On June 12, the Houston ISD Board of Managers unanimously approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent Mike Miles, drawing both praise for academic gains and fierce criticism from public education advocates who decry the lack of transparency and accountability.
The contract comes two years into the state’s takeover of the district and follows the
release of 2025 STAAR results showing notable improvements across all tested grade levels and subjects. HISD Board of Managers President Ric Campo cited these academic results as justification for extending Miles’ leadership.
“With the recent release of STAAR exam results, it is clear that under his leadership, our schools and students are making extraordinary academic progress,” Campo said. “The five-year term ensures HISD can continue its transformation for the duration of the state in-
tervention while allowing for continuity and a smooth transition when the district returns to local control.”
Contract Details
The extended agreement, which will be posted publicly on the district’s website, includes the following key stipulations:
• Term: Five years, from June 2025 to June 2030
• Base Salary: $350,000 annually
Performance Bonus: Up to $50,000 annually, contingent on meeting specific
academic growth and accountability metrics
• Evaluation Criteria: Includes student performance, staff retention, and implementation of strategic initiatives
• Termination Clause: Either party may terminate with a 90-day notice; HISD may terminate for cause without severance
Retention Incentive: A one-time $50,000 retention bonus if Miles remains superintendent through June 2028
According to HISD officials, the compensation package aligns with superintendent salaries in similarly large Texas districts, including Dallas and Austin ISDs.
“The Houston Comeback”: HISD Cites Academic Growth HISD leadership is celebrating what it’s calling “The Houston Comeback.” In a press release touting the 2025 STAAR results, the
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Driving past Little Thicket Park from any direction would never provide the slightest indication of what lies within its perimeters. Quietly tucked away amidst the traffic and congestion of nearby Loop 610 North, the park is a 10+ acre tree-covered treasure that leaves residents feeling like they have been transported miles from the city.
With W. 24th and 22nd Streets to the north and south and Ella and E. TC Jester to the west and east, the park is only accessible to the public from Ella Blvd. The physical address, and main entrance, is 1831 W. 23rd. The park has been in existence for three quarters of a century. Although modest updates were done back in 2004, the park was in serious need of renovation and became another TIRZ5 Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) pet project to improve the quality of life in
The Heights community. The renovations are very timely, especially since travel and vacation have become more unaffordable and intangible for many.
The unique refuge will benefit families in ways they never imagined. In 2020 MHRA and HPRD partnered to create a master plan. But first, serious infrastructure issues needed to be addressed. Little Thicket Bayou runs along the west side of the park. A section of the bayou’s banks had failed over time and had to be shored-up and stabilized to mitigate and prevent new erosion. This was accomplished through strategic placement of terraced gabions and planting of native vegetation along the bayou. Every stage of the project has carried its own price tag.
Community Voices Shape the Vision
“The master plan was separate, the design was separate and the all the erosion work that was done previously was separate,” said TIRZ5 (MHRA) President Sherry Weesner. Now they
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
After months of legal battles and a final halt from the Texas Supreme Court, Harris County Commissioners Court has voted to end its Community Prosperity Program—formerly known as Uplift Harris—a guaranteed income initiative intended to provide monthly assistance to thousands of low-income families. The decision, finalized in a vote on Thursday, reallocates remaining funds to emergency rental assistance, homelessness programs, and food and nutrition services.
The now-defunct program was designed to provide $500 monthly payments over 18 months to as many as 1,900 households in the county’s ten highest-poverty ZIP codes. It was created to address economic inequality and help families afford basic needs like food, rent, medicine, and child care. The initiative was championed by Commissioner Rodney Ellis and gained broad attention when more than 59,000 households applied in the first week of its launch in January 2024.
“This is not a great day,” Ellis said during a press conference. “Unfortunately, [recipients] will not receive that support.” He emphasized that guaranteed income is not a radical concept, citing historical support from both civil rights leaders and economists. “Voices across the political spectrum—from Dr. Martin Luther King to Milton Friedman—have advocated for guaranteed income as an effective anti-poverty solution.”
The program’s downfall, however, came after the Texas Attorney General sued the county, arguing that the payments constituted unconstitutional “gifts” of public money. In June 2024, the Texas Supreme Court granted a motion from the state to prohibit all payments under the program while litigation continued. In its opinion, the Court stated that “serious doubt” had been raised about the constitutionality of Uplift Harris.
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
The statistics for young people aging out of foster care in Texas are sobering. A local nonprofit is working with many local businesses like Clutch Automotive in Garden Oaks to change that trajectory.
Staggering Statistics
Highlight the Need
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, in Fiscal Year 2020, Texas had more than
27,000 children in its foster care system. And per statistics by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, each year approximately 700 to 900 foster youth reach age 18 and “age out” of eligibility for foster care services. Even worse, kids aging out of the foster care system have little hope for steady employment or a college education.
According to the National Foster Youth Institute:
• Of the more than 23,000 children that will age out of the US
foster care system every year, after reaching the age of 18, 20 percent will become instantly homeless. Only 1 out of every 2 foster kids who age out of the system will have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24. There is less than a 3 percent chance for kids who have aged out of foster care to earn a college degree at any point in their life.
