to care.”
Even as solid as the healthcare field is, TEAM Abilities is just as solid having recently celebrated its 14th anniversary in Montgomery
County. The agency has 20 Community Living homes, as well as an active ISS day habilitation program.
“We have been serving the tri-county area for some time and we are here to stay,” Jelks said. “We are a faith-based, family-owned business and our entire family has grown up here in Montgomery County. This is our home and home to our Team Members who have chosen TEAM Abilities as their provider.”
For more information on the Career Fair & Ice Cream Sundae Bar experience, call Donna Wick at 832-790-2879.
The event will be held at the TEAM Abilities ISS day habilitation building located at 611 Westridge Drive in Spring.
elegant woodwork, and a hydraulic elevator, the first of its kind in the southwest, which allowed members with mobility issues to reach the main auditorium. The church opened in March 1925 with a capacity for 700–800 people.
Woodward provided the gift in 1924 after his wife asked him to build a church for her.
His wife and children attended services there. The Woodward House still stands nearby at 1605 Heights Boulevard.
The structure is in the Renaissance Revival style with Georgian Revival influences.
On the website under “About Us” and “Church History” is a link to the Historical Marker Database of the church’s Recorded Texas Historical Landmark (RTHL) subject marker, which was received in 1990 from the Texas Historical Commission. The building is classified as a contributing building to the Houston Heights Historic District East, designated in 2008 as a City of Houston historic district.
By 2004, the congregation had dwindled to 15–30 people and members recognized that the building needed repair. In
2016, the church’s name was changed to The Church at 1548 Heights and membership began to increase. Then the entire lower floor was flooded during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It was then that the core members made a commitment to restore the building and revitalize its ministry.
When the COVID pandemic started in early 2020, the congregation had 80–100 people, and some members watched services on Livestream, YouTube, or Facebook. There are currently 80 active members. The church wants to stay in the Heights and continue building its membership. With the help of a Spiritual Discernment consultant, the Leadership Team recently adopted three guidelines: “Share and Invite,” “Transform Spiritually,” and “Serve the World.”
The church recently announced that Kevin Huddleston began serving as Lead Minister effective Sept. 9. In March 2025, the building will be 100 years old. The church will have a celebration the weekend of April 5–6, 2025.
People who attend services are called ‘guests,’ not ‘visitors,’ and Alan said he greets
all new guests. He added that musical instruments are used in their services, and the church provides security officers at every Sunday service. When asked about the re-
pair work on the windows and structure, Alan said, “You can’t renovate outside, you must restore.” Careful research has helped guide the process.
The exterior walls have two layers of brick. The building is structurally sound, but before the restoration, the roof and windows were leaking, and plastic covers had protected the windows on the outside. The exterior is now a watertight box.
The congregation believed it was important to restore the 2-story arched windows. Each of the 14 windows cost $50,000 to $70,000 to restore, funded with donations from generous members. Manns Carpentry carefully repaired the windows, allowing the church to pay as they went, scheduling repairs one window at a time. The original elevator had to be replaced in
2018. The next big expense is the HVAC system, which has 60-year-old compressors.
The University of Houston sent architecture students to study the church’s renovation. The work in the Sanctuary was completed before Easter services in 2018, and some original fixtures and furniture have been retained. For example, the original wooden pews were custom-made in Germany for the opening of the church in 1924. The backs of the pews are made from continuous planks of gracefully curved wood.
The library also serves as a museum to house old documents, registers, church bulletins from the 1920s and 1930s, typed sermons, and the original pulpit. The smaller, south portion of the building was added in 1957 to provide space for class-
rooms. Alan said the church is committed to children. A part-time children’s minister was recently hired. French and Spanish classes and summer camps are offered. The church will hold its annual Trunk or Treat Halloween event on Oct. 31 – a tradition where church members hand out candy in front of the church to hundreds of children.
Photo by Hector LeBron
The Church at 1548 Heights.
Photo by James Hulse, Historical Marker Database, Sep. 13, 2020
Houston heats up for the ultimate wing showdown: “War of the Wangs” cooking competition at Onion Creek Café
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Get ready to wing it, Houston! Onion Creek Café is thrilled to announce our third annual “War of the Wangs” wing cooking competition, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 1-6 p.m. This highly anticipated event promises a sizzling day of delicious wings, fierce competition, and family-friendly fun.
ABOUT THE EVENT
“War of the Wangs” will feature top-notch wing teams from across the city, all vying for the coveted grand prize. Judging criteria:
• Overall Cook Sauce
• Creativity
• Overall Flavor
Each team will bring their A-game to craft the most mouthwatering wings, with flavors ranging from classic buffalo to daring and innovative creations.
In addition to the wing competition, the event will include: Local Vendors: Browse an array of goods from local artisans and businesses.
• Breweries: Enjoy craft beer from Houston’s best breweries, handpicked to complement the day’s festivities.
Kid and Dog-Friendly Activities: Bring the whole
AGING, from P. 1
health care professionals may mistake depression symptoms as a reaction to chronic conditions or illnesses.
Harbison said, “There are a multitude of risk factors that contribute to depression. Chronic pain and lack of social interaction are just two of the most common factors we see in our practice.”
