d-mars.com Community Journal 56

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May 2016

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Community Builders

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee & FEMA Working Together for Flood Victims PAGE 6

PAGES 4-5

Industrial Welding Academy No Man Is an Island

By Charlotte Jackson I invite you to look back over your last 12 months.

Helps Build the Community

PAGE 8

PAGES 20-21 PAGE 16

2 Girls Who Travel Take the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise Kim’s Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage (TJFV) Moment: PAGES 14-15

Pumps and Pearls 2016 – A Great Time for a Great Cause

In the Community… d-mars.com and E-PIC Training Center, Inc. Celebrate Nurses for the Month of May

I’m glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility.

- Nikki Giovanni

May 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

“Community Builders” is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal. I grew up in Houston, so as an entrepreneur, I am glad that d-mars.com is able to be a community builder. Giving back to the community is of the utmost importance to me. I know that without the community, d-mars.com would not be where it is today. I encourage you to use your gifts to help uplift your community.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ash Davito Charlotte Jackson Linda Lindsay Sheldon Theragood Barbara Curtis Shelondra Peavy Houston Area Urban Community Dev. Corp.

Tammi Durden Pastor Ogletree d-mars.com News Provider

The cover story for this issue is on the Industrial Welding Academy. Andre and Miranda Horn, through Industrial Welding Academy (IWA), have been examples of community builders, providing young people with skills to help them succeed in the field of welding. IWA is creating more than future welders, but it is a movement of positivity, educating the next generation.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

Contents Industrial Welding Academy.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee..................................................................................................................................................................................6 Kids Building the Community................................................................................................................................................................................................6 No Man Is an Island..................................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Designing for the Community..............................................................................................................................................................................................10 Giving Back Through Serving...............................................................................................................................................................................................12 2 Girls Who Travel ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................14-15 Pumps and Pearls 2016..........................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Community-Building................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation.......................................................................................................................................19 In the Community..............................................................................................................................................................................................................20-21 Community Builders...............................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Beyond the City.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Community Builders...............................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Nationwide Need for Volunteer Firefighters Grows.....................................................................................................................................................24

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.”

– Alice Walker

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4 May 2016

Opening Doors and

Creating Opportunities

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

his month’s theme for the d-mars.com Community Journal is “Community Builders.” Andre and Miranda Horn, through Industrial Welding Academy (IWA), have been examples of community builders, providing young people with skills to help them succeed in the field of welding. IWA recently hosted aspiring welders from Houston and the surrounding areas to test for certifications at their annual Student Welder Certification Day. IWA is creating more than future welders, but it is a movement of positivity, educating the next generation. IWA is not only a welding school, but a place for our young people to get a second chance at a career and life.

Andre Horn, the youngest of 16 children, was always ambitious and was exposed to welding in high

school. Determined to succeed, he attended Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas. While completing his education, a company chose to invest in him and his welding skills. Andre has extensive experience, working for

several major industrial companies.

He is a Certified Welding Educator (CWE). Andre is the founder and CEO of IWA, with over 20 years of training experience in the welding industry.

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Though he has the experience, skill, and expertise, he could not have taken IWA to the level it is today without his wife, Miranda Horn. Miranda is the director of IWA. With more than 10 years of experience in the Workforce Development industry, she is a perfect fit. Her experience includes several years of managerial skills. She has worked for Workforce Solutions and Neighborhood Centers before taking on the task of helping Andre fulfill the IWA vision of helping others. She is dedicated to teaching students the trade of welding, serving as director of IWA. Miranda credits the IWA staff members for helping IWA achieve the success it has. “So often individuals are given expectations, but are not given the tools needed to meet those expectations,” Miranda says. At IWA, students are given expectations and tools to succeed in the welding industry. The motto at IWA is “Integrity with Attitude.”

Since 2007, IWA has opened doors for young welders to become their very best in a quality welding training en-

May 2016 5

vironment. Andre says, “We can teach them a trade by taking advantage of the energy capital of the world right here in Houston, Texas.”

Industrial Welding Academy: Their Approach to Welding Education IWA is located in East Houston.

IWA’s impressive facility consists of offices, classrooms, and a welding lab. The welding school at IWA is state-of-theart, and it comfortably accommodates fifteen students per instructor. Because IWA wants to prepare their students to be in the best possible position when entering the welding profession, their facility is designed to resemble and inspire on the job settings. IWA is built to accommodate realistic welding positions and environments which include: out of position welding, jack stand welding, on the scaffold welding, simulation of pipe rack welding layout and fit up, oxy-fuel, and thermal cutting scenarios. In addition, each student is assigned a welding machine and welding booth for utilization during the course. Providing individual booths for students allows them to utilize their skills individually and collectively. IWA is committed to providing quality training and education

based on welding industry needs.

