reVisioning our youth, schools, and communities

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The Work of reVision

The mission of Houston reVision is to break the cycle of juvenile justice involvement and homelessness among youth in Harris County by leveraging the power of community to connect them with mentors, positive peers, life-changing resources, and opportunities for artistic expression.

Everyone is transformed in this work: kids, mentors, and communities. Learn more by clicking on Our Story.

Our Story

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Back To The Beat

In a powerful display of unity, Houston reVision, elected officials, the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, and Houston's vibrant arts community joined forces for the Unity for Houston Youth: Back to the Beat fundraising event.

This inspiring evening, held on Thursday, September 26th, at the historic Eldorado Ballroom and hosted by Lucille's 1913, aimed to raise vital funds to address youth homelessness and juvenile justice issues in our city. See event details here.

reVision Programs

School

A school with a harsh disciplinary policy is a crucial reason why disconnected youth experience what is called the “school to prison pipeline.” We recognize the transformational potential of authentic, caring relationships in the lives of these youth to keep them out of this pipeline. By working with administrators, teachers and students, we offer alternative disciplinary practices, intensive tutoring, caring adult mentoring, restorative justice circles, and clinical therapy to re-engage students who have histories of suspensions, justice involvement and little support.

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Community

Houston reVision's community programming operates in out-of-school time, including after school, summers, and weekends. While at the Center, youth have access to staff members who can assist them with academics, connect them to community resources, schedule medical appointments, or listen to them express concerns or positive accomplishments. All youth at the Center are offered a nutritious meal provided by Houston Food Bank or prepared onsite by reVision staff and volunteers.

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Justice

An increase in the number of referred and court-involved youth who are on community supervision highlights the increased need for services like mentoring and family support in the neighborhoods most impacted by the juvenile justice system. reVision has had a strong partnership with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) for over ten years and has worked closely with HCJPD to provide many of the needed services to youth referred to reVision by HCJPD.

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“reVision sees the inherent potential of disconnected youth and works to empower them to revision, create and choose hopeful pathways.”

reVision Facts

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1. reVision is a community of kinship, connecting caring adult volunteers, case managers, mental health professionals, and faith communities with disconnected youth.
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2. reVision is situated in the Gulfton neighborhood of Houston, which is the most densely populated area in Texas. It is also home to the highest number of refugees and immigrants compared to other places in the United States.
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3. There is no “graduation” or “aging out” from reVision–once you’re part of reVision, you are always part of reVision as long as you want to be. Youth and young adults opt in and are never forced to be part of our community.
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4. Our staff of 20 includes 13 former clients who benefitted from the program when they were younger.
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5. reVision works throughout the school-to-prison pipeline, from middle schools to the juvenile detention centers to the adult prison system.
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6. Our newest work includes providing housing for unstably housed youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
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7. Referrals to our program come from partner agencies–Houston ISD, Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and others in the community.
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8. reVision has a Girl Scout troop that meets regularly.
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9. Charles Rotramel, our CEO, has over 33 years of experience working with disconnected youth and our partners in Harris County.
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10. As the primary partner of Harris County Juvenile Probation, we have contributed to the steep decline of youth incarcerated in Harris County since the inception of reVision in 2011.
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11. Youth as young as ten can be part of our community and often choose to be, especially those coming from refugee backgrounds living nearby.
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12. To provide a positive activity for our youth, reVision has four soccer teams–one in the UPSL for the over-18s and three for the school-aged young men. Two of those teams won State Championships in US Youth Soccer in 2023. reVision is developing a girls’ soccer team now.
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13. reVision works with over 1100 youths annually, utilizing as many as 450 volunteers.escription goes here
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14. During COVID, when we could not gather, our staff made well-checks with hot meals for the whole household six days a week until school resumed.
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15. All of our youths are food insecure, and many are academically behind by two or more school years. All have experienced trauma in their lives.
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16. On the First Friday of every month, we provide a youth group experience to young men aged 15-17 in the adult prison system.

Houston reVision partners with churches, schools, government agencies, and other nonprofits to meet the needs of our youth.

More than anything, though, we rely on caring adult volunteers. Your commitment and compassion empower our youth to overcome challenges and transition into productive and happy adulthoods.

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