As seniors age, their kids may be living their own lives elsewhere and their own network of friends may have diminished over the years. The risk of social isolation is something CenterWell tries to educate seniors and their families on the importance of avoiding. Harbison recommends staying in touch with your health care provider to rule out any of the factors
were ‘photo-ready’ for highquality content,” Jones said.
“I thought, what if there was a space styled like an upscale home, curated specifically for photoshoots and video content? It would make life so much easier for creators who just need a beautiful, turnkey space to walk into and start shooting. I didn’t want just a typical photo studio—I needed a place that felt like home, with relatable settings that people could feel connected to.”
201 Lofthaus was developed with the help of Jones’ husband, G.O., who brought his extensive experience working on production sets to the table, and their creative director, Randy, whose “I can do it” attitude brings Jones’ style visions to life. Together, they designed each room to feel inviting while ensuring that it meets the technical needs of a production-ready studio. The result is a versatile space that feels more like a luxury home than a traditional studio—perfect for lifestyle shoots, branding photography, and social media content.
One of the key elements that sets 201 Lofthaus apart is its evolving decor, which changes seasonally to meet client needs.
“When we launched 201 Lofthaus, I didn’t fully realize how much the space would be shaped by our clients,” Jones said. “I’ll never forget when one of the first photographers who used the space asked me if we were planning a Christmas setup. At the time, it hadn’t even crossed my mind, but the idea of creating a holiday theme instantly felt right. Christmas, for me, evokes home—being with
family—fur babies included—for a fun day out.
• Live Entertainment: Groove to live music from Pack of Strays and DJ PANDA while you taste and vote for your favorite wings.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
• Grand Prize: Cash prize and ultimate bragging rights as the Grand Damn Wing champion.
Second & Third Place: Cash prizes for the runnersup. People’s Choice: The crowd’s favorite will receive a special award. Best Decorated Tent: Teams will also compete for the most creatively decorated tent, adding flair to their cooking station.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-6 p.m.
• Where: Onion Creek Café, 3106 White Oak Dr.
• Tickets: Tasting tickets will be available for purchase, allowing guests to enjoy wings from each competing team and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award.
JOIN THE FUN!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE Wing enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, are encouraged to enter the competition. Team entry fees include a chance to win in all categories and a dedicated space to showcase their cooking prowess. To register, visit eventbrite.com or contact Gunnar Crew via email at gunnar@thecreekgroup. com
that may contribute to depression. Admittedly, regular socialization and exercise can be hard to work into a senior’s schedule, but the benefits to mental health have proven to be helpful. Additionally, treatment with medications can be considered, however, Harbison stresses the importance of working with your health care provider to develop a strategy taking into account a combination of all available options.
THE BRAIN’S ONGOING EVOLUTION
As we age, the brain can begin to function differently but can continue a unique course of action as it develops through exercise and socialization. The benefits of participating in new activities and learning new
Don’t miss out on this fiery, flavor-packed event that’s sure
skills can stimulate the brain in positive ways. Engaging in any kind of hobbies or games like playing music, or playing cards, are great ways to exercise the brain. Additionally, the social interaction associated with game activities is also an added benefit.
“We need to have the right attitude about brain health. When patients take on the perception that the brain doesn’t work like it used to, then that is more than likely going to be their experience.” Harbison explained. It is also known that hearing loss can be a risk factor for dementia. If we have difficulty speaking, then we are not exercising the part of the brain related to speech comprehension. It is important to note that keeping up with so-
to be a highlight of Houston’s culinary calendar. Whether you’re a competitor or a wing lover, “War of the Wangs” is the place to be for food, fun, and friendly competition.
For more information, visit onioncreekcafe.com or follow Onion Creek Café on social media @OnionCreekCafe for updates.
cialization, talking with people, reading, doing puzzles, and essentially treating your brain like a muscle by keeping it working will help keep it in good health. Harbison also recommends keeping up with regular blood work with your primary care provider to monitor cholesterol levels. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can affect the arteries in the brain, potentially leading to vascular dementia. Typically, these problems can lurk underneath the surface with no real symptoms so it is important to maintain regular visits to your doctor to stay on top of any problems that could turn into bigger issues.
VALUE-BASED CARE
Many of the health concerns as we age are meta-
bolic in nature, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Dietary concerns like eating too much rich foods or being overweight are major contributing factors to poor health. Harbison points out that these are the most common conditions that CenterWell deals with.
A common misconception people have, he said, is that they typically feel fine in their daily lives but are unaware of problems developing within their systems until it is too late. A simple blood test can help detect if someone is at potential risk, and once screened, a treatment plan can be prescribed to manage a better quality of health. An emphasis on diet and exercise is always encouraged, however, someone
could have a genetic predisposition to something like high cholesterol. Harbison reiterates, “It is always good to establish a healthy working relationship with a health care provider. Working for CenterWell, I believe in our mission of value-based care. We are driven by outcome, and to get quality outcome I need to take good care of my patients.”
CenterWell has 11 centers in the Houston area and is dedicated to taking a look at the whole person, addressing behavioral, social, and all risk factors in order to help establish a quality plan.