Industrial Welding Academy: Quality Instruction and Education At IWA, students are learning the fundamentals and techniques of welding. Because many of the IWA students have had a rough start in life, this gives them a second chance to change their lives. IWA and the Horns are providing young men and women an opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry. Though the percentage of African-Americans in the welding industry is low, IWA is trying to change that percentage by giving minorities the skills necessary to excel in a career in welding. IWA equips students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, and welding training to produce results.

IWA students are able to compete with the best in the welding industry because of the IWA instructors. IWA instructors are Certified Welding Educators (CWEs), and they are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS). The Horns are proud that their IWA certified welding instructors have more than 20 years of experience in the welding industry. Not only do the IWA instructors

prepare the students to pass AWS exams, but they also help them improve their skills while working on-the-job.

Welding Industry and Careers Welding shapes lives and communities every day. Welding technology has changed over the years. From manufacturing to construction, the demand for welders is strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs don’t require extensive education. IWA believes in placing its students on the path to not just a job, but a career, by addressing the

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shortage of skilled workers in welding and imparting the value of integrity and discipline upon its students.

IWA recently hosted student welders at their campus for their annual Student Welder Certification Day. Community leaders were in attendance showing their support for IWA’s initiative to not only educate the next generation, but to also provide a second chance for a successful life. IWA students have gone on to make six figures after graduating from the school’s programs. For more about the Industrial Welding Academy, please visit www.iwatraining.com.

6 May 2016

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee & FEMA Working Together for Flood Victims

Kids Building the Community

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By Ash Davito

Contributing Writer

ost kids wake up and almost immediately start their daily routine.

Children get so busy with school, family, and just being kids in general, their young minds would never ask themselves, “What can I do to build my community?” But that’s not the case for Saniya Symone and Kamryn Johnson, co-authors of the best-selling kid’s cookbook “Cooking in Style.” These two young dolls have given inspiration to children in communities all over the world with their entrepreneurial spirit.

They are already examples of success at the young age of 9 years old.

I caught up with the mogul duo at their recent book signing. Saniya said, “My mother and manager, Ebony Towns, has always taught me that character is how you behave when no one is looking. She also said that it is important to be respectful to others and always carry myself like a young lady. I’ve

always enjoyed cooking with my mom.

I like to inspire kids, so they can follow their dreams.”

I was not only impressed by these two young ladies, but I was also inspired myself.

The experience of the “Cooking in Style” book signing made me feel like there is hope for our youth. When I was told about the wonderful things Saniya and Kamryn have already done, I was in shock. I had no idea these two kids had done so much in the Houston community in their 9 years of existence. Everything about them says success. It’s nice to see these two girls giving back to their peers and providing opportunities for the community to come together for a bigger purpose.

My mother is a legendary teacher in the Sunnyside community, because she offered genuine love, new learning opportunities, and she made learning fun.

My mother made learning so much fun that the worst kids at school couldn’t wait to get to class to see what lesson she had prepared for the day. Who knows how far a child will take a new skill they just learned? Sometimes it just takes being introduced to something new to get or keep a child’s attention.

Our children are the future. Let’s invest in our future and support the next generation. For more information about “Cooking in Style” and coauthors Saniya Symone and Kamryn Johnson, please visit www.KamAnd Niya.com.

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May 2016  7

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8 May 2016

No Man Is an Island

I

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer

invite you to look back over your last 12 months. How many lives have you touched?

How many events have you attended? How many times have you wished someone a happy birthday or sent get well wishes? Due to the nature of my job, I am involved in well over 100 events a month. (Yes, I work as an event coordinator, but in addition, I am a single mother of three who has lived 44+ years in Houston.)

Over the years, I have been blessed to develop relationships with many people from many walks of life. People I grew up with still keep in contact.

Those who I worked with in the 80’s cross my path monthly. Friends who moved away as well as those I have met on vacations and at conferences fill my address book. Each one of these people are important to me. Each one has added value. Even some of the members of my church, who happen to be

homeless at this point in their lives, are important to me.

Several years ago, my pastor challenged me to be even more intentional about staying in touch with people. In a time where it would be easy to direct all of my energy towards saving for retirement or planning a vacation for my children and grandchildren to enjoy, I cannot help but stop and think about others who have helped me along the way. I am sure you are the same way.

Without the aid of a computer, can you name the last five pitchers who won the World Series? Or, can you name who was on the cover of Time magazine for the past six months?

Can you remember who your elected leaders were in 2008?

If you are a parent, you can remember who showed up at the hospital when your first child was born. For those who have spent years working in their profession, I am sure you can remember those who were present when you were offered a job. You probably can remember the Algebra teacher in

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8th grade who encouraged you. How about that person at your fast-food restaurant who always has a smile? Our lives are very busy. We overschedule too often. However, when we slow down and reflect, we realize that we have been truly blessed to be a part of a community that has helped to shape us along the journey. And since others have helped us, we must do our part to help the next one. I challenge you today to be the one to brighten someone’s day. Be a community builder, a bridge builder, and be known for your love for others.

