A Message from the Executive Director

The Youth Ambassador Leadership Education (Y.A.L.E.) students are SUPER charged and have kicked-off a wonderful year! In January, we welcomed 25 Y.A.L.E. leaders to the seventh year of the program. FLCRC’s amazing team hosted three educational Y.A.L.E. meetings with record-breaking attendance this quarter. In February, Y.A.L.E. leaders launched a fundraiser campaign for their trip to the Dominican Republic this summer. FLCRC is hosting a Hat and Tea Soirée on April 22nd in support of the trip. You can support the trip as well—visit our website, download the FLCRC App, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about how.

FLCRC is still celebrating the milestone move into our new facility! We hosted meetings and events for several organizations this quarter. Our beautiful facility is a great resource for this community, and we are delighted to share the space. In March, we welcomed the Vera Institute of Justice to Fort Bend County where they utilized our building to launch their Reshaping Prosecution Initiative with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

Furthermore, we partnered with Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) for Survivors Speak Day at the State Capitol. Nearly 200 crime survivors attended the event in support of love ones impacted by crime. Survivors shared their stories, spoke with legislators and held a healing vigil in honor of loved ones.

FLCRC has added new team members! Please help us welcome Dr. Sunday Johnson, Eric Harper, Sara Martinez and our new Student Interns: Trinidy, Raya, Kenzi and Jeremy. We are delighted to have this highly skilled group of individuals helping us to achieve our mission, “Building Better Communities by Building Stronger Families.”

Sincerely,

Ilene Harper, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Y.A.L.E. on the Move: Our Y.A.L.E. Leaders are Stepping Up in 2023!

Our Y.A.L.E. student ambassadors kicked off 2023 with an awesome orientation in January, and fun and interactive meetings in February and March. The March meeting included a Spring Break “Prime Tide” Challenge, for which students needed to take photos at locations close to water during their break. The Y.A.L.E. program empowers students in 5th grade through college to meet, plan and execute activities and events with a focus on character building, leadership, service learning, and college and career preparation. Learn more at FamilyLifeCRC.org/yale.

Our New Facility in Action

Since our grand opening in 2022, our new facility has been put to good use and is allowing us to have a greater impact in Richmond. This beautiful space features cutting-edge technology and a large hall that has already accommodated many important community events this year.

Reaching Richmond Meeting (February 16)

CSSJ Richmond Chapter Training (March 4)

A.K.A. Sorority Line Dance (February 17)

Vera Institute Community Meeting (March 29)

Survivors Speak Day 2023

FLCRC members joined nearly 200 other crime survivors at the State Capitol on March 30th to honor lost loved ones, share survivor stories, and advocate for justice. This empowering event takes place annually in several locations throughout the United States.

Staff Updates

FLCRC has been fortunate to welcome three new staff members over the past year. We also filled four new intern positions for 2023. These interns will assist with event photography, social media communications and technical support. A warm welcome to all of these talented individuals!

FLCRC Leaders Honored with Awards

Two of our leaders were recently honored with awards honoring their contributions to the community:

Executive Director Dr. Ilene Harper received the A.K.A. Sorority Envisioned Excellence for LeadHERship Award on April 1st.

President Dr. Sharon Delesbore received the NSTA Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award and was recognized by FBISD Board of Trustees on April 18th.

FLCRC Staff Member is Published!

Our very own Education Specialist Kenae Chatham has published her personal memoir, Broken Wings of a Butterfly.
At the pinnacle of her career and only three months postpartum, her world came crashing down when she was involved in a horrific car accident. This amazing story of healing and faith in the midst of adversity is available for purchase now on Amazon.com!

Announcements & Upcoming Events

• FLCRC College & Career Seminar
  Saturday, May 6, 2023
  10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Prepare for college and beyond with Ft. Bend Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy and Dr. Ilene Harper. This interactive seminar will prepare you for success! Register at FamilyLifeCRC/collegeandcareer.

• FLCRC Summer Enrichment Camp 2023
  June 19-23, 2023
  9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Join us for five days of fun and learning! Learn more and register today at FLCRCSummerCamp.eventbrite.com.

• Support Y.A.L.E.’s Trip to the Dominican Republic
  Our Y.A.L.E. students will travel to the DR from July 5-12, 2023. Help us take them on this adventure! Learn more and donate by visiting FamilyLifeCRC.org/dr-trip.

• Save the Date: FLCRC Back-2-School Parent Chat
  August 7-10, 2023
  6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  Prepare for the school year with this high-energy, interactive community event for parents and students! Learn more at FamilyLifeCRC.org/chat.