CenterWell Senior Primary Care locations have a dedicated staff that welcome all inquiries. Find a location at centerwellprimarycare.com.
family, baking cookies with my daughter, matching pajamas, and reading holiday storybooks. So, from that
moment, I knew our holiday setup had to feel like home. Since then, our ‘Haus for the Holidays’ setup has be-
come a tradition. It’s a retreat that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday dream. Each year, we evolve
the look based on client feedback to ensure the photos aren’t identical from year to year while still maintaining the same inviting, warm vibe that clients love.”
The holiday decor will be available from Oct. 26, 2024, through Dec. 27, 2024, and bookings are already filling up.
Privacy is another feature customers appreciate about 201 Lofthaus. When clients book the space, they have exclusive access, meaning there are no shared spaces or overlapping sessions. This not only helps maintain a professional, distraction-free environment but also gives clients peace of mind, knowing they can accomplish their creative work without interruptions. Whether you’re a photographer looking for the
perfect backdrop, a brand wanting to elevate your visuals, or a content creator aiming to “stop the scroll,” 201 Lofthaus is the space where creativity flourishes.
“The balance between functionality, privacy, and comfort allows for better creative outcomes,” Jones said. “Whether it’s a mini session, a day-long production, or content creation for a brand launch, we want 201 Lofthaus to feel like a second home— one that’s perfectly styled and ready to help bring any creative vision to life.” To learn more or book a session, visit 201lofthaus.com or follow them on Instagram at @201lofthaus. Although the exact location of the studio is only shared with clients, 201 Lofthaus is located in zip code 77009.
Submitted photos
Onion Creek Café will hosts its Third Annual War of the Wangs on Sept. 28.
Shooting content in the 201 Lofthaus kitchen.
201 LOFTHAUS, from P. 1
Photo courtesy of Lofthaus 201
A room setting at 201 Lofthaus
61st Annual Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival set
for Sept. 22
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Czech, Polish, Slovak, and Ukrainian communities at the 61st Annual Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival. The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon-6 p.m. at the North Side Columbus Club/KC Hall, located at 607 E. Whitney Dr., Houston, TX 77022.
Attendees can enjoy a vibrant day filled with ethnic foods, traditional singing and dancing, cultural booths, and local vendors. This festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience and honor the diverse Slavic heritage of Houston. For more information, visit houstonslavicheritagefestival.com.
61st Annual Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22, 12 (noon) to 6 p.m. North Side Columbus Club/KC Hall, 607 E. Whitney Dr., Houston 77022 (Czechs, Poles, Slovacs & Ukrainians of Houston) Festival will include ethnic foods, singing and dancing,cultural booths, vendors, and more! Information on the web at www.houstonslavicheritagefestival.com
Pet of the Week
The Leader is excited to partner with local no-kill shelter Friends For Life to feature an adoptable pet every week. To view all adoptable animals, fill out an adoption application, show your support through donations or volunteering, or take a pet compatibility quiz to zero in on your very own best friend for life, please visit friends4life.org.
Name: Paisley Age: 1 year
Sex: Female
Meet Paisley, a delightful canine whose personality radiates warmth and affection. Her playful spirit is contagious, often filling the room with an infectious joy. Friendly and sweet, Paisley has a knack for making friends, both human and canine alike. Her mellow demeanor brings a sense of calm and serenity, making her the perfect companion for those tranquil moments. But don’t let her calmness fool you, Paisley is a cuddle enthusiast, always ready to offer hugs and kisses. Loyalty is her second name, as she’s always there to lend a paw or a comforting nuzzle. Adopting Paisley means gaining an unwavering friend, a source of constant love, and a forever companion. With Paisley, every day is a celebration of love and friendship. Learn more about Paisley at friends4life.org/adoptablepets/paisley
Mayor announces raise, incentives for Houston Police cadets
Community Reports
Strategy
to
increase recruiting for new officers
On Sept. 9, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a $10,000 raise for police cadets along with additional incentives to recruit and retain new officers.
The mayor made the surprise announcement while visiting with members of Cadet Class #267, accompanied by Police Chief J. Noe Diaz. The pay increase will have a far-reaching and significant impact on HPD's ability to recruit and retain additional police officers.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
HPD cadets will get a base salary jump from $42,000 to $52,000.
HPD cadets will receive a $5,000 one-
time incentive for completing the academy and TCOLE Certification • Total cadet compensation increases to $57,000 in the first year
Upon completion of the probationary period, the officers' salary will increase to $62,574.
“This is an investment in the men and women of our police department who put their lives on the line daily to keep our community safe,” said Whitmire.
“Each one of you has committed to public service. The pay increase is a start in the right direction to let men and women across this state, this nation, and this great city know that we want you to become a Houston police officer. I've been with police officers on the best days and on the worst days, but always, it's a dedicated group of individuals.”
The mayor has attended several police cadet graduations, but today was the first time he addressed cadets dur-
ing their training.
There are currently 46 cadets in class #267 who will graduate in March 2026.
The FY 2025 budget includes funding for six police cadet classes.
While speaking with the cadets, Whitmire encouraged them to help HPD recruit new officers and always to prioritize the community.
“I hope you recommend somebody else to join this fine organization because the better days are in front of us, and someday, I hope one of you will aspire to be a commander or a chief,” said Whitmire. “The model we want in Houston is law enforcement that protects the public, protects yourself, and your family. And I'll even go a step further. I've wanted to say this to a group of officers, certainly cadets. It's appropriate when you pull somebody over, I believe it's your duty to treat that person like a family member.”