May 2016  9

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10 May 2016

Designing for the Community

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By Linda Lindsay

Contributing Writer

he theme this month is “Community Builders.”

Believe it or not, being in the design business, our craft brings a lot to the table when talking about building a community. We offer our expertise not only when it comes to homes, but to the design and decoration of that community center and library in your community. Below are some tips for you to remember before hiring a designer.

Designers are responsible for beautifully designed rooms, and this service shouldn't just be for the rich and famous. Our service is also for those who are working on a modest budget. You can afford design services! However, we get paid for our value and craft. We are highly creative and skilled at designing the interior space for your home, office, and business. Designers transform

hccs.edu

your space into one that is full of color, warmth, and comfort.

Decorators and designers specialize in a wide array of styles, including contemporary and eco-friendly design. We create distinctive spaces that reflect who you are. We will discuss the process and details of the project before work is started. We will work with your schedule and budget to make sure that all of your expectations are met. The most important part of hiring a designer is to make sure that there is a good fit between you and the designer and if they are qualified for your interior needs.

We offer guidance when it comes to space planning, layout, furniture, color palette, paint selection, lighting, window treatments, and flooring that is more efficient and affordable.

We have to make sure that we guide, opening the possibilities for transforming a space.

Our goal is to drive down cost and increase ease-of-use. Make sure your choice of a designer complements your style and budget.

Designing should be fun and engaging. Designers believe in options and transparency.

Designers make sure that every room deserves to be loved, not just liked. It is of the utmost importance to us that we

•

DEAR COMMUNITY:

•

An exciting transformation is underway — one that has already started to elevate HCC to a new standard of excellence and a model for community colleges nationwide. Over the last year, we have streamlined operations to make it easier to work with the college, revolutionized the student experience, and fundamentally reshaped how we work with businesses and industry partners. We have also experienced near record graduation increases. Although this level of change takes time – especially with an institution of this scale – the early results speak volumes and show real promise for our college and community in the years ahead.

We have made significant progress in improving our approach to finances throughout the institution. Highlights include:

• • • • • •

The main objective for you is to work with a qualified and affordable interior designer who matches your style and budget. These are tips to break down the walls. Interior design should be

TRANSFORMING FOR THE FUTURE

Letter to the Community: #3 in a series of updates on progress.

•

place your priorities at the forefront.

Maintained affordability for students, with no general tuition or fee increase since 2011 Funded new scholarship streams for students from the college’s auxiliary revenues Maintained affordability for taxpayers by reducing the Maintenance & Operations tax rate and increased exemption levels for elderly and disabled homeowners Finalized Compensation Study and implemented three-year plan to bring all salaries to midpoint of market rates Provided stable, ongoing funding stream for state-of-the-art equipment in Centers of Excellence Maintained fiscally responsible level of Fund Balance, and increased it Redesigned construction projects, financed by 2013 General Obligation bonds, to ensure affordability and sustainability

Increased transparency of financial transactions, posting college’s check register and executive’s monthly credit card statements online Formed ad-hoc Procurement Review Committee of external stakeholders to review and recommend enhancements to procurement practices

We recognize the changes in technology, business and society, and we are constantly adapting to help prepare our students for an ever-changing world. This strategy has enabled us to make significant progress in improving the student experience before, during, and after their time with us — as well as helping them secure higher paying jobs and entrance into the universities they want to attend.

Our new approach is to explore ways to be more innovative and collaborative in order to better serve our students and our community. Highlights of recent innovative approaches include: • • • • • • •

more accessible and available to everyone.

Linda Lindsay of Designing Your Lifestyle can help meet your design needs. For a free consultation, please call 347-731-1020.

As part of our Transformation process, we listened to students, community and business leaders, faculty and staff, and we studied best practices. We went to great lengths because of our duty to be responsive to the community and to be fully engaged with each other. The only way we can be Houston’s community college is to include the diversity, the people, and the thought that make our city so vibrant. After all, our students will go out into the same community with these companies and organizations. This lengthy process culminated with the development of our strategic plan for the future.

At the heart of our strategic plan, known as “Imagine HCC 2019,” are four overarching themes: Student Success, Organizational Stewardship, Performance Excellence, and Innovation. We are excited about what it means to the future of the college as we produce students who are prepared for whatever is next in their lives and careers.

We are committed to ensuring quality instructional programs and courses, increasing student retention and persistence rates, servicing high-demand fields through skills training and credentialing programs, and improving the student experience.

