Autism Awareness Through Social Motion

When Council Member Pollard was elected into office, he vowed to bring autism resources to underserved areas, such as communities in District J. As a result, the District J office partnered with St Luke’s Gethsemane Methodist Church in Sharpstown to get Social Motion, in conjunction with The Center for Pursuit, to provide weekly free and low cost after school programs for kids with autism. My council office pays for this program through our district service funds. Recently, Council Member Pollard joined one of the classes to teach high school students about friendship. They enjoyed a couple of activities to help them with socialization skills. According to the CDC, 1 in 36 kids are born on the autism spectrum. These programs help with social, learning, and life skills.

Special thanks to Social Motion, the Center for Pursuit, St. Luke’s Gethsemane Church, CASE for Kids and the District J staff. For more information about autism resources in Houston, visit.www.socialmotionskills.org.
 

Affordable Connectivity for Families

The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has connected Houstonians and millions of people nationwide, will soon expire. If you have received ACP assistance, please be aware that Comcast is offering a partial ACP credit of $14 for the month of May and recently launched the NOW WiFi Pass, which will connect consumers to thousands of Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the City of Houston, as well as nationwide. Now through June 30, customers can get online for $10/month with no additional equipment required, no long-term commitments, or any cancellation fees. The Comcast Internet Essentials Program, which offers low-cost high-speed Internet service for a low as $9.95/month will allow all current ACP customers who are eligible, to switch to Internet Essentials tiers during the ACP expiration transition. To learn more about affordable internet options from Comcast, please visit xfinity.com/getIE. To learn more ACP expiration details, please visit fcc.gov/acp.

May Primary Voting Election

Participating in local elections is as important as national elections. Later this month, on May 28th, voters will have the opportunity to vote in the Primary Election. Below are the confirmed City of Houston Parks and Recreation facilities as Early Voting and/or Election Day Vote Center for the dates below.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher’s Grants Newsletter

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher invites the public to subscribe to her grants newsletter, which includes resources and opportunities for individuals, organizations and businesses. Overall, the grants newsletter provides a comprehensive overview of essential grant opportunities and resources designed to keep constituents empowered and well-informed. Click here to view the latest newsletter. To sign up to receive the publication each time its published.

Alief International Parade

Council Member Edward Pollard was proud to participate in the Alief International Parade and attend the Taste of Alief food and music festival. This event highlights the unity in diversity and the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enrich the fabric of District J. Special thanks to Alief ISD, International Management District, HPD, International Trade Center, and all other schools, groups, organizations, and volunteers for making it a success.

Bellaire Market District Ground Breaking

District J will soon have a new business center for residents to patronize. Council Member Pollard attended the ground breaking ceremony for the Bellaire Market District property, which will be a multi-floor retail/restaurant/office complex coming to Asiatown. The project is expected to be completed in June 2025. Thanks to the Huynh Investment Group and WhiteHouse Global Properties.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

As hurricane season approaches, it is essential for residents to prioritize preparedness. Take proactive steps now to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and a communication strategy. Stock up on essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, and batteries. Secure your home by reinforcing windows and doors, and consider investing in a generator for backup power. Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and heeding evacuation orders if necessary. Remember, early preparation can make all the difference in ensuring your safety during the storm season. For more information about disaster preparedness, visit the Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website at https://www.houstonoem.org/pages/Prepare.

Veterans, Seniors and Disabled Encouraged to Attend Inclusive Job Fair

Workforce Solutions is hosting an inclusive job fair on Wednesday, May 15. The event is open to everyone, but veterans, senior citizens, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to attend. The event will have over 75 employers who are ready to hire people regardless of their disability status. Free parking is available. For those who need special accommodations, please emails Kimberly.Blanchard@wrksolutions.com.

Comcast Rise Grants for Small Businesses

Applications for Comcast Rise are now open. One hundred Greater Houston small businesses will be awarded business support grants, including cash, technology make-overs, marketing support, and consulting and education support. Today through May 31st, small businesses in the area can apply at www.ComcastRISE.com.

Upwardly Global Helps Skilled Immigrants

In District J, the most diverse district in the city, residents hail from cultures spanning the globe. One notable organization, Upwardly Global, stands out for its mission to assist professionally skilled individuals in securing jobs in the United States that align with their qualifications, education, and expertise. As a national organization dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees with international credentials, Upwardly Global works to facilitate the reintegration of these professionals into the U.S. workforce. Their mission is to eradicate employment obstacles for immigrant and refugee professionals and to promote the integration of their skills into the American economy. Through their efforts, Upwardly Global champions diversity and inclusion while fostering economic empowerment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. For more information about their programs, visitwww.upwardlyglobal.org.

Free Houston Asiatown Tours for Students

Houston Asiatown Tours is partnering with Southwest Management District to offer scholarships in 2024 for public school students in grades 5-12 within District J to come for free. Flyer is attached. Teachers who are interested in bringing their classes can also apply at this website. For more information, visit www.asiatowntourhtx.com.

Supplemental Maintenance Team

The Supplemental Maintenance Team is designed to supplement the essential services provided by the city, focusing on maintaining and beautifying Houston’s medians, right of ways, esplanades, accessible ditches and litter abatement on city property.

April SMT Projects

The SMT mowed a vacant, overgrown lot and cleared away debris along a curbside.
 

District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of five Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com. 

To learn more about our modern approach to community policing, or to file a report regarding a quality of life issue, please visit www.districtjpatrol.com. To retrieve data, research policy, or to file a complaint online, visit houstontx.gov/policetransparency.
 

District J Office Staff

The District J office staff is here to serve you.

David “Alex” Brizuela, Deputy Chief of Staff

Ana “Francis” Ellis, District Coordinator

Council Member Edward Pollard

Misty Starks, Director of Communications

Paul Young, Chief of Staff