Houston emerges as Texas' Mural Capital: Celebrating 188 years of evolving cultural diversity and artistic expression
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston has emerged as a significant cultural hub, now renowned for its extensive collection of over 850 murals, according to Houstonmuralmap.com. This vast array of street art places Houston among the top cities in the country, alongside Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago. The city's murals are a testament to its evolving artistic and cultural diversity.
As Houston proudly commemorates its 188th anniversary, local artists like Daniel Anguilu and community organizations such as Culture of Health-Advancing Together (CHAT), both supported by the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF), are enhancing the city's beauty and evolving cultural landscape.
FREE EXPRESSION THROUGH STREET ART
Reflecting on Houston's role as a city where arts thrive, renowned muralist Daniel Anguilu – one of BANF's 2023 Artist Awardees, whose art can be found throughout the city, the nation, and globally – emphasizes the community's integral role in his creative process.
Anguilu, who came to live in Houston with his family when he was 14, never signs his work in public due to his art's collaborative nature. “The concept of my mural work is to not have an attachment to advertising or promotion of an artist. I have accomplished a body of work in public and in collaboration with the community purely for expression.”
“My murals in public spaces are about reclaiming the right to express freely,” Anguilu added. His current project at Box13 exemplifies his commitment to free expression: “The mural I'm painting is about the conversation of colonization as a myth; in my personal experience there is no more evidence of the failure of the colonial project than in my home south of Mexico.”
BANF has been a crucial support for Anguilu's work, enabling him to acquire materials and expand his artistic practice. “This support has been transformative, helping me reach out to a different audience and achieve community empowerment through my murals,” he said.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The American Pickers are excited to return to Texas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout Texas in October 2024.
American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable characters and their collections.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically sig-
BUILDING SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND REPRESENTATION THROUGH ART
Dr. Aisha Siddiqui, Executive Director of Culture of HealthAdvancing Together (CHAT) – a nonprofit organization working to empower the immigrant and refugee communities in Houston through art, education and social services – discusses the profound and transformative impact that artistic initiatives like CHAT's “Gulfton Story Trail” murals have brought to the communities it serves in places such as schools, community centers, businesses and public buildings.
Since 2019, CHAT has created 17 murals in the Gulfton area serving as a powerful tool for community development, promoting aesthetic and social enhancements. Those in the Gulfton area have made the neighborhood more attractive, enriching residents' lives by fostering a deeper sense of identity, community, and cultural appreciation.
“Our murals not only beautify but also deeply enrich the cultural fabric of our community. They symbolize hope, resilience, the potential for a brighter future for immigrants and refugees, and the cultural diversity that defines Houston,” Dr. Siddiqui said.
BANF's support has been transformative for CHAT: funds granted in 2021 have enabled the organization to enhance its programmatic offerings, build organizational capacity, and expand its reach, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being and empowerment of the immigrant and refugee communities it serves.
Houston's mural scene contributes to the city's aesthetic and positions it as a prominent destination for street art. The extensive collection of murals reflects Houston's dynamic community and its commitment to cultural expression. This has made Houston a significant player in the national and global street art landscape, comparable to cities with well-established mural traditions.
The Allen brothers, who could have never imagined Houston's transformation into a bustling, diverse metropolis, would undoubtedly be astonished to see the city as the mural capital of Texas. In this place, art thrives on every corner, telling the stories of its diverse and ever-evolving population.
nificant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell...we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184.
Photo courtesy of City of Houston Mayor’s Office
Houston Mayor John Whitmire recently addresses police cadets during their training.
THE TOPICS.
Dim time for Democrats
“I belong to no organized par ty; I am a Democrat.”
Nowhere is that famous quote more applicable than here in Texas. The Dems have lost every single statewide race since Ann Richards was elected governor in 1990. We have Texans old enough to vote who have never seen a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion. Today all of our state’s leaders are Republicans – from governor down to land commissioner. And we keep electing and re-electing them.
In 2022, in the last statewide elections, Gov. Greg Abbott received 54.8 percent of the vote to Beto O’Rourke’s almost 44 percent. Abbott won by better than 10 percent. In politics that’s a landslide. Lite Gov. Dan Patrick won by the same margin. Ken Paxton, our indicted, impeached atty gen, did the same.
Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards once bragged: “The only way I can lose is if I’m caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy.” Most places in Texas all you need to lose is a D by your name on the ballot. In the Texas Senate there are 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats. The House has 86 Republicans and 64 Democrats. Both of our U.S. senators are Republicans. We have 38 slots in the U.S. House of Representatives. Of these, 25 are GOPers and only 12 are Dems. The late Shelia Jackson Lee’s seat is open, but will probably be filled by a Dem.