Providing dual credit to public school students for free — in and This is an important time for the college and for our out of district community. We understand the vital role we play in Participating in Upstream/Midstream Skills Training & Safety helping the people of our community, young and old, Collaboration obtain important education and skills and supporting the Receiving a $7.5 million pledge from The Robert Garner Firefighter businesses that drive our economy. We will continue to Foundation towards full tuition scholarships to the majority of push the boundaries and dare greatly together — so that we cadets enrolled in firefighter training can achieve our vision and take HCC to new heights.

Supporting the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics In service, Receiving $4.2 million from the U.S. Dept. of Labor for apprenticeship programs Receiving $64,000 from the Consulate of Mexico to support minority students and an HCC advisor staffing the consulate Adriana Tamez, Ed.D. Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. office, which sees over 1,000 visitors daily Board Chair Chancellor Initiating the second phase of Transformation, which includes a more streamlined approach to the organization Houston Community College Houston Community College

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May 2016  11

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12 May 2016

Giving Back Through Serving

By Tammi Durden

O

Contributing Writer

ften times we observe the many disturbing events that are taking place in our community and simply have a discussion among ourselves about how bad things have become. We shake our heads and sometimes even pass judgement and complain, all the while, never using that time to offer aid or propose a solution to the problem. We then turn our heads away from the daunting reality and return to our comfortable lives as though the problem does not exit, while our community continues to suffer.

Whether the issue is mental health, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence or poverty, every community has its challenges. It is time to stop merely talking about the various dilemmas and help bring positive change through serving.

give. Know that serving the cause is so much bigger than you. Someone is depending on you to relinquish your own personal desires and demands to contribute towards a greater cause.

Most who have a heart to see their community thrive and flourish tend to give back through serving. Although you may have a burning desire to build up your community, know that it comes at a cost. With this in mind, there are a few requirements to take note of when serving:

Serving requires PASSION

Serving requires COMMITMENT You must be committed to making a difference. Knowing your “WHY” when serving will keep you grounded and faithful to the cause. Unfortunately, many of us have evolved into a society that lacks commitment and are quick to run when the going gets tough. Being committed to serving involves pledging oneself to the cause; to be obligated. Commitment requires staying power! It means in the good or bad, you are all in and will do what you said you would- even if you don’t feel like it. Now that’s commitment.

Serving requires SACRIFICE When you are called to serve, it demands giving your time, talent, and treasures. Volunteering within the community, may involve giving up your personal time that could have been spent with family or taking care of your own affairs. Serving may not

always be convenient or easy, but the reward far outweighs the sacrifice.

Serving requires UNSELFISHNESS We are living in a society where everyone thinks it’s all about them…MY Dream, MY house, MY church, MY business, MY feelings, MY Money.

It’s not about you, but about being a blessing to someone else. Giving of yourself to be a benefit to others is one of the greatest gifts that you will ever

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When you are good at something and love and enjoy doing it, this brings about passion. When you are passionate about a cause, you are more likely to go above and beyond and give it your all. So, when choosing to volunteer in your community, I encourage you to select a project that you are passionate about. Maybe it is a cause that hits home or it is a personal challenge that you have overcame and would like to help others win in that area.

Enjoying and having a direct interest in serving almost guarantees a successful outcome.

Remember, we have the power to bring about positive change in our community. It begins with giving back through serving. No matter how great or small, your contribution matters, and together we can make a difference!

For more information about Tammi Durden, please visit her on the web at www.tammidurden.com.

May 2016  13

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2 Girls Wh The Tom Joyne

14 May 2016

Valerie Jones

Kim Floyd

For a detailed description of all we did on the cruise, visit our blog 2girlswh

K By 2 Girls Who Travel: Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd Armed with a love for culture, adventure, food, arts and entertainment – and equipped with a laptop, camera and multiple cellular devices – 2 Girls Who Travel has a mission to share their journey with the world. Throughout their travels, they conduct exclusive interviews, write about cool finds, give destinationspecific travel tips and provide their takes on the best food and drinks and so much more. Embodying two different kinds of travelers – Val is the adventureseeking millennial and Kim is the cultured lover of luxury – readers will learn more about them as they share their experiences traversing the globe! Subscribe to the 2 Girls Who Travel blog 2girlswhotravel.com.

Miami

im’s Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage (TJFV) Moment: The Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage took me back--circa 1997. One of my favorite rappers, Tupac Shakur, was on a song called “Are U Still Down” with an up-and-coming R&B artist and producer named Jon B. That song was my jam! Then I saw Jon B -- he was so cute and could sing! Instant fangirl! I bought his CDs and had them on repeat every time I got in the car. I listened to his music day and night, and to this day, I have his music downloaded on my phone. So when I heard he was going to be on the TJFV, my mission was set -- stalk (not really … maybe a little) Jon B for a photo. Well, this is where my media prowess comes into play. I actually had the opportunity to interview him after he finished taping the Ford Fantastic Voyage morning show, and he was just like I knew he would be -- super cool and still handsome after all these years! And guess what? I got my picture too!

