A Message from the Executive Director

The Youth Ambassador Leadership Education (Y.A.L.E.) students kicked-off a powerful year! In January, we welcomed 24 Y.A.L.E. leaders to the eighth year of the program. FLCRC’s amazing team hosted several powerful Y.A.L.E. events with interactive engagement this quarter. In March, Y.A.L.E. launched their fundraiser campaign for the trip to the Atlanta, Georgia this summer.

FLCRC will be hosting a variety of fundraising activities in support of the Y.A.L.E. leaders’ summer trip to Atlanta, GA! There are several ways you can support this trip. Please visit our website, download the FLCRC App, and
follow us on on social media learn more.

FLCRC continues to be a great resource for this community, and we are delighted to share our space. In March, the Vera Institute of Justice in partnership with the office of the Fort Bend County District Attorney and FLCRC showcased an AMAZING exhibit of their year-long Reshaping Prosecution Initiative in Fort Bend County. FLCRC was a perfect location for the community event. We hope you will consider renting our beautiful facility to host your next event.

FLCRC is continuing to strengthen our relationship with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s and Judge’s Offices! Furthermore, year seven of our partnership with Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) helps us persevere with our mission to service crime survivors. The “We Fit For IT” initiative jump started a year of health and wellness for crime survivors. Likewise, we celebrated the launch of two books authored by highly skilled and experienced members of the FLCRC team. We are delighted to have a dynamic 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. Leaders Shining in 2024

It has already been a very busy year for our Pre-Y.A.L.E. and Y.A.L.E. student leaders! We kicked off the year with a fun and energetic Orientation Meeting on January 6th. After meeting on February 10th, the students took their first field trip of the year to the Reading Room exhibit at the POST center in downtown Houston. Founder Amarie Gipson gave us an inspiring tour of the Black art reference library, which celebrates the past, present and future of Black art and culture. On February 18th, our Y.A.L.E. leaders represented FLCRC and engaged community members at the 2024 Fort Bend County Black History Gumbo Cookoff & Vendor Market. Several of the students also had tables showcasing their own businesses. On February 27th, we were thrilled to get a visit from former Y.A.L.E. leader, LaTia Tanner, who is soaring in the field of engineering in New York City! Our March 2nd meeting focused on College and Career Preparation and the free tools that FLCRC offers to prepare for life after high school.

We are so proud of our current and former student leaders and can’t wait to see how they continue to shine and make a difference in 2024!

FLCRC Hosts 2024 Kickoff Meeting for Local CSSJ Chapter

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) Richmond/Sugar Land Chapter kicked off 2024 with a great meeting on January 20th at our facility, focusing on goals and aspirations. FLCRC is proud to partner with CSSJ as part of our mission to serve crime survivors. To learn more about our free services for crime victims, visit FamilyLifeCRC.org/vip.

County Prioritizes Safety with Inaugural State of Justice Event

On January 25th, Dr. Harper attended the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce’s State of Justice event in Richmond. District Attorney Brian Middleton was the featured presenter and spoke about recent crime research conducted and strategies to maintain safety in our county. Special thanks to our county and law enforcement leaders for organizing this first-of-its-kind event and for prioritizing safety in our communities!

Dr. Delesbore Recognized by her Alma Mater and Celebrating Co-Authored Book

In February, FLCRC Board President Dr. Sharon Delesbore was featured by the University of Houston in their Celebrating Black History Month series, recognizing her achievements as a former student-athlete and current leader in her profession. Her inspiring interview can be read here.

On March 17th, Dr. Delesbore was honored at the book signing for I’m Still Standing: Stories of Redemption, an inspiring anthology by Tiffany McIntosh which she co-authored.

We are so proud of Dr. Delesbore’s many achievements, and so thankful to have her on our team!

Arnell Evans, LCDC, CART, Publishes Empowering Book

On February 25th, Arnell Evans, LCDC, CART, Licensed Chemical Substance Abuse Counselor for FLCRC, hosted a signing for her new book,
In Full Bloom: Give Me Flowers So That I Can Live. This collection of personal stories, inspiring insight and affirmations for life’s journey is truly empowering for all who read it. Purchase your copy now and learn more by visiting arnellevans.com.

Ms. Evans joined the FLCRC team in 2023 and has been a wonderful addition to our staff. She is a featured motivational speaker at many local events. Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Arnell!

Black History Gumbo Cookoff

On February 18th, FLCRC volunteers and Y.A.L.E. leaders attended the Fort Bend County Black History Gumbo Cookoff & Vendor Market. In partnership with the NAACP, this event was a great opportunity to learn about Black history, network and enjoy some fantastic food together!

Fort Bend County Citizens Police Academy

This spring, Dr. Harper has been attending the Fort Bend County Citizens Police Academy, provided by the Office of District Attorney Brian Middleton. This engaging course is for community members who wish to be more informed on local law enforcement issues and those contemplating a career in the field.

FLCRC Receives Grant from DA

On March 21st, FLCRC was the recipient of the DA Bike Ride Grant from Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton and the Expose Excellence Youth Foundation. We are so grateful to Mr. Middleton and his office for their continual support of FLCRC!

Vera Institute Exhibit: Exploring Criminal Justice and Public Safety in Fort Bend County and Beyond

On March 27th, the Vera Institute presented a powerful data exhibit, Pathways to Public Safety: Prosecution & Reform in Fort Bend County, at our facility. This amazing wall-to-wall data exhibit, which was on display through May 4th, walked participants through the history of the criminal justice system in the United States, Texas and Fort Bend County. The Vera Institute also honored Dr. Harper with an award of appreciation and presented gifts to all FLCRC staff members. Our Y.A.L.E. students experienced the exhibit on April 13th and provided invaluable feedback via video to the Vera Institute.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

• Summer Enrichment with Y.A.L.E.
  June 17-21, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Students grades 2nd through college level: join us for five days of fun and learning! Sessions will cover topics including STEM, leadership, fitness & sports, college & career, technology, and much more! Register today at SummerEnrichment.eventbrite.com.
• Support Y.A.L.E.’s Trip to Atlanta
  Our Y.A.L.E. students will travel to Atlanta, GA July 17–23 for a fun and educational time touring colleges, visiting the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, and much more! Help us give them this awesome experience by donating today at FamilyLifeCRC.org/atlanta-trip.
• SAVE THE DATE: Back-2-School Parent Chat 2024
  In-Person/Zoom: August 2 & 3, 2024 | 6–7 p.m.
  Backpack Pickup: August 5, 2024 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Save the date for this high-energy community event for parents and students! Learn more at FamilyLifeCRC.org/chat.
• SAVE THE DATE: FLCRC College & Career Seminar
  September 14, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  It’s never too early to start planning for your life after high school and never too late to start planning for the rest of your life. This FREE seminar will equip you for success! Learn more at FamilyLifeCRC.org/collegeandcareer.