Our Mission
Our mission is to equip youth in the Greater Houston Area with the necessary toolkit of skills to make informed decisions, advocate powerfully for themselves and their community, and foster healthy relationships. Healthy relationships include those with themselves such as developing their mental health and hygiene, confidence, and self-personhood, and with others such as their friends, family, and community. We hope that these unique tools of self-efficiency will guide them to fall in love with their journey as they reach the unique intersections within these relationships.
Our Vision
We envision a world where all youth are empowered to become the best versions of themselves, embracing their unique journeys through life. By fostering self-personhood and nurturing kind, healthy relationships with themselves and others, our youth will emerge as confident leaders within their communities and beyond. We strive for a future where every young person has the tools and support necessary to make informed decisions about their relationships, their identity, and their health, allowing them to truly fall in love with their journeys.
Core Components
Toolkit Skillsets
We will provide age appropriate skill sets based on the National Sex Education Standards (NSES), covering analyzing influences, accessing information, interpersonal communication, decision making, goal setting, self-management, and advocacy.
Community Conversations
We will regularly engage with community members through focus groups to identify primary concerns. Through these discussions, we handpick lessons from our toolkit that best address these concerns. This process is repeated every 6-12 months to ensure relevancy and responsiveness.
Weekly Sessions
Trained facilitators lead weekly meetings designed as conversation circles where information is shared and activities reinforce learning. The format is flexible, adapting based on the focus of each session and participant feedback.
Guest Speakers
We invite undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals to share their expertise and experiences with our community. These speakers enrich our discussions and provide diverse perspectives on topics of interest.
Youth Co-Facilitators
In the second year, we empower youth within our community to become co-facilitators, further fostering leadership skills and peer-to-peer education.
Key Informant Interviews
We conduct key informant interviews to gather insights and perspectives from individuals who have completed the program and individuals with expertise in relevant fields, enriching our understanding and approach.
Mid Year Show
We celebrate creativity and expression through a mid-year art/talent show, providing a platform for community members to showcase their talents and perspectives related to themes we have discussed.
End of Year Celebration
We mark the culmination of our efforts with an end-of-year graduation celebration, recognizing the achievements and growth of participants in their journey toward comprehensive health education
G.R.O.W Youth 