Photo by Stephanie Shirley Petra Cares graduate Kole Grogg has enjoyed the guidance and support of his team leader Caleb Lastrape at Clutch Automotive in Garden Oaks to ensure success.
have entered the construction and renovation phase.”
Prior to implementation, TIRZ5 and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) also solicited feedback from the community.
“I feel like during the public engagement phase that we did, there was a lot of listening to what the neighborhood and the people utilizing the park thought was most important,” Weesner said. “The conversation always included there might not be enough money or there might not be enough space for the suggestions or that they might be in a place where that can’t logistically be built on. So, that whole conversation wasn’t about agreeing to everything suggested. But I think we ended up with the things that the people who’d participated in the feedback had expressed were important.”
Weesner said construction price estimates came in higher than originally projected. They were forced to go back to the TIRZ board to increase their share of the budget in order to be able to cover the deficit and fulfill the entire vision of the master plan. With the added funds, the budget for the current construction phase is $1.3M.
“The State has raised serious doubt that the Uplift Harris program can satisfy the ‘public control’ requirement of this Court’s Gift Clause precedent,” wrote Justice James Blacklock in the June 14 ruling. The Court pointed to the program’s “no strings attached” nature, expressing concern that funds would be distributed without sufficient oversight or guarantees they would serve a public purpose.
Designing with Purpose and Community in Mind
Last year, MHRA and the HPARD partnered with Clark Condon, the Houston-based landscape architecture firm who’d assisted with the master plan, to finalize the designs for the park’s improvement.
“The partnership between the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority has allowed the park design to be fully realized and everyone involved is excited for the day it reopens to the community,” said Elizabeth Gilbert with Clark Condon. “I always think with a park, if you have green grass and trees, you have a beautiful start and then you layer on the amenities that people want. I think it was marrying the natural environment with the modest enhancements the public wanted to make it feel clean, updated, and comfortable.”
Those enhancements will include new underground drainage infrastructure, new paths and trails through Little Thicket, new picnic and family areas, refurbishing the basketball court, and adding other playground amenities.
“What I will tell you is this park is a hidden gem,” Weesner said. “A lot of people don’t know about it. It’s in the city, but it’s really a very real nature park. This is a great place, especially if you have
kids and it provides the real experience of ‘being in the woods’.”
The Little Thicket Park construction and renovations are well underway and have been for several months. MHRA and HPARD are estimating the work to be done by this August, but with the arrival of hurricane season, that date could get pushed back a bit. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, however, the Heights and neighboring communities will have fresh new getaway to explore.
“We work on so many projects and they each require adequate time for planning and securing funding. But, it was the combination of the community, our council dis-
trict office, TIRZ5 and the city all working together collaboratively,” said Lisa Johnson, Manager of the Parks Capital Program for HPARD. “We really appreciate MHRA. They’ve been a great partner, not just on this park, but we worked with them years ago on Woodland Park and hope to work on others soon.”
Next Up: Stude Park
While on the topic of parks improvements, Weesner shared some details about another Heights-area park in MHRA’s capital improvement plan.
“We also are planning a project to upgrade and replace the playground at the popular Stude Park, which will be another partnership with the
Parks Department,” she said.
Stude Park, another highly-rated Heights-area park, is located just north of I-10 along White Oak Bayou, with a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline.
“After our initial discussions, we all agreed that we actually needed an analysis and public engagement while looking at Stude Park,” Weesner said.
“We certainly don’t have the funds for an entire park renovation, we are not committing
Unlike programs such as food stamps or housing vouchers, the justices noted that Uplift Harris lacked mechanisms to monitor how funds were spent after disbursement. “It appears there will be no public control over the funds after they are disbursed,” the ruling said. “For all practical purposes, there truly are ‘no strings attached,’ and we are directed to no precedent indicating that a government in Texas may make such payments without running afoul of our Constitution’s restrictions.”
district reported accelerated student performance in every tested area. Algebra I pass rates increased by 13 percentage points from 2024 to 2025, while Biology scores rose 9 points. English and U.S. History scores also improved.
“Two years ago, our students were significantly behind the rest of the state. Today, they are outperforming it in several areas,” said Miles. “This level of academic progress is more than a statistic; it’s a powerful shift in what’s possible for Houston’s students.”
Community Backlash and Accusations of Manipulation
While district leaders framed the contract extension as a reward for improved outcomes, critics say the board’s decision lacks democratic legitimacy and transparency.
“This reeks of public corruption,” wrote Houston Community Voices for Public Education (CVPE), a watchdog group opposed to the state takeover, in a blog post dated June 13, 2025. “With no public input whatsoever, the unelected board just handed Mike Miles a five-year contract extension—an unprecedented move.” CVPE has also questioned
to that. However, we want to make sure that we’re looking carefully at how we place the playgrounds and consider the long-term plans for the park. We just kicked off that effort a few weeks ago and they’re currently in the process of analyzing existing conditions. We will be holding public meetings and conducting surveys.” For more information and updates, please visit memorialheightstirz5.com.
granted to corporations but withheld from struggling families. “We need to make Texas a place where economic security is not the exception, but the expectation.”
