Showing posts with label Community Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Service. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Houston AmeriCorps Awareness Week

Christi and Xenia showing off their AmeriCorps pride
Last week was Houston AmeriCorps Week! It was a week dedicated to bringing awareness of AmeriCorps to the general public. Also, it is a time in which current AmeriCorps members come together to serve their community by doing additional volunteering. On May 18th, College Forward volunteered at Magnolia Community Garden, which is located in one of the oldest Mexican-American neighborhoods on the southeast side of Houston. The garden provides fresh vegetables for the community and so CoFo members helped clean up and mulch.

Group pic after working all morning in the garden
The following Monday, there was an AmeriCorps alumni get together at Under the Volcano. It is a bar located in the West University area and on Mondays they have $15 steaks!

Dustin and Trey at Under the Volcano
On Tuesday, College Forward went down to City Hall to meet Mayor Annise Parker. It was there that the Mayor recognized AmeriCorps and all of its efforts in front of city council. It was especially exciting for CoFo members as they had the opportunity to pose for a bunch of pictures with Ms. Parker.

Mayor Annise Parker and College Forward
After the City Council meeting, College Forward helped make puppets for autistic children. It was a fun experience and also a great opportunity for College Forward to collaborate with other AmeriCorps organizations.

Christi and Xenia posing with their puppets
And to complete the week, on Wednesday there was another opportunity for AmeriCorps members and alumni to get together at Sky High Zone Trampoline Park. Participants were able to jump around and have a good time! And on Thursday, there was a volunteer opportunity for AmeriCorps members at the Houston Food Bank. Overall, it was a successful week and it definitely brought more awareness to the public on AmeriCorps!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Houston International Festival

It was a busy weekend in Houston as it was the annual Houston International Festival that takes place every April for two weekends! This year I-Fest spotlighted the country Argentina!

Performers at International Festival

Performers at Internationl Festival

The Houston International Festival is put on every year by the non-profit organization called the Houston Festival Foundation. The revenue made from this event goes towards future festivals and towards art and education programs that reach nearly one million students in the Greater Houston area.


Harry and Natalie showing off their salsa moves!
Both coaches and students volunteered at the event (free admission and t-shirt if you do!) and had a great time! Afterwards they were able to explore the grounds and devour the delicious food. Coach Teanna had two Jamaicans patties filled with spiced beef, snow cone, fresh squeezed lemonade, beignets, and gelato. Coach Xenia had grilled beef on a skewer dipped in some delicious Sang Sang sauce, corn on the cob drizzled in butter and seasoning, fried Oreos and lemon sorbet. While Harry had Jamaican beef patties, skewered chicken, snow cone, Italian ice, and beignets. Overall, it was a successful event and a College Forward favorite!