The Baker-Ripley campus is home to Gulfton’s Promise Neighborhood, a community in Houston that is leading a national movement to improve the educational opportunities for children from birth through college to career.

 

The youth at our Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center used this summer to hone their skills in the visual and performing arts. This prep work culminated in their very first performance in front of a live audience for some – and the pride of accomplishment for all.

 

 

On August 3, Neighborhood Centers’ new young professionals group, Young Neighbors, held a Farewell to Summer Celebration commemorating the kids’ work. Led by youth specialist Russell Etherton and youth coordinator Marlon Perla, teens played percussion and recited their poetry. (Watch the percussion performances on YouTube!)

 

Freddy Moreno, 14, stood before the audience of Young Neighbors and gave his first live reading of his poetry to the audience. "In the future my neighborhood will flourish it won’t be 'bad' anymore. People will want to live here. In the future more resources will be available to help my community grow."

 

In addition to the live performances, art designed by the youth was made available for purchase through a silent auction. The money raised from each piece goes directly to support each student’s $30 yearly center membership.

 

It was a great experience for all involved, and best of all the Young Neighbors went home with some amazing artwork created by some talented youth members.

 

 

 

The arts programming at Baker-Ripley is important to the Gulfton community. While the Baker-Ripley Campus has been open for a little less than one year, great strides have been made in creating opportunities for children and teens looking to discover their passions.

 

As the summer session winds down, the children and teens look forward to a new school year and continued exploration in the after-school program at Neighborhood Centers.

 

 

Neighborhood Centers’ young professionals group strives to develop Houston’s new storytellers. Young leaders can create a meaningful relationship with Houston's leading nonprofit agency while developing powerful connections through service to others.