Despite the program’s end, Commissioner Ellis said the county would continue to push for solutions to poverty.
“This is a setback, but I will not stop creating economic opportunity in Harris County,” he said.
“To the 1,500 or 1,900 people who were selected and won’t get the $500, I hope you’ll find 500 people you know and make sure they exercise their right to vote.”
County Attorney Christian Menefee called the lawsuit a political attack. “We have seen the state of Texas time and time again step in and target only Harris County,” Menefee said. “This wasn’t about the law. This was about who the money was intended to help— working-class, predominantly Black and Brown families.”
the legitimacy of the academic gains cited by the district. In a June 10 post, the group alleged that STAAR performance improvements were inflated through selective testing and “score gaming.” They pointed to practices such as removing high-achieving students from advanced classes to skew test pools and withholding biology exams from students not enrolled in PreAP science courses.
“Miles is touting students who scored ‘Meets’ or higher, but he’s hiding the full picture,” the post alleged. “This isn’t about student success—it’s about spin.”
Concerns Over Equity and School Culture
Opponents also raised alarms over broader impacts of Miles’ administration, including concerns about equity, teacher morale, and school climate.
“This joyless, punitive model pushes kids out instead of lifting them up,” CVPE wrote, citing issues such as a sterile, AI-driven curriculum and
The legal setback leaves many would-be recipients in limbo, including Robert Holly, a homeless resident who had been accepted into the program. “I felt good about get-
heavy reliance on test prep. They also allege a growing teacher exodus and deepening inequities under the New Education System (NES) reforms implemented by Miles.
“STAAR scores don’t define real learning,” the blog continued. “They can’t measure critical thinking, true literacy, or collaboration. No number can outweigh the damage Mike Miles has done to students, schools, and families.”
Ongoing Tensions
The new contract takes effect immediately, reinforcing Miles’ leadership for the foreseeable future—unless the Texas Education Agency decides to return local control sooner than expected.
For now, tensions remain high. Critics continue to demand public oversight and independent review of Miles’ policies and performance. Meanwhile, supporters argue that sustained leadership and rising academic scores justify the commitment.
ting it, but I never got anything,” Holly said. “I do feel sorry for the families…mothers with children who could have used this to get things uplifted in their lives.”
Faye Ku, community organizer and Chair of Economic Justice at the Houston Peace and Justice Center, spoke at
the press conference, condemning the decision as part of a broader pattern of inequity. “This program never got the chance to begin,” Ku said. “What blocked it wasn’t economics or public opinion—it was politics.” She pointed to a longstanding double standard, where public funds are readily
The funds from the defunct program will now support housing, food, and emergency services—areas still facing high need. However, as Ellis and others pointed out, this type of federal funding— originally from the American Rescue Plan Act—may not be available again. “The money won’t be there,” he said. “But the need will remain.”
St. Thomas High School grad named 2025 All-American Scholar by Catholic Life Insurance
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Evan Wisnoski, a graduate of St. Thomas High School was selected to receive the 2025 All-American Scholar Award sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance, one of the nation’s top ten largest fraternal life insurers. Each year, Catholic Life Insurance awards 35 scholarships worth $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors who have not only demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and academic achievements but have also gone above and beyond in their civic duties and made a difference in their communities.
Wisnoski, the son of Jackie and Brian Wisnoski, plans to attend the University of Texas
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Heights resident Joyce Worthington of Xi Beta Kappa chapter has been elected to lead the Houston Council of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for the 2025-2026 year. Worthington will serve with board members Vice President Laurie Musachia of Laureate Eta Nu chapter; Recording Secretary Debbie Schultz of Zeta Gamma Master chapter; Corresponding Secretary Dolores Fritz of Torchbearer Alpha Delta chapter; Treasurer Carolyn Brassard of Torchbearer Alpha Delta chapter; and Parliamentarian Carolyn Kares of Torchbearer Tau chapter. Beta Sigma Phi, a women’s international social and cultural sorority, open to women of all ages, has chapters through-
out the world. Worthington joined sorority in 1977 in Holts Summit, MO, having been referred by
at Austin. He submitted an impressive resume of extracurricular activities that include working with the St. Thomas High School Baseball Team, Student Council, and National Honor Society. He has volunteered in various activities and services for his Catholic Church and high school. The scholarship is open to Catholic Life Insurance members who are also graduating high school seniors. Scholarship winners are selected based on their community service, demonstration of leadership qualities, and academic achievement. Visit www.cliu.com for more information.
MILES, from P. 1
INCOME, from P. 1
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
Little Thicket Park will soon feature beautiful hike and bike trails through the park.
Google Maps
Little Thicket Park is tucked away just south of the North Loop. The main public entrance will be on W 23rd, accessible from Ellla.
Still shot from YouTube live stream video, June 13, 2025
Submitted photo
Evan Wisnoski
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need
Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care
We offer a full spectrum of care, including:
• Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service
• Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions
• Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research
THE TOPICS.
Senior statesmen or just senile?