The last great hope for the donkeys was Beto O’Rourke in the 2018 U.S. senate race against Ted “Cancun” Cruz. O’Rourke toured all 254 Texas counties, had $70 million in campaign contributions, and received enormous national attention as a political underdog. He came within 2.5 percentage points of defeat-
Lynn Ashby Columnist
the Dem candidate for the Senate is Collin Allred, but every poll shows he is behind. You would think Allred would be doing better. Cruz is a serial embarrassment to Texans with a long string of cringeworthy antics. Even his fellow Republican senators don’t like him. Remember South Carolina Sen.Lindsey Graham said, “If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you.” Yes, Texas is definitely a Republican stronghold, so much so that presidential candidates don’t bother campaigning here, and come only for the money. The line is that Texas is both parties’ ATM. In the 2016 presidential elections in Texas, Donald Trump beat Joe Biden by more than 5 percent of the vote. In 2020, Trump beat Biden by almost 6 percent, so it’s hardly worth either nominee campaigning here. How the mighty have fallen. Democrats ran Texas longer than the communists ran the Soviet Union, longer than the PRI ruled Mexico. This is the party of Sam Rayburn who controlled the House while Lyndon Johnson ran the Senate for years. In those days, we made out like a bandit: dams, roads, most of our military bases were spared from closing, and can we ever for-
get NASA? (More aptly named the Johnson Space Center.)
What happened to the Texas Democratic Party? Where are our Johnsons and Rayburns? The collapse could be traced to July 2, 1964, when President Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act and supposedly later said to his aide, Bill Moyers, “It is an important gain, but I think we just delivered the South to the Republican Party for a long time to come.” I say “supposedly” because historians can find no such quote, but it was a good prediction as the elephant took over the South.
In Texas, such Dem leaders as Phil Graham, John Connally, and Rick Perry switched sides with the explanation: “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, it left me.”
Today any realistic Texas pol who wants to be elected statewide or even in any of the 232 of the 254 counties that voted for Trump in the last presidential election has to have that R by his or her name.
OK, let’s say you are the chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, masochist that you are, and need to start winning. In the current presidential campaigns we keep hearing that the outcome will be decided by – take your pick – Gen Z, the Latinos, Blacks, suburban housewives or Pennsylvania. That’s all self-important twaddle, but I suggest you start nominating Gen Z, black Latinos who just moved here from Pennsylvania. Campaign on being anti-abortion, pro-guns and charter schools. You are for a balanced budget which should be cut -- except for the military, which needs more funds to build whatever weapons are produced in your district.
You have the backing of Friends of Smog, the NRA, Swifties, and God (a Christian
god, of course). You are against Haitians who consume dogs, cats and geese, but exclude gardeners, maids and workers in both restaurants and construction.
But Dem candidates have a tremendous obstacle: Texas Republicans. They have run our state so well that our public school teachers are overpaid and thousands of applicants are desperately trying to land jobs in Texas classrooms. Our air and water are crystal clear. Convicts approve living in un-air conditioned cells during an August afternoon. We have almost no power outages. Point out that, led by the GOP, Texas has a record that is the envy of other governments – Chad and Somalia, for instance.
What are we to do? On one hand, Texas voters have the thoughtful, cheerful Republican Party of Ronald Regan and Ike Eisenhower. It has been hijacked by meanspirited extremists bullying their way through scandals and corruption and, of course, it works. They have succeeded wonderfully well. On the other hand we have the Democrats of Larry, Moe and Curley whose ineptness, disorganization, lack of leadership and meaningful opposition clearly renders the Dems worthless.
To quote another observation by Will Rogers: “Democrats are the only reason to vote for Republicans.”
Ashby is running at ashby2@ comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Seeking legal assistance from a Christian attorney who specializes in estate matters. I am looking for representation contingent upon a successful outcome, but I can cover upfront costs such as filing fees, postage, and copying expenses.
My brother, who is a practicing attorney in the Houston area, has not been transparent regarding the sale of our mother’s home, car, and other assets. Despite repeated requests, he continues to withhold my full inheritance. There is also land involved in Texas, which has yet to be addressed. I would greatly appreciate help in this matter. Please contact me at your earliest convenience at 903-421-3826 or 319-391-8506.
The weekend calendar (Weekend at a Glance) as you know it is moving online in a new format! You can find an early version of it at theleadernews.com/site/ community_calendar.html.
You can also access it by going to The Leader home page at theleadernews.com and clicking on “Community Calendar” on the very top row of the page, third item.
Our new online calendar will be a more comprehensive calendar that will incorporate weekday events going forward, along with weekend happenings. It'll be an interactive calendar! You'll be able to set reminders, as the calendar as a whole, or specific events, can be set to integrate with your own Google calendar (and other formats) so you'll ever miss an event that's important to you. You'll also be able to submit events online, search for events (by name, area, zip code, etc.), and view locations on a map.
Another change will be that we will rely heavily on your submissions going forward, more so than in the past. We want to hear about your community events, club meetings, festivals, etc. from you directly.
Please submit your calendar entries via the form at the bottom of the page at theleadernews.com/site/ community_calendar.htm.
We're still working out the fine details, including how to best adapt the calendar for print, and more info will be coming soon. In the meantime, send us your events via the form above so we can start populating The Leader's new and improved calendar. Please note that the form is intended to take as many submissions relevant and of interest to our Heights/GOOF area as possible, while also streamlining the processing of the submissions on our end. For this reason, alternate forms and formats
submissions of calendar items may be delayed or rejected. Please allow up to 7 days
Greater Houston Partnership looks at
By KEN FOUNTAIN kfountain@fortbendstart.com
Editor's Note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for September, the Greater Houston Partnership - the regional chamber of commerce - discusses the 10th anniversary of the “Fracking Bust,” an event that permanently changed the structure of the greater Houston region's economy. The main body of the report is presented here with permission. Find the full report at houston.org.
