Empowering Change: Community Members Excel in LISC Houston’s Training 4 Trainers Program

Participants of LISC Houston’s Training 4 Trainers program are making substantial strides in their capstone projects across three critical areas: small business, affordable housing, and healthy living and environments.

The Training 4 Trainers program, a leadership program designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective catalysts of change, has been essential for the empowerment and growth of grassroots leaders in Houston. Read more about this year’s cohort’s capstone projects below.

Empowering Acres Homes Entrepreneurs:

In a determined effort to catalyze economic growth and foster entrepreneurial spirit, the T4T Small Business Capstone Group is tackling the challenge of limited resources for local small business entrepreneurs in the Acres Homes community. In partnership with the Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group, the Bethune Empowerment Center, Super Neighborhood 6, and the local chamber of commerce, the T4T Small Business Capstone Group aspires to establish the "Power Your Vision" event as a launchpad for a series of transformative initiatives. Their goal is to bolster the capacity of small business owners in Acres Homes, nurturing a vibrant economic landscape that thrives for years to come.

This event is more than just a gathering, it's a comprehensive resource fair and engaging panel discussion designed to empower both current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Rachel Gravlee, leader of the Small Business Capstone group, aspirations don't end there, Leveraging her skills in asset mapping, collaboration and project planning she’s gained in T4T, she is also working on implementing a mentorship program for high school seniors and aspiring entrepreneurs once they go through a small business training program that will address topics from the idea stage to sustainability & growth. Rachel says “I plan to take these skills I learned from T4T and apply it to my current civic and community engagement knowledge to help create positive and influential change in various communities in Houston. I want to create various programs that will act as models & frameworks for other community leaders and influencers to make needed change in their respective communities, cities, etc.”

Pictured from left to right, Fernell Hogan, T4T Cohort member at the Super Neighborhood 6 meeting to discuss their capstone project, members of T4T Cohort conducting research for their project, and Nzinga Khalid with Rob Arnold at our in person T4T session.

Building Foundations: Affordable Housing Initiatives:

Addressing the pressing need for affordable housing, the affordable housing group is working towards creating a resource tool to help residents better understand the eviction process and their rights as tenants. Their capstone project will produce a brochure to be disseminated in the community through partnering with Memorial Assistance Ministries and area churches. After graduation they will continue working to firm up the logistics and plan the event(s) to share their resource tools with the community.

Nurturing Healthy Living and Environments:

Approaching the end of their T4T journey, the Healthy Lifestyles and Environments Capstone group are crafting a comprehensive online resource directory aimed at Houston's communities, with a focus on pressing issues like health, environmental justice, and food insecurity. The directory, designed to bridge gaps and enhance connectivity within underserved communities, will be a one-stop platform for city-wide resources and organization listings.

Breanna, who has been a valuable member of the capstone group, is looking forward to taking her learnings as she embarks on a journey in the field of Social Work.  She aspires to become a case manager and advocate, connecting individuals to essential services for community and societal thriving while pursuing her interests in advocacy in social justice and writing.

Reflecting on her T4T experience, she finds it "insightful, engaging, and transformative," From leadership and community involvement to teamwork, networking, project development, and advocacy, her time at T4T has armed her with a wealth of knowledge, fostering impactful, sustainable solutions for community resilience. “I hope to maintain the connections I have made during T4T as part of a diverse cohort and network of professionals of many expertise and that we can continue to support one another in our passions for community work,” Breanna says.

Although T4T is ending for Breanna, this is really a launchpad into a bright future where she will continue to contribute to purposeful change.

Pictured: Breanna Norris, T4T Cohort Member 2023

Pictured from left to right: Healthy Lifestyles/Environment T4T Capstone Group, Odin Zackman, T4T Facilitator and Coach for the Capstone Group

The capstone projects are slated for completion in December, and we are excited to see the transformative impact they will have on our communities. Through these endeavors, participants are not only refining their skills as trainers but are also acting as catalysts for change in their neighborhoods.

As these capstone projects near completion, LISC Houston invites all residents to join in celebrating the accomplishments of these dedicated individuals who are working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts and the potential of collective action in shaping a brighter future for all.