Lynn Ashby Columnist
“The current Congress is one of the oldest in modern history…” – The New York Times, June 5, 2025. Well, that explains a lot. Each session of the Senate is one big AARP meeting. The speaker of the House doesn’t use a gavel, he just bangs his crutches on the floor. “All in favor please wheeze aye. Those opposed cough no. The ayes have it 234 to, oops, make it 233. Let’s have a moment of silence for…” The Times’ story tells us when the current Congress was convened in January (the key word here is “current;” that number may change daily) there were nearly 120 members who were 70 or older — 86 in the House and 33 in the Senate. This includes 14 octogenarians in the House, five in the Senate. By the time Congress adjourns in January of 2027 there will be closer to 140 members aged 70 years or older. We have Gen Z and Gen X, Boomers and Millennials. I’m not sure what age fits what category, but in our U.S. Capitol we have Gen G for Geriatric. Hardly a true representative of Americans. Yes, seniority has long been the Iowa, president pro tem of the Senate. Grassley is 91 years old. In 2018, he suggested that no women were serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee because of the heavy workload. That apparently didn’t go over too well with the women in Iowa because the following week, Grassley added that he would “welcome more women” to serve on the Committee “because women as a whole are smarter than most male senators. And they work real hard, too.”
years old. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.): 85 years old. All of them have announced they will be running for reelection in 2026. Both houses of Congress have a minimum age requirement: at least 25 years for the House and 30 years for the Senate. The youngest member of Congress is Maxwell Frost, 28-year-old Democratic representative of Florida’s 10th congressional district. There have been a few calls – not from any member of Congress – for term or age limitations. Politicians like to say, “Of course we have term limits. They’re called ‘elections.’” But every time voters go to the ballot box we keep reelecting the same people.
in 1845 Texas voters elected Sam Houston and Thomas Jefferson Rusk. Today those slots are still known as the Houston seat and the Rusk seat. In 1941, when Sen. Morris Sheppard died, Texas Gov. W. Lee O’Daniel planned to serve in the Senate, but knew it would be unpopular to name himself as the interim appointee pending a special election
So O’Daniel appointed one of Houston’s sons (he had eight kids), 86-year-old Andrew Jackson Houston, knowing he would not run in the special election, so 82 years after his father had served in the same seat, Houston was the oldest man ever to enter the Senate.
Democrat, he was in the crosshairs of the elephants. They gerrymandered Travis County so much that today the county’s congressional districts go to the Mexican border and to the suburbs of Houston and Fort Worth. Doggett’s home ended up five blocks east of his district so he had to move. In one election he faced a Republican nominee, Teresa Doggett— no relation.
Rep. Danny K. Davis, Democrat from Illinois is 82. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.): 87 years old. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.): 86 years old. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.): 85
NOTICE OF DISPOSITION
The Railroad Commission of Texas has disposed of equipment and/or hydrocarbons pursuant to Section 89.085 of the Texas Natural Resources Code. Any person with a legal or equitable ownership or security interest in the equipment or hydrocarbons that was in existence on the date the Commission entered into a contract to plug the following well(s) or clean the following leases/facilities may file a claim with the Commission. Contact the Houston District Office at 713-869-5001 to obtain a claim form.
SMP Code Number: 03-290671
Operator Name: Jackson, Lawton C., Jr. Lease Name: L C J (21185) Well Number(s): 1 (API 201-31837) County: Harris
Here in Texas we rarely toss out an incumbent. Our reelection rate goes from 97 percent to 100. That must be good news for Sen. John Cornyn, age 73, who is seeking his fifth term in office. He is being challenged in the Republican primary by Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton, who is carrying more baggage than an overloaded Sherpa.
An interesting note about Texas’ U.S. senators. Since Senate seats are staggered, when Texas entered the Union
Right now Texas GOPers are quietly meeting to see if they can re-draw our congressional districts to even further strengthen their hold, which is currently 25 of our 38. This brings us to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin. He is 78 and, despite GOP efforts, keeps getting reelected. Doggett started his political career as president of the UT student body. He later served in the Texas Legislature, Associate Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and eventually in Congress. As a liberal
Three House Democrats have died in the past three months, including Houston Rep. Sylvester Turner who died at 70. Raul M. Grijalva of Arizona, who died at 77, and Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia, who died at 75. It’s not fatal, but Washington brings on “Potomac Fever.” That’s when folks go to the U.S. capital as pols, journalists, bodyguards, food tasters or whatever and don’t want to return to Wyoming (Dick Cheney) or Houston (Bill Archer, John Culberson). So some stay past their prime. Much has been made of Joe Biden’s wish to stay in the presidency at age 82. The nation’s two most recent presidents -- Biden and President Trump (79) -- are the oldest in U.S. history.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of
California, at age 90, voted no until a staff member whispered to her that a few minutes previously she had voted aye. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at age 87 and ailing was encouraged by some to retire so President Barack Obama could appoint a Democrat to the Supreme Court. She didn’t retire and Trump appointed a conservative Republican. Justice Clarence Thomas will soon turn 75 but is still on the bench. Last year Republican Rep. Kay Granger, 81, of Fort Worth had not cast a vote in Congress in six months. Why? It turns out she was in a memory care unit at a nursing home. Oh, as for Sen. Andrew Jackson Houston, he served for two months then died. Ashby is aging at ashby2@ comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its
Get your special “Periwinkle Cocktail” in support of Iron Bartender competition/fundraiser
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Periwinkle Foundation announces Iron Bartender 2025, a two-fold premier bartender competition that raises funds for the nonprofit organization. Through July 8, 16 bartenders across the city of Houston will create and feature a limited-edition, signature “Periwinkle Cocktail” that will be available for patrons to enjoy. Each bartender will create a cocktail unique to his or her establishment using premium ingredients.
