[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE OCCASION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE S.H.A.P.E. COMMUNITY CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Self-Help 
for African People Through Education, Inc., more commonly known as the 
S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, of Houston, Texas, on the occasion of its 
30th anniversary. On Saturday, May 13, 2000, S.H.A.P.E. will celebrate 
30 years of commitment and service to strengthening Black families, the 
community and the nation.
  S.H.A.P.E.'s successful growth is a result of the exemplary services 
the center provides and offers to area residents. Founded in 1969, 
chartered by the State of Texas in 1971, and classified by the IRS as a 
501(c)(3) organization, S.H.A.P.E. started as a summer enrichment 
program for youth promoting knowledge of, pride in, and respect for 
their African heritage. Since its inception, S.H.A.P.E. has been 
involved in the creation, implementation and operation of education, 
cultural enrichment, employment, economic development, and crime/
juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
  In the spring of 1974, S.H.A.P.E. purchased what was once its main 
building, located at 3815 Live Oak. Remodeled in 1993, this building is 
now called the S.H.A.P.E. Family Center. It has an art gallery, cafe, 
small classrooms/meeting areas, a library, and performance space for 
cultural, educational and other community events. In 1993, S.H.A.P.E. 
purchased a building at 3903 Almeda called the S.H.A.P.E. Harambee 
Building which houses the business office and economic development 
programs. The Harambee Building has a major community space that can 
seat up to 500 people. Public events from town hall meetings to plays 
to Kwanzaa Celebrations have been held at both locations over the 
years.
  S.H.A.P.E. has two major programs: the Family Strengthening & 
Empowerment Program (FSEP) and the Community Empowerment Program (CEP). 
The major components of the FSEP include After-School and Summer 
Enrichment programs for children and a Parents Rites of Passage program 
for adults. Forming the core of the CEP are the Cultural Arts Program 
(Community Festivals, Celebrations and Ceremonies), Annual Events, 
Economic Development, and Community Organizing, Outreach & Partnership 
activities.
  S.H.A.P.E. Community Center has been able to provide these services 
over the past 30 years because of in-kind contributions and volunteers. 
Throughout the years, many diverse organizations, groups, businesses 
and governmental agencies have helped S.H.A.P.E. in its efforts to meet 
the community needs, and I commend each and every one of them who, over 
the past 30 years, has helped to make S.H.A.P.E. a model community 
center.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the 
spirit of service that has flourished at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center 
over the past 30 years, and to join me in congratulating Self-Help for 
African People through Education, Inc., on its 30th anniversary.

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