AVANCE – Houston
AVANCE-Houston, Inc. creates pathways to economic mobility for families through high-quality, culturally responsive, two-generation programming that ensures school readiness for young children and opportunities for parents to build social and economic capital. The quality preschool and parent engagement that takes place in the Parent-Child Education Program leads to high school and postsecondary success for the students. The Adult Education Program prepares at-risk youth for higher education through adult basic education, skills training, and high school equivalent components.
NewSpring
NewSpring delivers visual arts and mentoring programs that inspire students and their families to achieve a better life. NewSpring originated in Houston and remains committed to aiding its historically underserved students and families through the arts, technology, and career exploration. The organization provides students with skills essential for employability in today’s professional world.
Small Places
Small Places nurture a culture of health in our communities to renew the bond between people, places, and food. They develop farms as essential health infrastructure to upend systemic inequalities at the neighborhood level. The Neighborhood Produce Program is a free biweekly distribution of locally grown and sourced produce delivered directly to food-insecure households living in the East End. The program breaks down barriers of access, affordability, and time.
Undies for Everyone
Undies for Everyone provides children living in poverty or crisis with new underwear, recognizing the importance of this small basic need as part of a child’s increased chances of long-term success. Undies for Everyone partners with elementary and middle school nurses, school districts’ homeless departments, Child Protective Services, children’s programs, and children’s hospitals’ pediatric mobile units. Distributing through organizations allows Undies for Everyone to help more children quickly.
WorkTexas
WorkTexas aims to enhance and develop the skills of the youth in Houston. The organization provides vocational training in welding, electrical, carpentry/ home building, auto/diesel tech, and upskilling opportunities. Their initiatives offer employment opportunities that help in career advancement for the individual and long-term sustainability for their families. WorkTexas is an avid advocate for the increase of the hourly wage for individuals working in the trades.