During this time, $1 from each “Periwinkle Cocktail” sold at the participating bars and restaurants will be donated back to The Periwinkle Foundation. A panel of judges will score each cocktail, and the top five bartenders will compete in the Iron Bartender Finals in September.
“We’re grateful to the bars and restaurants participating in Iron Bartender for donating a portion of each Periwinkle Cocktail sold to support our mission,” says Doug Suggitt, Periwinkle’s Executive Director. “Join us in raising a glass between now and July 8th to help provide healing programs and camps for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.”
In addition to Iron Bartender, Periwinkle hosts the popular Iron Sommelier, which is the wine-tasting and sommelier
competition featuring Houston’s most prestigious sommeliers competing for the title of Iron Sommelier. This fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20th at the Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Park. Funds raised through Iron
Bartender help support the Periwinkle Camps, Arts and Survivor Programs that serve more than 14,000 children, teens and families. For more information, visit www.ironbartender.org
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Mayor John Whitmire has once again joined Reliant to mark the official opening of 23 Beat the Heat Centers in Houston. Reliant’s list of centers: www.reliant.com/en/about/community/ beat-the-heat
For the 20th consecutive year, Reliant supports Beat the Heat centers across the Houston area to help residents stay cool and manage their electricity use during the hot summer months. After two decades, Reliant’s Beat the Heat program has become critical to providing seniors and vulnerable Houstonians the sup-
Kroger celebrates 70 years in Houston with community celebration June 21
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Family-friendly event to feature $0.70 deals, 70-second shopping spree, customer giveaways, special appearances, wine tastings, and more
WHAT:
Kroger is celebrating 70 years of serving the Houston community with a fun, familyfriendly event packed with entertainment, exclusive deals, and gift card giveaways.
The celebration includes: “7 for $0.70” Deal: Seven Kroger-brand items for just $0.70 each and limited to the first 70 customers starting at 10 a.m.
A quarter of aged-out youth will be incarcerated within two years of aging out.
A Philanthropic Vision Takes Root
In response to this poor outlook for foster kids, Arnold Gacita, owner of Petra Oil Company and Petra Auto Parts based in Houston, decided to help give these disadvantaged youths a fighting chance. Always an active philanthropist, he has partnered with other foundations dedicated to homelessness and poverty over the years, including his contributions to the development of a Brazilian orphanage. When he returned home, he formed a board and solicited feedback on what services for teens aging out of the system were needed most in Houston.
Petra Cares: Holistic Support for a New Start
Using his extensive charitable and business experience, Gacita founded Petra Cares. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping at-risk youth aging out of the foster care system by giving them the tools and resources to beat those daunting statistics. Petra Cares has partnered with Lone Star College to provide a 7-week vocational automotive certification course to create the foundation for achieving selfsufficiency.
While the state helps with education, fosters aging out
ParticipatingItems
• Kroger Sliced Bread
• Kroger Bacon Kroger Bagged Salad
• Kroger Candy
• Kroger 2-liter Soda
• Single-Serve Cupcakes in the Bakery
• Private Selection French Baguette 70th Anniversary Shopping Spree:
• Shoppers can enter to win a 70-second Kroger shopping spree via Instagram in advance of the celebration.
The three winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 18.
Experiences & Giveaways: Wine tastings + DIY charcuterie board station
• Houston Texans appearances, including Toro, cheerleaders, and a legend
rarely take advantage of it. In their hierarchy of needs, education is not the first priority. Instead, what is more urgent and time-sensitive are questions like, “Where am I going to sleep now?” or “How am I going to eat?” Petra Cares believes in a holistic approach. The organization coordinates and interfaces with other local agencies to ensure that basic housing, food and transportation needs are met while the teens are training, along with providing a stipend for day-today living. Gacita knew well that master mechanics can earn in the six figures, so Petra Cares is a path to financial independence and success, not just a stepping stone, for the right individual.
Leadership With Heart and Purpose
Brian Meza is the Executive Director at Petra Cares. His religious upbringing and entrepreneurial spirit drive his dedication to making a difference, one youth at a time.
“We are teaching them to fish by supplying the pole and giving them the encouragement and confidence to master their fate.” he said. “Because we love and care about them.”
For some of these kids, with no family or support system, these words are true gold. Meza said his proclivity is to help everyone, but there has to be vetting in a program like this.
