2024 In Review: Celebrating Community Development and Leadership Training

So much happened in our community development program during 2024. LISC Houston continued our work in placed-based community development by disbursing $265,000 in grants to three GO neighborhood communities. Through these efforts, our GO communities were able to continue to implement Quality of Life agreements to help foster thriving communities.

In addition, we continued both our Train the Trainer (T4T) and our Small Grants programs.

On December 7, 2024, the Training 4 Trainers (T4T) program celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort in a heartwarming ceremony held at The Council on Recovery. The event marked the culmination of months of learning, growth, and collaboration, as 15 grassroots leaders joined the ranks of over 200 T4T alumni dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Graduates were joined by friends, family, and community supporters, making the occasion a true celebration of leadership and empowerment.

LISC Houston’s Program Officer for Leadership Development and Training, Dr. Sara Fox, addressed the graduates, highlighting the resilience, diversity, and dedication of the 2024 cohort. “You are now part of a network defined by its commitment to uplifting communities and fostering equity,” she said. “The ripple effect of your work will be felt citywide, countywide, and beyond.”

Dr. Richard Simonds delivered an inspiring keynote address on leadership, focusing on the importance of collaboration and the productive struggle that leads to effective community leadership. His words resonated deeply with the graduates and audience alike, setting the tone for a celebration of collective effort and future impact.

The Training 4 Trainers graduation ceremony was a celebration of resilience, vision, and hope for the future. The program began with the 2024 T4T cohort presenting their capstone projects, showcasing how they applied the knowledge and skills gained from the program in meaningful ways that reflect their commitment to addressing specific community needs and creating lasting impact. The capstone projects included:

• Economic Development: A community-driven mural project in the East End aimed at revitalizing the area and attracting investment by enhancing visual appeal and community pride.
• Health and Well-being: Expanding the Julia C. Hester House Community Garden in the 5th Ward to address food insecurity while promoting sustainable urban agriculture and wellness.
• Housing and Equity: Empowering residents of Irvinton Village to participate in a HUD Choice Neighborhood initiative, creating a collaborative vision for equitable housing solutions and neighborhood revitalization.

Small Grants Program: Supporting Grassroots Change
Building on the momentum of the T4T graduation, LISC Houston also celebrated the accomplishments of its 2024 Small Grants program during the year-end showcase. Since its inception, the Small Grants program has served as a vital tool in advancing comprehensive community development. With grants of up to $5,000, this program empowers local organizations and community leaders to implement impactful projects that address critical needs across Houston's neighborhoods.

In 2024, the Small Grants program supported initiatives ranging from creative placemaking and disaster resilience to sports and recreation. For example, the Amaanah Refugee Services organized the Amaanah Community Cup, a neighborhood-wide sports tournament fostering cultural unity and raising awareness for the refugee community. Similarly, the Southside Jets Youth Organization hosted the Southside Sports & Family Fest, bringing together families for a day of recreation and community bonding.

These projects, like those of the T4T graduates, reflect the values at the heart of LISC’s programs to empower local leaders to address pressing challenges, support equity, and create lasting impact. Together, the Small Grants program and T4T continue to demonstrate the power of grassroots leadership in shaping thriving, resilient communities.

One of the most exciting and inspiring outcomes of this event was the organic synergy and connections that emerged throughout 2024. The alignment of efforts across sectors and neighborhoods demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing the diverse needs of Houstonians. As we move forward, we are thrilled to prioritize connection and networking in our programming and community development initiatives, ensuring that our work continues to be informed by and responsive to the voices and aspirations of the communities we serve.

Looking ahead, LISC Houston remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary for community-driven success. With another round of Small Grants and T4T cohort planned for 2025, we are excited to see even more innovative ideas come to life, strengthening our communities and emerging leaders. 

Stay tuned for more information as we prepare for another impactful year of leadership development and community transformation.

Caption: From left: Rushka Tcholakova, Brooklyn Trimble, Michelle Shattuck, Sandra Rodriguez, Sarah Syed, Frances McIntire-Freeman, Shawn Owens Lemons, Carolyn Andrews

Caption: Pictured, top row from left: Michael Brown, Patricia Cabrera, Erica Harris, Lizzette Cantu, Dr. Richard Simonds, Dr. Sara Fox, Christian Pelaez, Alan Steinberg, Dr. Ann McCoy, Rushka Tcholakova, Dr. Adrienne Holloway. Bottom row from left: Akeel Bernard, Dr. Jessica Faith Carter, Melissa Hill, Danisa George, Lisa Sanchez, Sayfenmea Williamson, Cecile Wright, Shawn Owens Lemons