October 2012 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

Empowering Families To Help Themselves!

 

A Word From Rev. Leslie Smith II

Breast cancer awareness is considered an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. During the entire month of October you see the color “pink” everywhere and it has everyone thinking about breast cancer awareness. This deadly disease ranks first among cancers affecting women throughout the world. Unfortunately, approximately 1 million breast cancer cases occur every year. I have been involved with the community for over thirty years and I have seen a pattern that most low-income minority women do not obtain screening mammography on a regular basis. This is due to lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about prevention of the disease and most of all fear of the unknown. One of the grandparents of our after-school program is currently battling breast cancer as she raises her grand-daughter alone. It is definitely a blessing to see her in high spirits while dealing with such a horrible disease. As a breast cancer supporter I hope that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer; which will lead to higher survival rates. If someone you know needs a mammogram or breast exam, please help them with connecting with resources in the community. Let’s continue to work together to make change happen in the lives of others.

 


YOUTH PARTNERS CAN

There are approximately 400 youth in the city of Houston who are incarcerated and of that number 66% are at risk of returning back to confinement. At Change Happens! we understand that there is no quick fix to solving the issues that are plaguing our communities, but we are dedicated to working toward combating these issues and changing lives’. For this reason, Change Happens! is excited to introduce our Youth Partners CAN (Create A New Beginning) Mentoring Program, which was launched in summer 2012 . Youth Partners CAN is a mentorship program that is designed to match youth who are currently in confinement with dedicated caring adult mentors to help in guiding and reintegrating youth back into their community. The goal of this program is to reduce recidivism, improve outcomes in the areas of school performance and attendance, pro-social behavior, and social competence for youth in confinement.  Change Happens! is excited about this program and wishes to have the continued support of mentors to aid in making Youth Partners CAN a success. To be eligible for the mentoring program, the prospective mentor needs to have a genuine interest and concern for youth, be at least 21 years of age, successfully complete the application and screening process and be able to commit to the mentee for at least 4 hours a month for 12 months or longer.

For More Information Please
Contact
713-374-1200

 

 

 

We’re Almost At Our Goal!

There’s still time to donate…..

 

Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, businesses, and foundations; we are getting close to reaching our goal. Every donation, large or small,makes a difference for the youth at Change Happens!. The Rescue  Youth Program at Change Happens! helps at risk youth to transform and redirect their lives, thereby contributing to building healthier and safer communities in Houston.


With only three weeks left in our fundraiser – we still need your help!  If you’ve been meaning to make a contribution now’s the time.  We appreciate your support!  Please help us to make change happen in the lives of others!!! Thank you…..

  

 

Comcast Internet Essentials Program

Comcast makes bringing the Internet to your home easy and affordable.  Now you can connect to the Internet at home – for school, work, communicating with others and so much more. If you or someone that you know has a child that receives free or reduced school lunch they may be eligible for the Comcast Internet Essentials Program.
           

 

Change Happen! Youth & JA BizTown

The Change Happens! youth, recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Junior Achievement program knoJA 2w as JA BizTown. The goal of the program is to meet the needs of a  diverse group of students by providing engaging and academically enriching experiential lessons. In the program, the youth completed real-life experiences that aided them in learning how to open a checking account, manage money, and obtain employment. They were also provided knowledge regarding business management and what their roles are in the community. The mock exercises were conducted in an embellished and well organized set-up, where the youth were able to recognize many of the local companies that exist in their own communities. The companies that participated in this program were diverse, ranging from  banks to restaurants. The goal of Change Happens! is to position the youth for success!  

Houston Young Lawyers Foundation 5K Run

Houston Young Lawyers Foundation 2012 5K Fun Run was a huge success.  The Run benefits HYLF’s Grant Program and Change Happens!. Many Houstonians came out to support this great cause and to help make “change happen” in the lives of others. Special thanks to everyone who came out to participate and we look forward to seeing you next year!      

 

For sponsorship information or to purchase individual tickets please contact Anita Bates @ 713-374-1291 or abates@changehappenstx.org