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Governor Abbott Announces Alliance To Support Military Members & Their Families
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Texas Transition Alliance to expand employment and training opportunities for military service members and their families. The program is a partnership among Operation Welcome Home, the Governor’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, Local Workforce Development Boards, Texas Military Installations, Texas Veterans Commission, and the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation designed to identify gaps in employment and education services for veterans and their families, as well as assist in the transition from active duty to civilian life.
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Fort Bend ISD to Host Mental Health and Wellness Fair, August 17
Fort Bend ISD will host a Back to School Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, August 17 at Dulles High School (550 Dulles Ave., Sugar Land, 77478) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The fair is part of the District’s Whole Child Health initiative.
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The Spirit Of Giving Highlight: Nikki Jackson Of Beyond Fostering, Inc. Gives Hope To 25 Foster Kids This Season
Our youth are faced with many whirlwind-like obstacles, some a little bit more than others. However, with the help from people like Nikki Jackson, founder of Beyond Fostering, Inc., the challenges of those who need a little bit more hope are made possible. Jackson founded Beyond Fostering, Inc. in the sprouting season of May this year. It wasn’t until after her journey of being a seasoned foster parent for over 18 years that Jackson became impregnated mentally with the fuel to help as many kids as possible in the foster care system have a brighter future. Giving birth through her passion sparked fulfillment of her vision in providing new concepts for children in CPS custody, facilitating accessible outreach programs, and innovating breakthroughs for not only foster children but foster parents as well. Jackson implemented support groups, parenting classes, one-on-one counseling, enrichment activities, crisis intervention, and many more programs. Beyond Fostering’s mission is dedicated to helping aid in improving the lives of foster children that goes beyond the basic needs of wellness and safety. Through values of integrity, compassion, and commitment, while offering support and advocacy, Beyond Fostering creates normalcy for all foster children. During the holidays and especially Christmas time kids are needing a little bit more hope and to be celebrated with lots of love. On this Saturday, December 15, 2018, Beyond Fostering, Inc. will host a ‘Beyond The Christmas Experience’ for 25 kids and their parents to enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment. We got wind of this moving event and was able to get a brief interview with Jackson. HSM: Where do you see the most need for foster children? Nikki: In the United States there are at least 422,000 children in the foster care system, this number can increase or decrease daily. Nearly half of those children are in need of non-relative foster homes, and due to the high number, no other options are available. Some major needs are more foster care homes, adoption placement and support from the agencies and CPS. These children need a very strong and caring support system that they can feel comfortable in opening up. Foster children also need more resources such as financial, education, career, and peer support that will help them along their journey in foster care. HSM: What is your advice for anyone seeking to become foster parents? Nikki: Fostering is extremely rewarding. Passion has to be at the forefront. Foster parenting can be very challenging at times. It requires the parent to practice patience and have an understanding of the mental phases the child can have. Your normal routine can change on a daily basis. Having a good support system in place plays a key factor in being a successful foster parent. It requires choosing to love through the emotional pain, not only for the child but everyone in the home. Foster parenting is also a very enjoyable and memorable experience. HSM: What spewed your passion to start Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Being a foster parent is my passion and purpose God gave me. My mother was a foster to adoptive mom and she left a legacy for me to continue. After being a foster mom for over 15 years, I felt the need to do more. I wanted to make a difference and impact on the kids in foster care that one day they may look back, and see someone really cared. I watched so many children go in and out of the foster care system with no hope on their future. My goal is to better the lives of children in foster care and provide them with a sense of normalcy so that they can have a brighter future. Many children and foster parents are not properly educated on their rights or limited to minimum resources. My ultimate goal is to be the voice for kids in foster care and bridge the gap between foster and bio families. It’s a beautiful and rewarding feeling knowing that the sacrifices you made today contributed to a child in foster care future. HSM: How can those who want to get involved help Beyond Fostering, Inc.? Nikki: Throughout the year we have several volunteer opportunities for our events. In 2019, we will be starting a mentorship program and will be looking for mentors to spearhead the programs. They can contact our office at 281-617-8136. Be sure to follow Beyond Fostering, Inc. on Facebook for updates and forthcoming events.
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The Knowles-Rowland House Rebuilding Ceremony
Officials have become the rebuilding process of the Knowles-Rowland House.
