2023
You may recall, the Foundation Board had a $100,000.00 “budget,” but were so impressed with the 4 finalists presentations that they voted to fully fund all four for a total of $145,112.00.
|
Home Sweet Home ($33,472)
The Harris Center operates 5 Residential Group Homes. Program services are funded by Medicaid for training and care of persons with IDD. Due to funding limitations, Foundation funding will ensure that IDD Residential Homes are not only safe but also attractive and look and feel like homes -- not institutional settings. |
|
The Harris Center Resiliency Team ($40,840)
Foundation funding will support organizing a team of 25 Harris Center employees to form the Harris Center Resiliency Team. The Team will be available to respond to crises in the community and throughout Texas. The Team will be comprised of Licensed Practitioners of the Healing Arts (LPHAs) Peer Support, Care Coordinators, and Master Level Clinicians. Fifteen members of the team will be trained as a team in Trauma Informed Care, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Training (EMDR), while the entire team of 25 will be trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Psychological First Aid, Substance Use and Mental Health Training for Disaster Response Management (STORM), and other training will enhance the team’s ability to respond to crises. |
|
Project H.E.A.L. (Healing through Entrepreneurship Arts and Leadership) ($40,800)
Project H.E.A.L. is a collaboration between the STARS Specialized Therapies program and the Coffeehouse program. This collaboration is unique as it combines the specialties of behavior analysis and psychology. The project is a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary path to healing. Project H.E.A.L will focus on treating mental illness, encouraging mentorship between peers, and purpose through entrepreneurship opportunities. Project H.E.A.L. will address these objectives in three ways: 1) Treat underlying mental health issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, and trauma) by creating a special art therapy program. 2) Create mentorship opportunities within the Coffeehouse program through project management. 3) Create a quarterly market, inviting participants to sell their art and goods to the community. Project H.E.A.L. will become a program of innovation by working with individuals with IDD/autism and co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through art. |
|
Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Enhancement Project ($30,000)
The S.T.A.R.S. Clinic offers Positive Behavior Supports program, Specialized Therapy program, and the Feeding Disorder program. PBS has the lengthiest interest list and serves individuals over age three with Autism and/or IDD to increase independent living skills. This project will provide a structured caregiver training manual for children with ASD and disruptive behaviors and will provide training for caregivers. A calming waiting area for onsite sessions will be created for children with sensory processing issues to help them be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. |
2022
Feb. 1
In 2021, the Harris Center Foundation held a second staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $108,000 to four projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2021. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
In 2021, the Harris Center Foundation held a second staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $108,000 to four projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2021. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
- The Coffeehouse Co-op Academy would host classes in identified content areas (photography, art, podcasts, website design, music production and Spanish translation) providing equipment for participants to develop new skills. The program would also host an annual festival where participants of all abilities can showcase their art and services to the public allowing them to practice and the experience to set them up for opportunities in the community.
- Meaningful Day will provide services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the same activities that are available to the general population. Through the grant, the program will integrate community settings in the day program locations. Community settings include mini grocery store, coffee/gift shop, bus stop/transit center, fitness center, reading club, janitorial crew, garden club and job club.
- Performance Improvement through Curated Rest (PICR) is an innovative approach to health and wellness cultures, which increases retention and ultimately impacts KPIs. The Nap Bar will partner with Access Division leaders to repurpose current quiet rooms to a curated rest experience which includes a nap/rest pod, a virtual reality meditation encounter, and a Certified Sleep Expert to guide the user through the 30 minute process. Each participant will receive a one-on-one sleep hygiene evaluation with the Certified Sleep Expert. All program staff will receive a Better Sleep kit. Nap Bar will also host weekly lunch and learns that will be open to any Harris Center employee who would like to attend to learn more about sleep hygiene and the power of rest.
- The STARS Clinic Outreach and Quality Improvement Project has three main goals: 1) to enhance the access to quality care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum disorders with the use of telehealth, 2) to use evidence based techniques to enhance the generalizability of therapy such that long term treatment efficacy is achieved, and 3) to become a preferred research and training site for practicum students interested in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum disorders.
2021
Apr. 19
As one of the recipients of the staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve, the capeABLE Coffee Program has made great strides in further developing the program and recruiting participants with IDD needs. Watch how we're transforming lives with the CapeABLE Coffee Program.
As one of the recipients of the staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve, the capeABLE Coffee Program has made great strides in further developing the program and recruiting participants with IDD needs. Watch how we're transforming lives with the CapeABLE Coffee Program.
Jan. 27
In 2020, the Harris Center Foundation held a staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2020. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
In 2020, the Harris Center Foundation held a staff idea funding opportunity, awarding $102,000 to projects that enhance care delivery for the people we serve. Harris Center staff members were encouraged to submit their applications by Dec. 2020. It is our pleasure to announce the three awardees of the staff idea funding opportunity and how their efforts will impact the lives of those living in our community.
- CapeABLE Coffee Program provides work training to participants with IDD and/or autism and pervasive developmental disorders in a supported environment. The goal of the program is for participants to feel empowered to begin maximizing their own potential through the provisions of supports necessary for increased self-sufficiency as a valuable member of the community.
- Project Airline Playground will build a safe play area at the Airline Children's clinic to help children's play development by stimulating the brain and helping them learn to communicate and deal with emotions, both simple and complicated. The goal is to improve the emotional well-being of the clients, increase physical activity and increase engagement in services.
- Medical Assistant Tuition Program will develop and implement training opportunities for existing staff to transition to Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) positions. Through a partnership with Houston Community College, staff will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 9-month program that will prepare them to apply for certification as a CMA. With the added support of CMA’s, nursing and medical staff will have the opportunity to provide more efficient and effective care.