So…this is just one of the many highlights from our

amazing eight days at sea. The Fantastic Voyage was just that… fantastic! There were literally so many great moments! We’re talking sounds from the likes of Patti LaBelle, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Tamela Mann, Angie Stone, Jazmine Sullivan, Faith Evans, 112, Too Short, Scarface, DJ Quik, Bone Thugs N Harmony, The Bar Kays, Con Funk Shun and Switch.

O

h, and some lady named Diana Ross. You’ve heard of her, right?

All jokes aside, we were also treated to real comedic performances from all-star powerhouses – J Anthony Brown, Sherri Shepherd, Kym Whitley, Damon Williams, Rodney Perry, and more.

Plus there were cooking demonstrations, empowerment seminars, and fitness seminars.

And this was all without even getting off the boat!

We cruised to the beautiful ports of St. Thomas US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Grand Turk.

How was the food? Delicious. How about the scenery and views? Nothing short of amazing and breathtaking.

We’ll, let the pictures speak for themselves.

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ho Travel er Fantastic Voyage

hotravel.com.

St. Thomas

St. Maarten

Grand Turk

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May 2016  15 TM

16 May 2016

Pumps and Pearls 2016 – A

Great Time for a Great Cause

Barbara Curtis, Founder and President of RARE Pearls, Inc.

The skies were cloudy in Houston on April 16, 2016, but the forecast was bright for several Houston area girls who received over $20,000 in scholarships and other exciting awards at the 2nd Annual “Pumps and Pearls” Scholarships and Awards Luncheon hosted

by RARE Pearls, Inc. The “Pumps and Pearls” luncheon is the primary fundraiser for RARE Pearls’ high school mentoring program.

A sold-out crowd of women and men “Stepped Up for Under-served Girls” at The Junior League of Houston. From the fabulous silent and live auctions to the powerful Blessing Ceremony, it was an unforgettable event, featuring the delightful ABC 13 News Anchor Melanie Lawson as mistress of ceremonies, performance art by Miss Houston 2015 Chyna Wheatley, and stirring solo performances by Gospel recording artists Kathy Taylor and Da’dra Greathouse.

Six excited and proud young ladies were recognized for successfully completing RARE Pearls’ two-year mentoring program at Ross S. Sterling High School.

As stated by Founder and President Barbara Curtis in her “State of the Village” address, “Girls in our communities face tremendous challenges. Many are at risk of not living up to their full potential due to extenuating circumstances. Our mission is to equip and empower them with the skills, values, confidence, and faith needed to navigate and overcome the hardships, negative media images, and other risk factors impacting their futures.” “We are blessed to be a blessing,” she reminded attendees, while highlighting some of the many ways RARE Pearls is helping to restore hope, ignite dreams, and change lives. And a blessing they were, as members of the board of directors presented each of the 2016 program graduates with laptop computers, luggage sets, dormitory necessities, and college scholarships – La’kila Smallwood - $10,000 (including $1,000 from H-E-B’s Tournament of Champions), Kamerain Smith $5,000 (including $1,000 from H-E-B’s Tournament of Champions), Marisha Price - $1,500, Ze’Quincia Gonzalez - $1,500, Te’chell Baker - $1,000, and LaTaisa Price - $1,000 + a full scholarship from the Houston Community College Foundation. La’kila Smallwood also received an all-expense paid trip to London, England, for an International Internship with Purely Payroll and Recruiting Services, Inc. Additionally, five extraordinary Houston women were presented the 2016 Women of Excellence Award. The award was developed by RARE Pearls to recognize the accomplishments of

extraordinary women in the Houston area who personify excellence in their diverse personal and professional roles and who are committed to helping to pave the path to success for other women and girls. This year’s honorees were Lauren Anderson, Vera Bumpers, Susan Distefano, Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, and Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds, who were recognized for considerable achievements in their respective fields of ballet, law enforcement, health care leadership, engineering/human space exploration, and community service.

The program concluded with a beautiful and heartrending Blessing Ceremony, where each of the program graduates received a lovely string of fresh water pearls symbolizing wisdom, modesty, value, and purity.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support RARE Pearls, Inc. by donating and/or volunteering, please visit www.rarepearls. org or call 713-256-2586.

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May 2016  17

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18 May 2016

Community-Building: Bridging the Gap

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By Shelondra Peavy Contributing Writer

ecently, recording artist, Slim Thug and his affiliates (Cory Crawford and Troy Green) have formed Boss Life Construction Company in pursuit of building desirable new homes in Houston’s superneighborhood, Acres Homes.