The oil and gas industry no longer determine Houston’s fate. Other sectors, like aerospace, life sciences, global trade, logistics, and advanced manufacturing now play significant roles. However, traditional energy remains important, and it will for some time. And as the world moves to a low-carbon energy future, Houston has positioned itself to lead the transition. All these shifts have made Houston less vulnerable to the boom-andbust cycles of the past and laid the foundation for future growth.
THE FRACKING BOOM
The region boomed in the first half of the ’10s. From January ’10 to December ’14, Houston created 457,500 jobs, nearly as many as it creates in a typical decade.
The metro area was one of the few bright spots in a nation struggling to recover from the Global Financial Crisis. The
U.S. lost nearly 8.7 million jobs during the meltdown. The unemployment rate hit 10.0 percent. Lenders foreclosed on 3.8 million homes. Over 320 banks failed.
Houston wasn’t immune.
The region lost 110,000 jobs; its unemployment rate peaked at 8.7 percent. Foreclosures weren’t as severe a problem, though. Texas lending laws limited the scope of home equity loans, which was the root of the crisis elsewhere. Only eight banks failed in the Lone Star State.
It took more than four years for the nation to return to pre-recession employment levels. Houston, helped by the fracking boom, recouped all its losses in 25 months, the first major metro to do so. New York needed three and half years, Los Angeles five, and Chicago nearly six.
With limited opportunities in their hometowns, Americans flocked to Houston. From July ’10 to July ’15, over 240,000 people moved here from elsewhere in the U.S. International migration also ramped up. Nearly 180,000 arrived from abroad.
U-Haul named Houston as the “Top Destination City” for its trucks and trailers six years in a row. In ’12, Forbes ranked Houston as the “Coolest City to Live in America,” which drew even more newcomers to the region. In ’13, Business Insider identified Houston as the “Best City in America” based on job creation, ethnic
diversity, and cost of Living.
The energy industry fueled the boom; improvements in fracking fueled the industry. Fracking, which involves pumping sand and water into shale formations shattering the rocks, and releasing the oil and gas trapped inside, reversed a decadeslong decline in U.S. crude pro¬duction. Output peaked at 9.7 million barrels per day (b/d) in ’70, then fell to 5.0 million b/d in ’08. By the end of ’14, fracking brought U.S. output back above 8.8 million b/d.
U.S. output continued to grow. Every new barrel produced by fracking displaced a barrel imported from abroad. Investors poured billions into the industry. Oil and gas companies went on a hiring spree. From December ’09 to December ’14, upstream energy employment in Houston grew by more than 40 percent. The industry accounted for roughly one in every five jobs created over the period.
• The fracking boom spurred growth throughout Houston.
• At the peak, nearly 18 million square feet of office space was under construction, well above the annual average of 4.5 million square feet prior to the boom.
Local auto dealers sold a record 373,000 new cars, trucks, and SUVs in ’14.
• Residential brokers closed on a then-record 91,300
homes in ’14. For perspective, home sales topped 102,000 in ’23, but in a market that has added a million residents since then.
THE FRACKING BUST
To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, when things go badly, it happens slowly at first, then it happens all at once. That was true for the oil and gas industry. U.S. production continued to grow while global oil demand softened and geo¬political risks eased in the Middle East. Oil prices began to drift lower. The spot price for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) peaked at $108 per barrel in June of ’14, then began an irreversible decline. The pace of hiring in the energy industry began to taper off that summer, then flattened in the fall. The domestic rig count peaked at 1,931 in September then ratcheted downward.
By November, oil traded near $74 per barrel on global markets, a 32 percent drop from five months earlier. Many hoped OPEC would cut production to prop up prices as it had done so in the past. But at a Thanksgiving Day meeting in Vienna, Saudia Arabia refused to reduce output, abandoning its role as the market’s swing producer and handing control of prices back to the market. Crude entered a freefall. By January, WTI traded below $45 per barrel. By January ’16, it traded below $30.
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced it will host a Race for the Cure this Fall. The Race will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, bringing together survivors, supporters and advocates to raise critical funds to advance Komen’s mission and provide support for people facing this disease now. Every 12 minutes, a woman in the U.S. dies from breast cancer. In 2024 alone, an estimated 23,290 women in Texas will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 3,280 will lose their lives to the disease. Experts say one-third of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments. Funds raised at the Race will allow Komen to meet the immediate needs of breast cancer patients through its free Breast Care Helpline and offer services such as patient navigation, financial assistance and emotional support. It will also fund research breakthroughs that allow more lives to be saved from breast cancer and bring us closer to the cures for all breast cancers. In 2024, the Komen Financial Assistance pro-
gram provided financial assistance totaling $1,257,750 to 2,267 people in Texas who are in breast cancer treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, Komen’s Patient Care Center provided 7,796 services to 6,259 people living in Texas, working to address 8,453 barriers to care that may otherwise prevent someone from getting the breast health care or support they need.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to the Houston Race for the Cure this year, where together we can make a profound impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Brandice Pierre, Komen Executive Director for Houston.