“Petra Cares is not for ev-
Kid-friendly activities, including balloon artists and caricature drawings Winfield’s Chocolate Bar giveaways Gift card raffles throughout the day
Anniversary Ceremony: Starts at 10:30 a.m. and will feature remarks from Kroger officials and include a $35,000 donation presentation to the Houston Food Bank.
• Kroger in The Heights 1035 N. Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77008
ery kid, just as every kid is not for Petra Cares,” he said, underlining the importance of commitment versus resources. Meza stressed that Petra Cares is not in the business of giving handouts, but a dose of plausible reality. “There are kids used to ‘working the system’, and we can’t let that happen here. Our program is reserved for those who truly want to make something of their lives, but need support navigating.”
Success That’s Measurable and Growing
Petra Cares’ success numbers continue to increase.
For the first class, four of seven graduated and entered the workforce successfully. The next year, it was seven out of 11. Then, it grew to eight out of 10.
The percentages keep growing more attractive. Meza attributes this to both dedication and increased resources to help keep students on task. Without family or future, distraction is a major obstacle. But Petra Cares is determined to provide the best learning opportunities possible.
“We have transitioned over 53 at-risk youth aging out of the foster care system in just a few years,” he said. “Many of those placed in attractively-compensated roles and even some with benefits and 401Ks.”
Automobile mechanics is Petra Cares’ primary avenue for vocational training, but with a few exceptions, it hasn’t lent itself to the female foster population.
“We are currently partnering with Willie Daughters, the COO of The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, a leading provider of automobile dealership software and services, to create additional
training paths and curriculum for both the male and female foster population,” Meza said.
Community Partnerships Make the Difference
But the nurturing, encouragement and education are dependent on community business owners stepping up to the plate to recognize and reward hard work and talent. George Hamilton is the General Manager for Clutch Automotive in Garden Oaks and one of the businesses that support Petra Cares initiatives. Hamilton himself had the storybook career ladder, working his way up from automotive technician to servicing and, eventually, management. He understands the auto mechanics business from top to bottom and knows what it takes to succeed.
From Training to a Career: One Youth’s Journey
As with many small businesses, Clutch Automotive often relies on personal rec-
ommendations and referrals for hiring talent. A long-term customer shared that a family member’s close friend, Kole Grogg, was completing the automotive certification program with Petra Cares and would likely be a valuable asset.
Understanding that talent, dedication and willingness to learn were more important than resume bullet points, Hamilton brought Grogg in for an interview.
“We thought he was great and hired him right then and there,” he said. “He was our first Petro Cares hire.” Grogg has been with Clutch for six months now.
Support Beyond the Job
When asked about concerns or challenges employing at-risk kids Hamilton said, “I was actually a teacher for about six years and have seen so many kids like Kole come through my classrooms; trying hard to get it together and do something with their life, so they can actually take care of themselves. So, when I was approached with the opportunity to hire someone like Kole, I jumped at it. I was told he’d be certified, but wouldn’t have a whole lot of experience. I was okay with that; all I needed was someone with hunger, work ethic, and the desire to learn.”
Hamilton said Grogg shared
with him that he faced numerous challenges growing up, including being in and out of the system. He explained that he essentially grew up without a father figure, but Petra Cares helped him realize that it’s still possible to become a man without one. He told Hamilton that being at Clutch, surrounded by “G” and his teammates, serves as a daily reminder that he’s capable of succeeding. One of those colleagues is Caleb Lastrape, Kole’s team leader.
“He took Kole in from day one and has been supplementing his educational experience with practical hands-on experience; demonstrating and evaluating all of our automotive services,” Hamilton said. “Once Kole had all of that down pat, then I started working with him to teach him the business side of things.”
A Community-Driven
Future Petra Cares partner Clutch Automotive is not just doing a service to the community; it has become the family and support system that this young man never had. If you own an automotive business and would like to partner with Petra Cares, or need more information on how you can contribute, visit Petra-Cares.org.
FOSTER, from P. 1
Photo by Stephanie Shirley Clutch Automotive General Manager George Hamilton is proud of his Petra Cares hire and hopes it is the first of many.
Submitted photo
Lynzie Holland with Johnny’s Gold Brick in the Heights was awarded 1st Runner Up and People’s Choice during the 2024 Iron Bartender competition.
Photo courtesy of Kroger
The Heights Kroger store underwent extensive remodeling in the fall of 2024.
Pet of the Week
Jelly Bean
The Leader is excited to partner with local no-kill shelter Friends For Life to feature an adoptable pet every week. To view all adoptable animals, fill out an adoption application, show your support through donations or volunteering, or take a pet compatibility quiz to zero in on your very own best friend for life, please visit friends4life.org.
Name: Jelly Bean Age: 8 years old Gender: Female
Say hello to Jelly Bean. After seven years in a loving home, this beautiful girl has found herself back at our shelter, and while the transition has been a bit of a shock, we know there’s a perfect new chapter waiting for her.
