Community Family Centers
Community Family Centers offers social and educational services to low-income families in Houston’s East End, serving over 40,000 clients annually with programs in family support, adult education, youth services, and early childhood education.
Services
Community Family Centers offers a range of community-based social and educational services targeting low-income families in Houston’s East End. The organization provides Family Support Services, Adult Education, Youth Services, and Early Childhood Education. Family Support Services include emergency food assistance, a Positive Action Parenting Program, and a pantry service available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Adult Education Program offers holistic academic instruction, including hybrid (virtual/in-person) ESL and GED classes, financial literacy, and digital literacy training. Youth Services feature in-school and summer programs aimed at eliminating substance abuse, lowering school dropout rates, reducing teen pregnancy, and minimizing delinquent behaviors. Early Childhood Education includes the specialized Los Niños Montessori Program.
History of Community Family Centers
Community Family Centers was founded in 1972 and became a United Way agency in 1978. The organization has grown significantly over the years, purchasing a 32,000 square foot main facility in 1998 and completing the John P. McGovern M.D. Community Sports and Recreational Building in 2011. In 2015, an additional 7,000 square feet of space was renovated to house the Los Niños Montessori Program. The organization further expanded in 2016 with the completion of a youth soccer field. Over the years, Community Family Centers has continued to enhance its facilities and services to better serve the needs of the Houston community.
Programs at Community Family Centers
Community Family Centers offers a variety of specialized programs to address the needs of different age groups and communities. The Adult Education Program includes ESL and GED classes, financial literacy, digital literacy training, and workforce skills training in partnership with local employers and community-based organizations. Youth Services programs operate in-school and summer sessions, including Camp Fresh, a 10-week summer program for ages 4-17. The Early Childhood Education program features the Los Niños Montessori Program. Additionally, the organization provides the Countdown to College program to help students prepare for higher education. The Community Health Worker certification is available through a partnership with the University of Houston.
Locations and Facilities
Community Family Centers operates out of multiple facilities in Houston’s East End. The main building is located at 7524 Avenue E, Houston, TX 77012, and encompasses 32,000 square feet of space. Another key facility is the John P. McGovern M.D. Community Sports and Recreation Building, situated at 7318 Avenue F, Houston, TX 77011. These facilities host a range of services, programs, and community events, including onsite health and wellness events like immunizations, vision screenings, flu shots, and blood pressure examinations.
Funding and Support
Community Family Centers operates with an annual budget exceeding $2.6 million and serves over 40,000 clients each year. The organization receives significant support from grants and sponsorships, such as a $325,000 grant from Houston Endowment and a $50,000 sponsorship from Valero Refineries for its 50th Anniversary Gala. These funds enable the center to run its comprehensive services and programs, supplementing its operational costs and enhancing its outreach efforts to the Houston community.