“Supporting individuals in our community who are facing breast cancer is essential to our mission, but we cannot do it alone. This year’s Race is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment to secure vital funds that will make equitable care available to all. We hope you
WHAT: Houston Race for the Cure
WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2024
WHERE:
DETAILS:
HAR local data by zip code: Housing inventory hits highest level in a decade as home sales slow in August
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Amid another sales decline, inventory grows and prices moderate
As the summer temperatures climbed in August, Houston’s housing market experienced a cooldown. The slower sales volume enabled inventory to expand and prices to moderate, creating a positive landscape for home buyers.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ (HAR) August 2024 Market Update, single-family home sales across the Greater Houston area declined 8.3 percent year-overyear. The HAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) recorded sales of 7,340 units compared to 8,006 last August. Inventory expanded from a 3.2-months supply to 4.5 months, which is the highest since September 2012.
The luxury segment ($1 million+), which represents 4.1 percent of all home sales in August, had the strongest performance, with a 2.0 percent increase in sales. All other housing segments experienced slower sales in August. Homes priced between $100,000 and $149,000 saw the biggest decline, with closings down 13.2
percent year-over-year. That segment made up just 2.2 percent of the overall market.
The average price of a singlefamily home edged up by 0.9 percent to $421,912 while the median price declined slightly, 0.3 percent, to $336,940.
“Although sales have slowed, the Houston housing market is still in good shape,” said HAR Chair Thomas Mouton with Century 21 Exclusive Properties. “Expanding inventory and easing mortgage rates are offering buyers more opportunities. A potential Fed rate cut later this month could further boost consumer confidence and home sales.”
AUGUST MONTHLY MARKET COMPARISON
August marked the fourth consecutive month where total property sales declined yearover-year. Sales were down 11.2 percent compared to the same time last year. Total dollar volume fell 8.8 percent to $3.5 billion. Active listings, or the total number of available properties, were 29.3 percent above where they were in August 2023.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES UPDATE, CITYWIDE
In August, single-family home sales were down 8.3 per-
cent year-over-year with a total of 7,340 units sold across the Greater Houston area compared to 8,006 last August. The average price rose 0.9 percent to $421,912 while the median price declined slightly to $336,940. The price per square foot declined from $177 last year to $176.
More homes are continuing to hit the market, with active listings up 34.6 percent yearover-year. There were 30,841 single-family homes available in August, which is the highest since July 2011 when there were 32,096 active listings. Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, was up from 43 to 47 days.
Months of inventory of single-family homes expanded from a 3.2-months supply last
August to 4.5 months—the most plentiful supply of homes since September 2012 when there was a 4.7-months supply.
Housing inventory nationally stands at a 4.0-months supply, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A 4.0- to 6.0-months supply is generally considered a “balanced market” in which neither buyer nor seller has an advantage.
Broken out by housing segment, August sales performed as follows:
• $1 - $99,999: decreased 4.7 percent
• $100,000 - $149,999: decreased 13.2 percent
$150,000 - $249,999:
decreased 11.6 percent
$250,000 - $499,999:
decreased 6.5 percent
$500,000 - $999,999: decreased 11.4 percent • $1M and above: increased 2.0 percent HAR also breaks out sales figures for existing single-family homes. In August, existing home sales totaled 5,305, which is down 13.1 percent compared to the same time last year. The average price rose 2.7 percent to $428,583, and the median sales price edged up 1.4 percent to $334,500.
HOUSTON REAL ESTATE HIGHLIGHTS IN AUGUST
• Single-family
The Houston Farmers Market dives into autumn with return of Fall Pumpkin Patch
Celebrate the season with more than just pumpkins at Houston’s oldest and largest
WHAT: It’s fall, y’all! The Pumpkin Patch at the Houston Farmers Market returns on Saturday, Sept. 28 with pumpkins aplenty, gourd-geous photo backdrops, family-friendly activities, and more. Join Houston’s oldest and largest farmers market as it brings back its annual fall tradition for visitors, families, and neighbors. From tiny treasures to giant gourds, festive guests are invited to find
their pick of the patch. The picturesque patch offers the perfect backdrop for seasonal photos, complete with a stunning photo station for visitors to capture the moment. The pumpkin patch will be at the Houston Farmers Market every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sunday, Oct. 27. After enjoying spooktacular fun at the Pumpkin Patch, guests can explore goodies at Shop Local Market’s pop-up market every Saturday and Sunday, savor delicious plates from Crawfish and Noodles, play a round of pickleball at Drop Shots, or shop fresh produce, spices, herbs, and one-of-a-kind finds from the
Houston Farmers Market’s 40+ vendors.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept.28, to Sunday, Oct. 27; open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Monday through Friday
WHERE: The Houston Farmers Market, 2520 Airline Drive
INFO: Admission to the Houston Farmers Market’s Fall Pumpkin Patch is FREE for guests of all ages. Pumpkins are available for purchase. Prices may vary. For more information and event updates, please visit thehoustonfarmersmarket.com or follow at @TheHoustonFarmersMkt on Facebook and @ HoustonFarmersMarket on Instagram.
Third
Northside Festival at UHD to
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Greater Northside Management District is hosting its third annual Northside Festival at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Being held in the Naylor Parking Lot of UHD’s College of Sciences and Technology Building, the free, family-friendly festival will feature a musical performance by recording artist Leslie Lugo.