Jelly Bean has a stunning torbie coat (a unique blend of tortoiseshell and tabby), and just like her name, she’s a sweet surprise once you get to know her. She may take a little time to adjust to new surroundings—who wouldn’t after such a big change?—but once she feels safe and settled, her calm, affectionate nature shines through. With a gentle purr and soft presence, Jelly Bean is the perfect companion for someone looking to bring a little peace and love into their busy life. If you’re ready to open your heart to a cat who truly deserves a second chance, come meet Jelly Bean. She’s ready to find her forever home—this time, for good. Learn more about Jelly Bean at friends4life.org/ adoptable-pets/jelly-bean.
20-22 JUN
Community CALENDAR
Stay up-to-date and submit your own events online at www.theleadernews.com/site/community_calendar.html
Comicpalooza (77010)
Cosplay | Celebrities & entertainers | Food &
drink | Vendors | Check hours!
George R. Brown Convention Center
Jun 20th 2:00 PM - 22nd Jun 5:00 PM
20 JUN
Pride Month: Speaker Bryanna Jenkins and Wine Reception (77002)
Wine reception | Book signing | Honoring Monica Roberts | $10/ticket
The Heritage Society 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
21 JUN
Space Center Houston Celebrates Sally Ride (77058) Houston’s ‘BeSomeone’ artist | Astronaut presentations | Artifacts & more
Space Center Houston 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
21 JUN Health and Wellness Fair (77028)
Screenings | Immunizations | Mammograms & more | All services FREE
Harris Health Settegast Health Center 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
21 JUN
Juneteenth “Tea Cakes and Red Punch Tours” every Saturday in June (77002)
$17/ticket | Multiple start times | Guided
historic tours | Tea Cake Tastings
The Heritage Society 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
21 JUN “From Plantation to Emancipation”
Historic House Tour with Acting (77002)
$25/ticket |
The Heritage Society 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
21 JUN
NOIR Black Business Expo & Youth
Entrepreneurship Symposium (77065)
Hair & skin products | Educational services | Home goods & more | FREE admission
Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
21 JUN
Meet the Author: “Discernment, Not Decisions” by Dcn. David Dufilho (77018)
St. Rose of Lima (Parish Hall) 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
22 JUN
Open Studios: Art Square Artists (77004) 5 new artists & 14 long-time favorites | Meet-and-greet | Summer Solstice theme 5301 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
JUN Friends For Life Doggie Playgroup (77008) Weekly FREE
HAR local data by zip code: More homes, easing prices benefit homebuyers in May
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Housing inventory expands to the highest level in nearly 13 years
Houston-area homebuyers are springing into action as expanding inventory and easing home prices create new opportunities across the region. This activity is a clear indicator of the ongoing shift toward a buyer’s market.
Houston’s single-family home sales recorded their largest year-to-date increase in May. According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ May 2025 Housing Market Update, sales rose 6.8 percent year-over-year, with 9,058 homes sold compared to 8,483 during the same time last year.
Homebuyers experienced a welcome reduction in housing costs due to lower mortgage rates and a slight decline in home prices. The average sales price declined by 0.7 percent to $438,230. The median price was down 1.2 percent to $339,425. According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average 30-year mortgage rate decreased from 7.06 percent in May 2024 to 6.82 percent in May 2025. When combined with the dip in median price, buyers’ typical monthly principal and interest mortgage payment fell
from $1,839.34 in May 2024
(assuming a 20 percent down payment) to $1,773.13 as of May 2025, resulting in $66.31 savings per month or $794.36 annually.
Growing inventory provided more opportunities for prospective buyers in May.
There were 37,455 active listings of single-family homes, which is an increase of 35.0 percent year-over-year. This is the highest volume of active listings since September 2007.
“With more homes to choose from and prices becoming a bit more favorable, people are definitely feeling more confident and getting back out there,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “This shift signals to sellers that motivated buyers are engaged and eager to take advantage of the current market conditions. We anticipate
this momentum will carry us into the summer months.”
The rental market also experienced increased demand in May.
May Monthly Market Comparison
May marked a turnaround for the Houston real estate market. Overall property sales were 4.6 percent above last year’s volume, snapping a three-month streak of declining sales. This growth was accompanied by a 5.6 percent increase in total dollar volume, which reached $4.5 billion.
Inventory continued to grow, with 58,005 available properties, which is a 29.4 percent increase compared to last May.
Single-Family Homes Update, Citywide
May was a strong month for the Greater Houston housing market, as sales rose by
6.8 percent compared to the same period last year. A total of 9,058 homes were sold versus 8,483 a year ago. This positive momentum was mirrored in pending sales, which increased by 19.8 percent year-over-year.
The average sales price was $438,230, a 0.7 percent dip from last May, while the median price decreased 1.2 percent to $339,425. The price per square foot also edged down, from $182 to $180.
Active listings for singlefamily homes reached 37,455 in May, which is up 35.0 percent compared to last May. This volume represents the highest level of active listings since September 2007, when 37,500 units were on the market.
Months of inventory also rose, climbing from 3.9 months
last May to a 5.2-months supply—a level last reached in July 2012. This figure surpasses the national average of 4.4 months as reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, also increased from 46 to 50 days.
