Leadership Houston Adopts The HAY Center; a resource center for transitioning foster youth

The HAY Center, a program through Harris County Protective Services, is a one-stop center for current and former foster youth, ages 14-25, that provides a variety of transition resources, services, and support.  The goal of the class project was to enhance the organization’s operational functionality and optimize the foster youth experience. 

Throughout the year, Class XXXVIII provided volunteer support for annual programming, events, and life skills training courses. We organized ourselves and spearheaded a volunteer recruitment effort to increase engagement beyond our classmates. Class XXXVIII expanded the center’s life skills offerings by donating “The Charlie Cart Project,” a comprehensive cooking skills curriculum and mobile kitchen. The project also included technology updates and facility beautification enhancements, including a Dreamcatcher mural by Houston’s own Gonzo247, improved technology offerings, an enhanced marketing strategy, and emergency COVID-19 rent support.