COVID 19 - LEAD recognizes the grand impact of this pandemic. Our work is especially vital now. We continue to provide opportunities for LEADers and relief for families while adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
LEADing News
LEADing and Feeding
LEAD continues to address the needs of our community by reducing non-academic barriers to success. On a brisk Saturday morning in October 2020, people came together to help people.
Ten pallets of food were packed into individual family boxes then distributed during our drive-thru event. Families received:
Fresh produce: cabbage, zucchini, oranges, apples, pears, and watermelon
Protein: whole chickens, breaded chicken breasts, pork, and cheese
Drinks: cases of water and orange juice
Nonperishable items: pasta, rice, beans, and more!
In addition to loading cars, we connected with families and waved to student LEADers. Together, we fed more than 500 of Houston's most underserved.
Special thanks to the Houston Food Bank, Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz of District D, the Houston Police Department, and volunteer groups from Community Empowerment Solutions, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, University of Houston, University of Houston - Clear Lake, and YES Prep Southside. Everyone worked together efficiently, quickly, and patiently. We thrive because of community support and partnerships.
Supporting the "Quaranteen"
We welcomed a new cohort of LEADers this year!! 6th graders from Mickey Leland and YES Prep Southside joined the LEAD community. Our youth have expressed feelings of boredom, loneliness, lack of motivation, and things still feel weird. Many of our 6th graders are attending a new school that they have never stepped foot inside!
The LEAD team heard our youth, and we empathized with them. Weekly lessons have been tailored to respond to current needs of our LEADers.
“Pandemic conditions are at cross currents with normal adolescent development,”
-Lisa Damour, Ph.D, clinical psychologist
Even during crisis, LEAD provides a safe environment and the essential building blocks to continue adolescent development. We are hearing more laughter and seeing more joy in both our weekly classes and Saturday sessions. The LEADers are engaging, and we will continue to grow.
