Houston Style Magazine readers are set to witness a new chapter at Civic Heart Community Services, an institution that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and progressive strides of the Black community in Houston's vibrant social tapestry.

Helen Stagg, after a transformative 23 years at Civic Heart, including a pivotal tenure as CEO, is set to pass the torch at the close of December 2023. Kionta Carter, a seasoned non-profit leader with over a decade and a half of experience, will step into the role, poised to continue the organization’s impactful mission.

Under Stagg’s visionary leadership, the 34-year-old entity has remarkably increased its community investment by 247% since 2019, expanding its outreach with over 25 programs across 59 counties in Texas. These strides have been made possible through a network of grants, partnerships, and the commitment of a 75-strong culturally diverse workforce, bolstered by over 280 volunteers.

With its roots deep in community welfare, Civic Heart has been instrumental in diverting youth from the justice system, facilitating health insurance access for families, combating HIV, preventing substance misuse, supporting the homeless, and mentoring refugee youth—a multifaceted beacon of hope for many.

2023 marked a period of transformative evolution for Civic Heart—not only did it undergo a rebranding from the former 'Change Happens!', but it also transitioned its headquarters to the One Emancipation Center in the historic Third Ward in June, to better accommodate its growth and expanding services.

In preparation for Stagg's retirement, Carter has been diligently working alongside her to ensure a seamless leadership transition, preserving the organization's integrity and commitment to the community. Both leaders are open to sharing insights into Civic Heart’s future directions and its ongoing contributions to the Gulf Coast region’s social landscape.

Carter, with her extensive background, including a tenure at the YMCA of Greater Houston, brings to Civic Heart an invaluable depth of nonprofit expertise. Her operational and fundraising acumen, honed over 15 years, will be vital as she takes the helm of this organization, which operates with a $13 million annual budget and a reach that has grown to serve over 65,000 individuals through its expansive programs.

For those who wish to learn more about Civic Heart’s transformative impact on the community or converse with either Kionta Carter or Helen Stagg about the promising horizons ahead, the opportunity is warmly extended.

For more info, visit www.CivicHeart.org