With a seasoned construction industry leader (JG Hollins Builders) as their primary contractor, they’ve put forth a collaborative effort to offer affordable housing to professionals who wish to become homeowners. Yet, the question that lingers in the forefront of my mind is “Has the #1 rule for a successful business been properly addressed?” In response, someone might ask, “What’s the #1 rule?”

First of all, it’s a fact that there is no time greater than the present to build up and strengthen our community. Yet, in choosing to literally build, keen assessment or thorough evaluation is the key and #1 rule for having a successful outcome.

Community-building is a noble and monumental feat, but it’s more than a notion.

For feasibility purposes, it’s important to assess the target market, and in this case, the chosen market is made of professionals (teachers, nurses, social workers, etc.).

Then, the proposed area would also have to be analyzed. Acres Homes is an area where its inhabitants are generally somewhere between poverty level and struggling working-class, with an occasional sprinkle of retirees and financially solid middle-class people. Perhaps most importantly, it’s imperative to understand human nature.

Typical human nature points to the fact that a person (a professional) who can actually afford a home priced at $180k (or qualify for such a loan amount) may not necessarily show a great interest in the simplicity of the said area. So naturally, if new homes are being built in such a place, the people who would be ecstatically hopeful are the ones who already have a love for the neighborhood to begin with.

As a native and current resident of Acres Homes, I can admit to being nearer to poverty and struggling than I am to financially solid or middle class, and the same is true for many of the people I regularly interact with. Yet, on the flipped side of the coin, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with the owner of JG Hollins Builders on more than one occasion, taking note of his sincere kindness and his genuinely golden heart.

That said, the exact disconnection or gap in the bridge is clearly apparent to me: There are people who are positioned in the absolute middle of a good situation

and circumstance. Then, there are those who are quite a distance away from the same. And sometimes, the further away a person is from their destination, the better the view is.

For example, if you’re in route to join a friend in Downtown Houston, you can see the entire skyline from afar. But more immediately, your focus is likely centered on the pedestrians, potholes, and traffic along your path. Yet, the friend who awaits you has a more limited view, observing only what’s in their immediate surroundings. They can hardly see beyond the place where they’re standing. In other words, it’s an honorable notion for the “Big Dogs” to commit to creating a bridge between the community and the American Dream, but it’s helpful for them to know the details of our path. They need to know that low in-

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come, coupled with less-than-perfect credit scores, serve as major roadblocks for the people who are most interested in any new residential development in areas like Acres Homes.

It seems like the need for communitybuilding outweighs the notion of rendering it. Therefore, an appropriate “A+B=C” formula is required: A) Commit to community-building + B) Provide TRULY AFFORDABLE prices = C) The community would thrive, creating an atmosphere of vitality and hope.

The notion for developing newness in our neighborhoods is awesome! But, without a way to truly bridge the gap, it’s nothing more than a notion.

May 2016  19

Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation HOSTED A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE IN CRESTMONT PARK

T

he Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation (HAUCDC) recently

hosted an open house celebrating the completed construction of 5434 Madden Ln., a single family home in Crestmont Park, a neighborhood in the South Park community, developed after WWII. HAUCDC partnered with BVAA Compass, local builder, and Realtor Bobbye Joyner-Mills to build this home for a deserving family. The homebuilder and HAUCDC board members spoke about acquiring the property and the process of rebuilding it, to add to the city’s affordable housing inventory.

There were approximately 35 community members in attendance, including City of Houston officials, neighbors, and local business owners.

Home owners from the surrounding area expressed both excitement and gratitude at seeing the completed corner lot for the first time, and Realtor Bobbye Joyner-Mills concluded the program by announcing that a contract had been accepted on the home.

HAUCDC helps low income families in southeast Texas realize the dream of home ownership by providing affordable housing solutions and reinvesting in existing communities.

If you would like more information about this event or the Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation, please email b.rodriguez@haucdc.org.

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20 May 2016

In the Community…

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d-mars.com and E-PIC Training Center, Inc. Celebrate Nurses for the Month of May

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May 2016 21

In the Community…

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d-mars.com and E-PIC Training Center, Inc. Celebrate Nurses for the Month of May

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22  May 2016

Community Builders

By Pastor Ogletree Contributing Writer

What used to be unthinkable, uncommon, and uncharacteristic in our community was to have someone take their own life. The subject has almost been taboo to discuss. The word suicide is difficult to verbalize. The origin of the word is from two Latin words: sui, meaning of oneself and cidium, meaning a killing. The definition that derived was: "the taking of one's own life, or causing it to be taken by another; inclusive of any motive, circumstance, or method used.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports: Suicide was the 16th leading cause of death for Blacks and the 3rd leading cause of death for young Black males ages 15-24. Black Americans die by suicide at the average age of 32 as opposed to Whites as 44.

