Issuu

Black Business Impact Mural

2800 Yeager Street

A VISION FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Our Vision: To be a beacon of innovation and excellence in public service. We will cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, and we empower ourselves to deliver exceptional programs, opportunities, and services that truly address the diverse needs of our residents.

Our Guiding Principles: We are a people-centered organization. Every interaction, both internal and external, will be guided by the principles of:

• Seen

• Heard

• Valued

Our Core Values:

• Trust & Integrity

• Timeless Commitment

• Effective Communication

• Exceptional Interpersonal Skills

Commissioner Roderick Miles, Jr. was elected in November 2024 and took office January 1, 2025. (continued on page 3)

www.tarrantcountytx.gov/commissionerprecinct1

MEET COMMISSIONER MILES

Commissioner Roderick Miles, Jr. is a dedicated public servant and community leader with deep roots in Fort Worth, Texas. Elected in November 2024 as Tarrant County Commissioner for Precinct One, he is committed to service, equity, and policy-driven solutions.

Raised in a family that emphasized faith, service, and economic empowerment, Roderick was active in youth ministry at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. His father, Roderick Miles Sr., served as Pastor of Campus Drive United Methodist Church, where Roderick also served as Youth Pastor and praise and worship leader, further shaping his lifelong commitment to public service.

A Philander Smith College graduate with a B.A. in Psychology, he served as Vice President of the Student Government Association and Regional President of the UNCF Pre-Alumni Council. He later pursued a Master of Divinity at St. Paul School of Theology.

His career in public service began at Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, where he led initiatives to recruit African American male mentors, increasing participation by 75% and fostering partnerships with the City of Fort Worth, Crowley ISD, and United Way of Tarrant County. He also helped raise over $90,000 through the Greek Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser.

As Executive Administrator of Programs and Outreach for Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks, Roderick managed major initiatives addressing prostate cancer awareness, human trafficking prevention, and food insecurity. He also founded the Grow Southeast Urban Farm Initiative, leading to five active urban farms and the Mindful Market Farmers Market at Texas Wesleyan University.

A proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member, Roderick serves on several boards, including the Renaissance Heights Foundation and COACT NTX. A Leadership Fort Worth and Leadership ISD graduate, he remains dedicated to community engagement and economic empowerment.

He resides in Fort Worth with his wife Cassandra and their daughters, Danielle and Gabrielle.

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Join us as we navigate through the vibrant small business tapestry of Tarrant County Precinct 1. We will encounter a variety of small businesses, each embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and community resilience. This month’s spotlight is on Black Coffee.

Founded in 2019 by Mia Moss, Black Coffee is an awesome neighborhood coffee shop, just a block or two away from Texas Wesleyan University at 1417 Vaughn Boulevard in East Fort Worth. It offers a welcoming space for

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

Rendon New Hope Road

In July of 2024, Tarrant County Precinct 1 completed a roadway improvement project on Rendon New Hope from FM 1187 to Little Road. This roadway area had higher than normal accidents, specifically related to motorists losing control of vehicles upon exiting FM 1187 and turning right (northbound). After reviewing the accident data by the Sheriff’s Office and survey information provided by Transportation Services, Tarrant County determined that the cross slope for the northbound lanes was steeper than normal. Unfortunately, the turning movement, pulling of trailers, acceleration, and then overcorrecting to compensate for all the above factors, the end result was loss of vehicle control for motorists making a westbound to northbound turning movement.

In addition to the steep cross slope, the lanes were 10 ft. wide, no metal beam guard fence was present and steep side slopes were close to the edge of pavement. By widening the cross drainage structure, correcting the pavement cross slope with a mill/overlay, adding headwalls and a metal beam guard fence, the area was improved for motorists utilizing the roadway.

Benbrook Street Improvements

On October 10, 2024, the City of Benbrook responded to a call for projects by Tarrant County Precinct 1. This will be accomplished by an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between Tarrant County and the City of Benbrook. On January 28, 2025, Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved an Interlocal Agreement between Precinct 1 and The City of Benbrook for an overlay paving project of roadways in the City of Benbrook. On February 27, 2025, Tarrant County moved equipment into Benbrook and begin paving on March 3, 2025. Prior to the paving operation, Precinct 1 in coordination with the City of Benbrook and TexOP prepared the right-of-way including but not limited to trimming trees, inspecting and updating manholes, replacing curb and gutter and milling the roadways.

The following roadways were included in the paving project through the approved ILA: Westerly Road, Herndon Drive, Pinewood Drive, Willow Bend Road, Redwood Drive, Beechwood Drive, Cresthill Road, Hale Court, Shipley Court, Watkins Court, and Sagebrush Road. The estimated duration of the overlay project is 3 weeks. The estimated completion date is March 19, 2025.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community Healing and Mental Health Project (CHAMP)

The Community Healing And Mental Health Project (CHAMP) was established in the wake of the heartbreaking loss of Atatiana Jefferson in 2019, a cherished member of the Fort Worth community. Acknowledging the urgent need for mental health resources, CHAMP has become a guiding light for healing, striving to eliminate stigma, encourage open dialogues, and nurture resilience within Black and Brown communities.

Since becoming a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021, CHAMP has offered more than 500 complimentary short-term counseling sessions to over 130 individuals grappling with trauma, stress, and emotional challenges. Their dedication to community-centric triage services has enabled them to reach some of Fort Worth’s most at-risk neighborhoods, such as Historic Southside, Lake Como, and Las Vegas Trail—regions that have historically lacked mental health support. Through meaningful collaborations and grassroots efforts, they ensure that individuals receive timely and culturally sensitive care right where they are.

To enhance mental wellness accessibility, CHAMP proudly introduced Fort Worth's inaugural Mobile Mental Wellness Clinic. This groundbreaking initiative brings essential mental health services straight to the heart of communities, breaking down obstacles like transportation issues and stigma. The mobile clinic provides counseling and group sessions, fostering a vibrant environment for healing and personal development.

Each year, CHAMP grows stronger, reaching an increasing number of individuals and families in need. Through its Unity Healing Camps, Community Conversations, Connection Programs, and counseling efforts, CHAMP stays committed to its vision of cultivating brighter, healthier futures for the targeted communities.

To learn more about CHAMP or to get involved, please visit the organization's website at www.champtexas.org or email Founder and Executive Director Lachelle Goodrich at lgoodrich@champtexas.org.

RESIDENT OF THE MONTH

Each monthly newsletter will feature a Precinct 1 resident of the month. This month we will get to know long-time Precinct 1 resident and friend, Michael Jefferson.

1. Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?

Michael Jefferson: I grew up in Stop Six, Texas, I be a Wildcat, Who you be? Now, I live in Southeast Fort Worth near Campus Drive.

2. What is your favorite place in Fort Worth?

Michael Jefferson: All of the Eastside— that’s my community.

3. How do you give back to the community?

Michael Je erson

Michael Jefferson: Whenever someone calls, I’m there! Over the last five years, I started an initiative in partnership with local restaurants to provide free lunches to First Responders. We host a quarterly First Responder Luncheon, and I’ve recently worked with the Wingstop near Chisholm Parkway and Raising Cane’s on East Berry. Bishop Ontario Jones has also helped support this initiative. I love giving back to the community.

4. What are your hopes for the future of your community?

Michael Jefferson: I want to see better opportunities for young people and an end to gun violence. We need to work together as a community, support our youth, and give them better options.

5. What is the best advice you have received?

Michael Jefferson: Put God first.