THE CHANGING TIMES
VOLUME I | ISSUE 4 | DECEMBER 2018
In this issue: The Annual Fall Luncheon, Award from the Obama Foundation, The First Annual Fall Festival, Food For Change
Greetings!

Welcome to the Change Happens! quarterly newsletter, The Changing Times . Our name highlights "change," but more than that, it embodies the evolution our clients and the community undergo when truly empowered with education, resources, and hope. This year, Change Happens! has been busy empowering people to help themselves through comprehensive programs and services. With your help, Change Happens! has changed the life trajectory of many underserved individuals in the community. Read more about our work below and join us as we continue to #MakeChangeHappen !
THE 14TH ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON
The 14th Annual Fall Luncheon was a success and a joyous celebration honoring Change Happens! clients and community leaders, specifically Houston City Council Member Dwight Boykins . Moving testimony was offered from clients and the keynote speaker, Attorney Michael Harris , who shared their inspirational stories of triumph and perseverance.

A MAJOR MILESTONE
On Thursday, November 15, 2018, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance), an initiative of the Obama Foundation , announced the winners of its inaugural MBK Community Challenge Competition .

The Foundation selected 19 organizations as national models to expand evidence-based initiatives that will reduce youth violence, grow effective mentorship programs, and measurably improve the lives of boys and young men of color.

Change Happens! in partnership with My Brother’s Keeper Houston was chosen as 1 of 10 communities to be awarded a "National Impact Community" grant as winners of the MBK Community Challenge Competition!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Change Happens! is entrenched in the Third Ward and has an understanding of the community's needs. This year, Change Happens! hosted the first, on-site fall festival to provide our neighbors with an opportunity to fellowship, receive a meal, access resources and educational materials, and have some family-style fun! The inaugural festival brought out a festive crowd that enjoyed food trucks, a DJ, games, and an array of vendors. Ultimately, we were able to serve over 100 families. See more here .
PROGRAM IMPACT
Since September, Change Happens! has enrolled over 120 clients in the Houston Food Bank's Food For Change food scholarship program . By p artnering with the Houston Food Bank, Change Happens! can ensure clients experiencing food insecurity have access to essential food resources.

As participants in a Change Happens! program, clients are able to receive a Food Scholarship and lower the financial stress of household grocery expenses. Each enrolled client can receive up to 60 pounds of groceries every two weeks, putting them in a better position to achieve independence.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Change Happens! Rescue Youth Summer Program provides students a chance to engage in STEM learning . CenterPoint Energy , a long standing partner and sponsor of Change Happens! programs, attended the end of summer picnic to give our youth a safety overview with the famous Buddy The Blue Flame , as well as backpacks packed with school supplies for the new school year.

WE'RE HIRING
Your monthly donation of just $40 goes toward making change happen.
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