The office of Minority Health reports

the finding of the U.S. Surgeon General that in a span from 1980 - 1995, the suicide rate among African Americans ages 10-14 increased 233%, as compared to 120% of Non-Hispanic Whites.

Suicide is now a clear and present danger expanding not just in our country but also in our community.

It is an evil spirit that targets Black men, children, and young adults. It is a spirit of darkness, depression, and death. We know this to be true because the Bible tells us that Jesus came that man may have life and "have it more abundantly."

We need to take the stigma off of mental illness and being depressed in

the Black community! We need to understand that mental illness does not discriminate. It is real and affects all people and cultures. These signs have to be recognized: Preoccupation with death; Self-hatred; Withdrawing from others; and Behavior that's Selfdestructive.

The enemy's desire is to push people to a mindset of helplessness and hopelessness. He desires that people focus on their negatives experiences. When one is feeling miserable, troubled, oppressed or suffering, he would have them think that there is no way out.

He promotes people throwing their own 'Pity Party."

Christians are not exempt from mental illness or being depressed. Christians commit suicide. That is why we need to take the stigma off and open our churches to be places where mental health is addressed. Workshops are needed. Our churches can partner with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness for speakers and resources. Some people need to be directed to professional counseling and medication may be needed.

Church is the place to address this issue. It is the place where the presence of the Lord is experienced. It is the place where hope and healing is proclaimed.

It is the place where prayers are offered for people in their darkest moments. It is in the church that we find hope in the compassion of God. In Lamentations 3:22-23 the depressed lamenting prophet who had experienced personal affliction wrote: "Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassionate fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

Pastor John D. Ogletree, Jr. is the Senior Pastor and Founder of First Metropolitan Church located at 8870 West Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, TX 77040.

Beyond the City: Misconceptions About Hunger in Rural America By d-mars.com News Provider

F

or farming communities around the country, spring brings not only sunshine and blooms, it means it's planting season. Farmers are already working hard and planning ahead to ensure a bountiful harvest in the fall. Spring is also a time for renewed hope and the anticipation of the abundance produced. However, for many people in the very areas where mile after mile of productive crops exist, children and families are facing hunger.

In America today, more than 3 million households in rural communities face hunger, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. In fact, counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are more likely to be found in rural areas, according to Feeding America's "Map the Meal Gap 2015" study.

While awareness about hunger in America is growing, support is often focused on the impact in urban areas. But with many of the most food-insecure households in rural towns across the United States, it's no time to overlook these families in need.

Max Tjaden, a fifth generation farmer in Kingman, Kansas, does not need research or statistics to understand the issue of hunger in rural communities. He has seen first-

hand how hunger affects his neighbors.

"My community only has a small pantry that's open a few times a week," Tjaden says. "A farmer friend of mine was volunteering and mentioned he saw someone he would never expect at the pantry getting food. It's times like that when you are surprised by how many people and families this affects. It's particularly hard to see children in need. In America, every child should have access to enough food."

Fighting hunger in rural communities comes with unique challenges. Unlike urban areas, many rural towns don't have food banks. This means that one food bank might serve multiple communities through food pantries and meal programs that are hundreds of miles apart. Further-

more, these pantries often have limited resources, supplies and volunteers - all barriers to helping to secure meals to individuals who struggle with hunger.

From coast to coast, families, children and seniors in rural areas struggle to make ends meet, which often translates to minimal budgets for food each month. Food pantries and community programs can be a reliable support system for people in need, but frequently demand exceeds supply.

There is a tradition of helping ones neighbor in rural communities, including Tjaden's. He wanted to make a difference in his community, and after learning about the Invest An Acre program, he's found a way to give back.

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Invest An Acre is a way for farmers to help food banks in rural and farming communities provide more food to people facing hunger. Farmers can donate a portion of their crop proceeds at their local grain elevator, by check, or online and Monsanto matches each donation dollar for dollar. This means 200 percent of what a farmer gives goes back to the local food bank. It's a simple way to help one's town and the people who need it most.

Anyone interested in helping their neighbors facing hunger can also support Invest An Acre; donations will also be matched

by Monsanto and benefit the local food bank serving the community. Visit www. investanacre.org to learn more.

Tjaden is now encouraging farmers across the country to participate in Invest An Acre to directly help their own communities eliminate food insecurity.

"What's neat about the Invest An Acre program is any farmer in the United States can bring their grain to a participating elevator and let them know just how much they would like to donate," says Tjaden.

"I think it taps back into some values that have been instilled over time. When we help our neighbors and help our communities, we're really helping ourselves," Tjaden says. "With Invest An Acre, it's never been easier to give back." – BPT

May 2016  23

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24 May 2016

Community Builders

and downfalls to encourage others to do better. No matter how good or bad you imagine your life to be, everyone has a story. It’s important to use your story to help someone else.

