My Brother's Keeper since 2014 - Mayor Celebrates!

Mayor Turner celebrated MBK Houston’s Next Chapter and Successes HOUSTON - Today Mayor Sylvester Turner celebrated My Brother’s Keeper Houston’s (MBKH) accomplishments over the past eight years during his tenure and introduced its new Director, Chazz Bailey, who shared his vision for the future. MBKH, a Houston Health Department initiative focusing on boys and young men of color, leverages the expertise of educational institutions, nonprofits and other partners to combine strategies and programs to increase opportunities and close disparity gaps that exist in disadvantaged communities. “It's not about activities but it is about transforming lives for the better,” Turner said. “We have a lot of growing left to do. It is about reaching men, women, and meeting these young boys and young girls where they are and let them know their lives can be different.” Mayor Sylvester Turner and My Brother's Keeper Houston Project Director Chazz Bailey at the MBKH Next Chapter event Since 2014, MBKH has been critical in raising young boys and men of color out of poverty in some of Houston’s historically underserved communities. The initiative has led the charge in advocating for change in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, funded a mentoring program and collaborated with partners for a collective impact. Bailey shared his vision for the future of the initiative and highlighted MBKH’s Six Milestones that help guide the path to adulthood for its members, which have been key to its impact on Houston’s youth. “We will make our vision of providing access to opportunities, support, hope and lasting positive change for young men of color a reality,” Bailey said. “MBK Houston looks forward to the future, as we begin a new chapter.” The Six Milestones are: Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career Completing Postsecondary Education or Training Successfully Entering the Workforce Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances My Brother's Keeper Houston Project Director Chazz Bailey, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Health Department Chief of Staff, Judy Harris and Houston Health Department Director Stephen Williams attend My Brother's Keeper Houston's Next Chapter event. Some of MKBH’s partner programs include the Houston Youth Workforce Council, MBK Wrap Network, MBK ReDirect Diversion Program and the MBK TeamUp for Houston’s Youth. “The Houston Health Department is proud to serve as the backbone for this great initiative and lead the charge in mapping a successful path for young men of color,” said Stephen L. Williams, director, Houston Health Department. Turner ended the afternoon with a commitment to MBKH and Houston’s youth. “This is the relaunch, and the mayor is all in,” he said. “Over the next three months this program will receive the mayor’s intensive intervention.” Media Contacts: Porfirio Villarreal Office: 832-393-5041 Mobile: 713-826-5695 Porfirio.Villarreal@houstontx.gov Tucker Wilson Office: 832-393-5045 Mobile: 346-802-7508 Tucker.Wilson@houstontx.gov Fabian Gutierrez Office: 832-393-4860 Mobile: 346-831-9253 fabian.gutierrez@houstontx.gov Pascale Mondesir Office: 832-393-5069 Mobile: 832-840-5435 pascale.mondesir@houstontx.gov Website Twitter Facebook Copyright © 2020 City of Houston, All rights reserved. You've joined the City of Houston Media Distribution List Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list