Broken out by housing segment, home sales in the Houston area performed as follows:
• $1 - $99,999: increased 23.8
percent
• $100,000 - $149,999: increased 18.6 percent
• $150,000 - $249,999: increased 12.0 percent
$250,000 - $499,999: increased 5.7 percent
$500,000 - $999,999: increased 0.2 percent
• $1M and above: increased 6.3 percent In May, existing home sales rose 5.1 percent with 6,370 closings compared to 6,059 last year. The average price was statistically flat at $458,299, and the median sales price was unchanged at $345,000.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in May Single-family home sales increased 6.8% year-overyear; • Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 46 to 50 days;
• The single-family median price declined 1.2% to $339,425; • The single-family average price was down 0.7% to $438,230; Single-family home months of inventory expanded to a 5.2-months supply, up from 3.9 months last May. Townhome and condominium sales declined 12.9% year-over-year. The median price declined 8.3% to $221,500, and the average price fell 5.5% to $265,903. • Total property sales increased 4.6% with 10,565 units sold; • Total dollar volume rose 5.6% to $4.5
Art Valet:
A day in Houston’s art scene
Well, this column nearly went off the rails. Moments from deadline, I scrapped my original piece and am winging it—regular readers are probably chuckling, “What’s new?”
I’ve danced this last-minute tango before, but with the clock ticking, here’s a colorful recap of my June 7 art adventures.
I started the morning at IATSE Local 51 in Houston’s Near Northside for the vibrant unveiling of a mural by Phillip Perez, a collaboration with IATSE, Rely Foundation, and Tami Moschioni.
IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, represents entertainment industry workers—from stagehands to film technicians—and their support for public art is a gamechanger.
Jim Capfer, secretarytreasurer of IATSE Local 51, delivered a rousing summation of the project’s mission to spark a series of murals despite arts funding cuts. The mural’s bold colors transform an old building, grabbing drivers’ eyes on I-45 northbound past Cavalcade.
Capfer surprised me by introducing himself as both a Heights-area neighbor and an art market fan—proof the Heights is small-town cool in a big city. Sitting next to Perez, I swapped info with the artist himself, who proved as dynamic a speaker as his vivid designs.
Diana Lerma Pfeifer, executive director of Rely Foundation, orchestrated the event, complete with Pilot Dance’s lively performance, led by Adam Castaneda, and Councilman Mario Castillo’s
Mitch cohen Art Columnist artvalet@gmail.com
remarks. Coffee and bites fueled the community spirit. Follow Perez at @pops. art713 for more.
That afternoon, I hit Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St., Houston, TX 77007, for Holly Nowak’s Guest Artist Series featuring Doni Langlois. I slipped in as Langlois wrapped up her talk on her rustic ceramic vases, their scribbled glazes evoking an archaeological dig.
I’ve known her for 10 years, and these pieces, blending ceramics with mixed media, are her boldest yet. Nowak’s monthly series, showcasing artists whose work complements her own paintings, is a stroke of genius.
Gracious as ever, they offered refreshments and a studio tour that buzzed with creative energy. Catch Langlois this Saturday, the 21st, from noon-5 p.m. in Studio C155. Follow @hollynowakart and @artfullifeclay. Next door in Studio C145, Annette Palmer and I tried to unravel how long we’ve known each other—spoiler: forever. Her nature- and landscape-inspired mixed media, layered with acrylics, vintage maps, letters, and beach-found twines, feels like a familiar dream you can’t quite place.
My friend was just as hooked on Palmer’s rich
Scottish brogue, which could make a grocery list sound like poetry. Admittedly, I’d listen to her talk about walking her dog and still be cap-
tivated. Stay tuned for my long-form interview with her. Follow @annettepalmerart. In Suite B105, collage artist Lisa Morales and encaus-
tic artist Stacy Gresell hosted a workshop with whimsical artist April Murphy. The concept? Everyone paints a subject—like a sea turtle—in their own style, same dimensions, then slices and recombines them with others’ work. Sounds wild, but the results are a playful mash-up of creativity. Morales’ collages popped with texture, while Gresell’s encaustic layers glowed. More workshops are coming; follow @ stacygresellart.
No studio hop’s complete without Studio B135, home to Angela Walling’s vibrant abstracts, Crystal Wreden’s serene landscapes, and Lorena Fernandez’s ex-
pressive works. Their styles clash beautifully, making the sprawling space a magnet for art lovers. Walling’s bold colors pull you in, Wreden’s calm scenes soothe, and Fernandez’s emotive brushstrokes hit you in the gut. Their hospitality and stories kept us lingering. Fernandez might edge out Palmer for longest-known artist—possibly thanks to Martin “Grumbledore” deVore, who I suspect introduced us both. Houston’s art scene thrives on these connections. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Submitted photos by Mitch Cohen
Jim Capfer, IATSE Local 51 Secretary-Treasurer, speaks before a new mural by Phillip Perez in Houston’s Near Northside.
Submitted photo by Mitch Cohen
LEFT: Holly Nowak with Mitch Cohen at Nowak’s Winter Street Studio.
RIGHT: Mitch Cohen and Lorena Fernandez toast to a long friendship at Winter Street Studios.