Building Relationships Building relationships is another

Sheldon Theragood great tool when building the commuContributing Writer

“Community is something we do together. It’s not just a container,” said sociologist David Brain. Infrastructure, roads, water, sewer, electricity, and housing provide the shell within which people live. It is within this shell that people do the things together that allow them to sustain livelihoods. These include but are not limited to education, health care, business, recreation, and spiritual celebration. People working together with shared understandings and expectations are what provide a place of a strong community.

I once heard a pastor say, “We are building people who shape the world.”

My heart is all on helping the community. When I mentor our youth, I make it clear to them that I would not be a good role model by telling them to do something, and I don’t do it. It starts with self. I’m really big on doing things right in my life, keeping it positive, while sharing my mistakes

nity with a person and/or group of people and getting to know them. It’s a respectable tool because you never know how great of an impact you might have toward a person. While I’m out in the field working with the homeless at my job, most of these guys would look at me strange when I engage with them.

With a majority of those guys, what gains their attention is a snack or food.

Once you’ve gained their attention they would mostly talk to you about anything, and that’s how you can start to build that relationship. There are quite a few now that call me and check and see how I’m doing, and they are also thankful that I came up and spoke to them. They also refer me to their friends that are in the same situation who may benefit from the services I have provided. This is a great example of how I build relationships with the homeless community on a continuous basis. It’s important to be consistent, available, and honest when building relationships in the community. This allows people

to trust you and to know that you have their best interest at heart.

Getting Involved in the Community Sometimes you have to step outside of the box and create something that can help make the community better.

Working with youth, I see this generation is different than when I came up, so now I have to adapt to it. Some people would say, “Theragood, you are great with kids.” I agree, because I meet them where they are. This is very true in general when you are building any community. You must meet the people where they are. Once

you gain a good understanding of where they are and what they desire, you can begin to build a better community together.

The saying, “It takes a village,” is true in every sense. Each community is a village of people coming together for a common cause. Everyone has a specific role, and when all those roles come together, it creates a moving puzzle working collectively to produce a harmonized community.

For more about my nonprofit, TheraGOOD DEEDS, please visit www.theragooddeeds.org.

Nationwide Need for Volunteer Firefighters Grows:

Are You up to the Challenge?

By d-mars.com News Provider

D

id you know that 87 percent of America's 30,000 fire departments are either fully or partially staffed by volunteers? The peace of mind that these firefighters provide their communities is irreplaceable, however, the number of volunteers is declining rapidly. This shortage is threatening the effectiveness of fire departments nationwide, ultimately putting many communities at risk.

Volunteer firefighters act as the first line of defense in an emergency, provide medical services and protect more than 50 percent of Americans, particularly in rural communities. These men and women dedicate significant training hours to ensure they are prepared, often at their own expense.

"Firefighters respond to more than 31 million emergency calls each year three times the number of emergency responses in 1980," said Volunteer Fire Chief Timothy S. Wall, chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section. "To protect people and property in our communities is an enor-

finalists will receive Kidde smoke alarm donations, industry memberships, NFPA Fire Prevention Week Kits and more. The grand prize winner will also receive a $1,000 department training grant.

mous responsibility, but our fire departments are facing many challenges, especially with recruitment and retention of volunteers."

The decline is the result of fewer people stepping up to volunteer, and the average age of volunteers is increasing every year.

Want to help? Considering supporting your local fire department in the following ways:

Be proactive about fire safety in your home

Become a volunteer firefighter As the need for volunteer firefighters grows, the leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products, Kidde, has teamed up with several fire safety organizations to launch the Step Up and Stand Out campaign. This nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness that local fire departments need volunteers in order to keep communities safe and recruit new volunteers.

Recognize a volunteer in your community Nominate a volunteer firefighter to help your local department earn national recognition and valuable prizes.

The Step Up and Stand Out campaign includes a contest hosted on Firehouse.

com/vf, which invites the public to submit a brief video nominating a current volunteer firefighter or support volunteer to receive recognition for their community service. Submissions will be accepted until May 21, and online public voting will begin in June. Five finalists will be announced in August and a final public vote will then determine the grand prize winner, who will be revealed at Firehouse Expo in October. The five

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Help protect your family and your community's firefighters by ensuring your home has working smoke alarms.

NFPA reports that a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a fire in half. Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms, like Kidde Worry-Free alarms, use one battery for the life of the alarm to provide 24/7 fire safety protection and eliminate the hassles of low battery chirps.

On average, families have less than three minutes from the time the first smoke alarm sounds to escape a fire, so it's important to get everyone out efficiently. One of the best ways to be prepared is to create a home escape plan with your family. Practice regularly - both day and night - and know two ways out of each room. Always remember three rules: get out, stay out and then call for help. – BPT

May 2016  25

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26  May 2016

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May 2016  27

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