April Newsletter

Houston Food Bank & Plant It Forward Presents

Today, Council Member Carter's Resiliency Committee welcomed Dr. Katherine Byers from the Houston Food Bank and Rachel Folkerts from Plant It Forward to present a proposal, "The Urban Farm Agricultural Water Exemption."

Currently, over 500,000 Houston residents live in what’s known as food deserts—areas where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Their proposal promotes financial sustainability for small urban farms by waiving or reducing water costs, which will help bring healthy produce directly to underserved neighborhoods.

Join us for our next Resilience Committee Meeting on May 1st at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall,

901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

For recordings of past Resilience Committee meetings or for more information, click here.

Volunteering at Kids' Meals to Fight Hunger

Council Member Carter teamed up with Council Members Amy Peck and Sallie Alcorn to support Kids’ Meals, Inc., and their inspiring mission to end childhood hunger in Houston. Together with passionate volunteers, we rolled up our sleeves to prepare and pack healthy meals for preschool-aged children living in food-insecure households.

Kids’ Meals delivers over 45,000 meals each week to the doorsteps of Houston’s youngest and most vulnerable.

In Harris County alone, more than 100,000 children under age six face food insecurity. Kids’ Meals not only nourishes these children but also connects families with essential resources that promote long-term stability and growth.

For more information or to see how you can volunteer, click here.

Helping Out at the Median Madness Clean-Up

Council Member Carter and the AL3 Team joined Council Member Fred Flickinger for a hands-on community effort during the Median Madness Cleanup, focused on beautifying medians and shared public spaces across Houston. With gloves on and trash bags in hand, the team worked alongside city staff, local partners, and dedicated volunteers to clear overgrown vines, trim greenery, and restore neglected areas to a cleaner, more welcoming state.

This initiative went beyond beautification—it brought neighbors together, sparked conversations, and renewed a sense of pride and shared purpose in maintaining our city’s public spaces.

First Responders Day at Rodeo Houston

Council Member Carter had the honor of presenting an official proclamation at First Responders Day during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, recognizing the unwavering bravery and dedication of our city’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency response teams.

This day served as a meaningful reminder of the daily sacrifices made by those who keep our communities safe. From emergency calls to everyday vigilance, their service is the foundation of public trust and security.

The event also honored DJ Daniel, a remarkable young man whose strength and enthusiasm for law enforcement inspired many. Recently named Honorary U.S. Secret Service Agent in Washington, D.C., his story uplifted the spirit of the day, reminding us why we show up to support our first responders.

The Southwest Management District's

16th Annual March on Crime Luncheon

Council Member Carter attended the Southwest District’s 16th Annual March on Crime Luncheon—an event that highlighted both the strength of Houston’s first responders and the importance of community partnership in public safety.

The luncheon honored law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders for their service, while paying heartfelt tribute to the Families of the Fallen. Their courage and sacrifice continue to shape how we move forward as a city.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare and HPD Chief Noe Diaz spoke at the luncheon and emphasized collaboration and transparency. To see more pictures from the event, click here.

The 4th Annual Battle of the Branch

Council Member Carter joined residents and community leaders at the 4th Annual Battle of the Branch—a spirited event bringing Houston’s first responders together for a day of friendly competition and celebration.

In a highlight moment, Council Member Carter stepped in to umpire the second inning as the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department faced off in a lighthearted but competitive matchup. The Houston Fire Department came out on top with an 18–2 victory, but camaraderie was the true winner.

Convention District Transformation Project

Mayor John Whitmire released his "Vision for Houston’s Future" with a press conference to celebrate the launch of the Convention District Transformation Project—an ambitious plan to revitalize the George R. Brown Convention Center and surrounding area.

The initiative includes a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the GRB, featuring new exhibition halls, an atrium flex space, and Texas’ largest ballroom. Street-level additions will introduce retail and dining options that activate the space year-round.

A 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza will connect the GRB to the Toyota Center, enhancing walkability and accessibility. With phased completion beginning in 2028 and full transformation by 2038, the project will bridge communities and spur inclusive economic growth.

For more details on the transformation project, click here.

Burnett Bayland Park & Community Center Updates

Burnett Bayland Park and Community Center—located in the heart of Gulfton—is set for a major transformation rooted in community feedback and designed to serve a growing, diverse population. Planning began with a focus on rebuilding the community center, with calls for modernized, multi-use spaces that support youth programs, senior activities, and safe family gathering areas.

At a recent Precinct 4 Town Hall, residents were updated on the broader Burnett Bayland Park plan—shaped by over 800 surveys, public workshops, and pop-up events. The result is a people-centered design featuring shaded play areas, sports fields, walking trails, and improved lighting.

For more details on the community project, click here.

Student Ticket Program

All students from Houston-based colleges or universities can enjoy free general admission to the Houston Zoo.

Online reservations are required.

Click here for a list of participating schools.

The Sea Turtles

Thanks to the Houston Zoo veterinary department at the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, 25 sea turtles are back in the warm waters of the Gulf of America. During the turtles' time under Houston Zoo care, they were treated for wounds, frostbite, infections, and given care to strengthen them before returning home.

For the full article, click her e.

Meet Rojo & Vida

Remember Houston Zoo's newest resident, Rojo? He has officially made his first public debut! Rojo is already growing stronger, more curious, and increasingly active every day. Alongside his mother, Vida, Rojo will be on exhibit daily from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to watch him explore his habitat, climb, and play in his stream!

Understanding the Intersection of Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence: Strategies for Improving Brain Health

Join Dr. Valera for an in-depth discussion on the prevalence of brain injury and its significant association with cognitive and psychiatric challenges in women who have experienced intimate partner violence. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and contribute to the advancement of brain health initiatives and domestic violence awareness.

April 29, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

12660 Sandpiper Dr.

Houston, TX 77035

Click here for information

and registration details.

Hop into spring with the Central Public Library on Saturday, April 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration. With activities like an Easter Egg Hunt, crafting and face painting for all age groups, it's a perfect way to welcome the season together. Click here to register to attend.

Celebrate the season at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library's Step into Storybooks on Saturday, April 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Discover creative and fun ways to explore books, boost imagination, strengthen comprehension, and build key literacy skills. Click here for more information.

Click here for other free events provided by Crime Stoppers.

Click on the resources below to be redirected to the webpage.

VA wants Veterans to know they may qualify for special tax breaks and free assistance programs to help them navigate the filing process and maximize their returns.

For help filing your taxes, click here.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

While this topic can be difficult to discuss, creating safe spaces for open conversations is essential—because knowledge is power.

Crime Stoppers of Houston partners with city officials and community leaders to educate families, caregivers, and

the public on how to recognize the signs of abuse, report concerns, and foster safe environments for all children.

Below are helpful safety tips:

Assertiveness: Help your child communicate effectively and practice using assertive statement.

Resiliency: Help your child recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity. Practice coping skills, reinforce positive self- image and encourage goal setting.

Empathy: Connect emotions to words and help your child communicate feelings more effectively. When asking about their day, ask them specific questions that stimulate what emotions they observed.

Identify: Choose a trusted adult at home, school and community that your child can confide in in case of emergencies.

Roles: Discuss the roles of adults in your child's life like teachers, coaches, physicians, and define clear boundaries.

Click here for a full resource page provided by Crime Stoppers.

How to Report a Tip

Call: 713.222.TIPS | Download: Our Mobile App | Visit: www.crime-stoppers.org