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UNICEF With Harvey On Its Mind Generously Gives Back
It was a glamorous night of Houstonians on the red carpet that led to a grandiose evening at the UNICEF Gala Houston.
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During National Fair Housing Month, Commissioner Ellis announces $15M investment in affordable, safe, healthy housing
At the start of National Fair Housing Month, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Tuesday strongly advocated for Commissioners Court’s approval of a $15 million investment in federal funds for county officials to purchase over 100 single-family homes for affordable housing. Many of these homes will go into the County’s Community Land Trust for long-term affordability.
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Elizabeth Warren to release universal child care plan paid by 'wealth tax'
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren is set to release a sweeping universal child care plan on Tuesday that would guarantee child care from birth until the time children enter school.
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Harris County Unveils PROSPERS: A Visionary Roadmap to Prosperity
Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones Champion Comprehensive Initiatives for an Inclusive, Thriving Future.
In an inspiring leap forward, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones have taken a remarkable step towards realizing the American dream for every citizen. This Thursday, they will proudly launch Harris PROSPERS, an ambitious and comprehensive roadmap designed to make sure everyone in the county has a home, a stable job, and the essential pillars to create a fulfilling life.
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Commissioner Adrian Garcia Hosts first annual Small Business Summit
Commissioner Adrian Garcia is proud to host the first inaugural Small business Import and Export Summit. Since coming into office, Commissioner Garcia had a clear vision of changing the way Precinct 2 does business. The summit is an opportunity to Engage, Empower and Connect with small business owners throughout Harris County. Experts will share their insights on the regional and global market outlook, provide a basic guide to importing/exporting, and guidance on how to obtain financial assistance.
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Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies at 77
David Stern, the NBA commissioner during the most successful period in league history, has died, the league announced Wednesday. He was 77.
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NAACP Launches Campaign, Power to the People: Fueling the Revolution for Energy Justice
Campaign focuses on NAACP units, branches, and state conferences’ leadership to bring energy democracy to their communities.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the country’s foremost civil rights organization, and the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program launched an online campaign Monday to highlight the leadership of the NAACP units, branches, and state conferences across the country who are creating energy democracy in their communities.
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Officers Injured in Incidents at Two US Prisons
Three correctional officers were assaulted Sunday during a disturbance at a central Tennessee prison, with two hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said. Meanwhile, in Nebraska three officers are recovering after being assaulted by inmates at a facility in Lincoln, state officials said.
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Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities: Major Accomplishments Since April 2017 Launch
“Every community will be a community of opportunity.” ~ Mayor Sylvester Turner
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Rogers’ $10,000 Donation to S.H.A.P.E.
Photography by Vicky Pink - Ciera Rogers is supporting the Black community with a charitable …
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John Whitmire Endorsed for Houston Mayor By the Texas Humane Legislation Network
John Whitmire announced today that the Texas Humane Legislation Network has endorsed him in his campaign for mayor of the City of Houston.
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Controversial Missouri gun rights law has taken a toll on fighting crime
US Marshals preparing for a recent operation with local police in Missouri to arrest a fugitive allegedly involved in drug trafficking faced last-minute hurdles because of a controversial new state law aimed at protecting gun rights, according to US law enforcement officials.
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In First One Hundred Days, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is Moving Precinct 4 Forward
Innovative policies and community-based engagement are building the foundation to advance opportunity and justice for all residents
In the first 100 days, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones led the passage of a holistic justice and safety package, positioned the Precinct to significantly increase infrastructure investments, and traveled across the Precinct engaging with residents and building community partnerships.
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Trump’s Lies Destroyed Lives
“Do you know how it feels to have the president of the United States target you?”
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Statement on Commissioner Steve Radack's Decision Not to Run for Reelection
It’s the beginning of a new era in Harris County. After 30 years in office, Commissioner Steve Radack has decided not to run for reelection. That leaves an open seat for Harris County Commissioner in Precinct 3.
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Commissioner Rodney Ellis Condemns Voter Suppression Tactics by Shadowy Group with Partisan Ties
Residents Encouraged to be Vigilant
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis warns residents to be aware of a potential voter suppression group that had canvassers knocking on doors attempting to coerce voters into sharing personal information and signing legal affidavits.