The Greater Northside Management District is hosting its third annual Northside Festival at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Being held in the Naylor Parking Lot of UHD’s College of Sciences and Technology Building, the free, family-friendly festival will feature a musical performance by recording artist Leslie Lugo.
Bilingual, award-winning performer and accomplished Grammy- recognized singer/ songwriter, Ms. Lugo is releasing her highly anticipated CD, “Éxitos Del Ayer,” later this year. This year’s festival promises to be
Photo by Philip E Photography
Guests at the Houston Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch
Art Valet: Readers provide motivation and great stories
Recently, I received a phone call for art advice — which is not unusual considering what I do for a living and I’m fairly easy to find. Eventually, they revealed they were readers of Art Valet and enjoyed my column and others in The Leader. That was a kind and motivating comment to hear, and got me thinking.
It’s easy to fall into a routine with regular activities in life, and overlooking the impact one might have on others. That phone call was in a small way a gentle reminder of how cool it really is to be able to write about artists
cohen
and creatives in the Heights and Houston. (Thanks, TJ!)
Funny how one thing can lead to another. The phone call reminded me that I do, in fact, get frequent calls and emails from Art Valet readers.
People call me out at my art market, too, unless I’m not
wearing the signature cowboy hat (see my byline photo attached to this column, in print). Without the hat I might get a sideways glance before being approached.
In December 2019 I wrote a story that I hoped would reveal the long and colorful history of visual arts in the Heights. I spoke to quite a few movers and shakers in the art world and I got no further than the early 90s.
Even author and Heights historian Ann Sloan had little knowledge of arts earlier than the 90s. Sloan suggested that the underdocumented history of mu-
sic recording studios in the Heights would be a compelling story.
“I concluded that column about my interaction with Ms. Sloan with a bit of interesting Heights music history: ‘She had me at the formation of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band on 11th St. Wow, but that’s another story,’” I wrote in an article in Dec 2019, and it got attention.
The following month, Mike Daily, an original and founding member of the Ace in the Hole Band, and The Leader subscriber, wrote in about my subtle call-out for another story.
I suggested our editor at the time, Adam Zuvanich, write the story and it ran in the February 29, 2020, edition on the front page titled, “Ace in the Heights.”
Daily and I did exchange a few emails about music in the Heights and the formation of the Ace in the Hole Band. Next thing I know I’m inviting the most famous band in the world to perform in the Heights at my First Saturday Arts Market.
Daily gave me a polite and very reasonable reason for having to decline my offer (besides of course, the obvious). Best decline
ever, thanks Mike! He also let me know he’s in a side band, Texas Jamm Band. They have a rare live performance October 12 in Fort Worth, get details and check out their music at https:// texasjammband.com/. Well this column veered off the art path quickly, one just never knows who’s reading, right? Do you have any stories or art news from the Heights area? Let’s hear them, drop me a note. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Group 1 Automotive to match Pitre’s fundraising as the two tackle Houston-area food insecurity during the 2024 football season
Kids’ Meals Inc., an Oak Forest nonprofit that delivers free, healthy meals to preschool-aged children across Houston, is thrilled to announce the second season of the Feed 5 More fundraising campaign with Houston Texans player Jalen Pitre and Group 1 Automotive, Inc., an international Fortune 300 automotive retailer headquartered in Houston, to combat childhood hunger. The Feed 5 More campaign raises money through donations as little as $10 to provide meals to children facing food insecurity. For every $10 raised, Kids’ Meals can provide five meals to children
who need them the most. This year, Pitre aims to surpass last year’s total with the goal of raising enough money to feed 55,555 children by the end of the 2024 football season. Group 1 Automotive will match every dollar raised, up to $250,000. Last year, the campaign successfully raised nearly $110,00. “I am very excited to kick off the second year of the ‘Feed 5 More’ campaign,” said Jalen Pitre, safety, Houston Texans. “I am proud of the community’s support we received last year and the impact we were able to make. This year, we are aiming to raise even more to help kids in my hometown.” Every day, thousands of preschool-aged children in the Greater Houston Area face food insecurity. Kids' Meals provides that peace of mind to families in 56 zip codes across Harris and Montgomery Counties with the unique approach of delivering
every meal to the doorsteps of hungry preschool-aged children – totaling 2.7 million meals in 2024. “We are thrilled to see the
Feed 5 More campaign return for a second year,” said
Beth Harp, CEO, Kids’ Meals.
“The success we achieved last year was phenomenal,
and it showed us the power of community support. We are determined to raise even more money this year to reach 55,555 meals for children in
need. The commitment from Jalen and Group 1 Automotive is truly inspiring.” Pitre and Group 1 will lead crowd-sourced fundraising to support the campaign. Those interested in donating can visit this page to support. With contributions as small as $10, individuals can play a pivotal role in transforming the Houston community.
“The success of last year's campaign demonstrated what we can achieve when we come together for a cause,” said Pete DeLongchamps, senior vice president, Group 1 Automotive. “This year, we are excited to build on that success and make an even greater impact on the lives of Houston’s children. Together with Jalen and the community, we are ready to drive change and support Kids’ Meals in their mission.”
For more information about the Feed 5 More campaign, visit feed5more.com.
