GSSJC teams up with the Beaumont Housing Authority

by Gloria Gracia-Johnson

This past year was the fourth year GSSJC worked with the Beaumont Housing Authority. GSSJC first organized a troop at Magnolia Gardens Apartments. The Beaumont Police Department’s Drug Tack Force supported the group with a $5,000 contribution to both the Girl and Boy Scouts to get the groups started. This was their effort to give the girls and boys an opportunity to get off the streets and get involved with the community. The second year GSSJC added another group at Northridge Manor Apartments. In year three, a group at the newly renovated Concord Homes Apartments was established. Summer programs were conducted at all three sites and by the end of the membership year 96 girls had been served.

This past year has been the most successful year. GSSJC organized a new group at Tracewood Apartments and GSSJC was awarded a $40,000 Girl Scouts In Public Housing grant from GSUSA. This one-year grant was used to fund GSSJC Public Housing Expansion Project, which consists of nine sites in the Council.

Robert Reyna, the new executive director for The Beaumont Housing Authority, has been very generous in giving GSSJC access to the community rooms weekly at each site. GSSJC received $600 to fund Girl Scout summer programs held at all four Beaumont Housing Authority sites. He and his staff are including GSSJC in other funding requests. The collaboration with BHA has been very successful for GSSJC and the girls. Currently 85 girls in four groups in Beaumont are being served.

This year girls made field trips to Moody Gardens in Galveston, went camping at Camp Robinwood, and had a skating party. The groups conducted two service projects. The older girls visited the Women and Children’s Center and provided holiday fun including crafts and program to the residents of the center. At the Holiday Skating Party the girls collected food for the food pantry. This was one of the most rewarding events for all of staff and volunteers. To see those who have little, still give to others in need. The best part was that the girls were giving back to their community.

GSSJC is looking forward to the new year. Thank you Robert Reyna, Allison Landrum, and Stephanie Alfred of Beaumont Housing for all their support in making a difference in the lives of youth. Thanks to all the parents that have come forward to help with meetings, events, and field trips. GSSJC would like to thank the staff Bernadette Frank, Rebecca Powell, and Jacqueline Dugas for their hard work and dedication to enriching the lives of others.

Plant Houston green

The City of Houston, the Texas Forest Service, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Harris County Flood Control District provide several partnership opportunities for tree plantings on city property in the Houston and surrounding area. Individuals, civic groups, churches, scout groups, and other community-based organizations are urged to join in and plant trees en mass along esplanades, parks, and city right-of-way areas to help make Houston a more beautiful and healthy place – Plant Houston Green. In most cases, the trees will be provided for free to individuals or groups that commit to plant and maintain them on city land for two years. For more information contact the City of Houston Tree Advocate at 713-385-3090.