From grief to support: Office of Survivor Care makes a difference with gun violence

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Akilah Davis

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    DURHAM, North Carolina (WTVD) — When the sirens fade after a shooting, the silence that follows can be overwhelming. The City of Durham said it’s working to support victims and their families long after the crime scene clears.

Ontario Joyner, program manager of Durham’s Office of Survivor Care, knows how critical that support is. The office aims to meet victims and their families with compassion and a wide variety of free resources, from mental health counseling to help with food, clothing, and laundry needs.

“Some of the services we offer are directly in response to the outcries and needs within those specific communities,” Joyner said.

Recommendations for support come from police, city services, and community-based organizations, and sometimes even from survivors themselves. The program is modeled after a similar initiative in New Haven, Connecticut.

Last month, Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews presented the fourth quarter crime report for the final time before retiring. The data showed violent crime, including homicides, is down, but for families living through the violence, the trauma doesn’t disappear.

“You’re often not even processing what actually happened until weeks or months after the event,” said Leigh Mazur of the Community Safety Department. “Often, the help is gone by then. We want to be a place for people, no matter when they were impacted.”

Many residents say they didn’t even know the program existed, but they recognize the importance of the support it provides.

“I wish there were more of these everywhere,” said Bruce Pittman. “Too often, once the funeral is over, everybody forgets about the people affected. They have to sit at home with this grief and feelings of unwell.”

Michael DePasquale added, “Gun violence has major impacts on mental health, and all the resources this city can provide are a good thing.”

In Durham, survivors of gun violence now have a place to turn long after the sirens have faded.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

2 dead after 4 suspected tornadoes in Kankakee, Illinois and Northwest Indiana overnight

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Laura Bannon, Darius Johnson, Elyssa Kaufman

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    ILLINOIS & INDIANA (WBBM) — Two people died after four suspected tornadoes touched down across Illinois and Northwest Indiana during severe storms on Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The suspected tornadoes stemmed from the same supercell, the NWS said, which tracked from Pontiac, Illinois, to Wheatfield, Indiana, and continued toward Knox, Indiana. The touchdowns were reported in Pontiac, Illinois; Lake Village, Indiana; and Wheatfield, Indiana.

Officials also said the supercell from the tornadoes produced hail ranging in size from 2 to 4 inches in diameter from Pontiac to the Illinois/Indiana state line. A 6-inch diameter hailstone that fell in Kankakee may have set a new Illinois record.

A separate supercell produced giant hail from Bolingbrook to Darien, Illinois, with hailstones measuring 3 to 4 inches in diameter, according to the NWS. The largest hailstone from this supercell was 4.8 inches in Darien.

The NWS is deploying survey crews in Kankakee County in Illinois and Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana.

2 killed by suspected tornadoes in Northwest Indiana

Indiana officials confirmed two fatalities and multiple people injured in Lake Village, Indiana, after storms hit the area. Officials said Lake Village was “decimated” by the tornado, which carved a path of destruction 45 to 50 miles long.

Newton County, Indiana, Sheriff Shannon Cothran said the people who died were an elderly man and woman from the same family. He said their names could not yet be released as of Wednesday morning.

The Newton County Coroner’s office was to issue a news release on the deaths later Wednesday.

Officials said the homes of four local firefighters in Lake Village were among the damaged properties.

Extensive damage was also caused to the electrical system, impacting 2,500 customers in Lake Village and the surrounding areas. The storm downed 70 electrical poles, making it dangerous to travel around the area.

Fire departments in Newton County started their second search and rescue on Wednesday morning.

North Newton High School in Lake Village, Indiana, is serving as an emergency shelter for anyone displaced by the storm. Officials said the Red Cross will be assisting at the site.

The Lake Village Fire Department is also serving as a rallying point.

Indiana State Police will be deployed in the area to assess damage and offer assistance.

Residents of the Lake Village area were advised to stay home if possible on Wednesday.

“We understand the human curiosity, but we ask that they also understand that their presence going out to be curious also hinders the response and mobility of the responders,” Cothran said.

Kankakee County issues state of emergency Back in Illinois, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said the county declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the damage from the storm.

The sheriff confirmed at least seven people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and no one died or was seriously hurt in the storms there.

Downey said shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, rotation was observed just northwest of Shebance, Illinois, and a tornado went on to touch down around the Kankakee County Fairgrounds.

The tornado traveled toward the Kankakee Public Safety Center and the Jerome Combs Detention Center. Downey said both were damaged, “although minimally, all things considered.”

Aroma Park residents in Kankakee County woke up to the most severe damage in the area.

Kankakee County officials said the area around the South Kankakee exit suffered the most severe damage. Officials said the tornado continued toward Kankakee Community College, where it crossed the river and into Aroma Park.

An Aroma Park resident said the suspect tornado demolished her barn.

“We had a big barn. We also got a solar farm out here in the field, and it’s just demolished,” She said.

Kankakee School District 111 announced that all schools will be closed on Wednesday. The district posted on social media that the closures were due to “widespread storm impacts, including power outages and damage.”

In addition to District 111, Kankakee Community College posted on social media that its Riverfront campus and manufacturing and industrial technology center, along with its north and south extension centers, will also be closed.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘Social workers showed up with donuts, but no housing:’ Homeless encampment closures raising eyebrows

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Chase Houle

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    ATLANTA (WXIA) — More than 40 people who had been living in a homeless encampment off Memorial Drive near Moreland Avenue say they were forced out earlier this year and left without a place to go.

Now, that lot is fenced off with no trespassing signs after they were all kicked out in February. Some say they were given no place to go, like Brandon Gardiner, who has been living in the woods off Moreland Avenue for the past few weeks.

“I wanted to get working, and I wanted to get back again, and I feel like I started collecting my tools again and started working, then boom. This happens. Then that happens. It just sets you back.”

Gardiner says the city first gave residents a 30-day notice to vacate the encampment on Howell Street in December. He says that when the deadline approached, the city extended the notice by another 30 days because of winter weather and told residents it would return with housing options for everyone.

“Social workers started showing up around five, providing donuts and not housing or anything,” said Gardiner.

Gardiner says police showed up on Feb. 21, and residents were given just 10 minutes to gather their belongings and leave.

“I lost a box of my dad’s stuff that will never be returned. I lost my dad three years ago, and I’ll never be able to have that stuff again.”

Back at the former encampment site, fresh barbed wire now wraps around the top of a fence surrounding an empty lot that some people had called home for years.

“It makes me feel real, real bad. Like, real bad, and I know it makes my family, my friends, and everybody feel bad. People were even crying about this situation.”

Quinvarious Sims lived at the encampment for nearly two years and says he was also promised housing by the city, but says it never happened.

“Where have you been having to stay at,” asked 11Alive’s Chase Houle.

“Everywhere. All over. Streets. Sidewalks. In bushes. Anywhere we can pick to stay.”

Houle also reached out to Partners for HOME, an organization leading the charge in getting homeless individuals off the streets. In a statement, Cathryn Vassell, the organization’s CEO, wrote:

“Partners for HOME coordinated pathways to shelter and housing through our CoC partners for individuals at the Howell St. encampment. Eight people agreed to housing and are currently housed or awaiting move-in. Outreach teams will continue working with individuals on housing and wraparound support to ensure individual needs are met.

Partners for HOME is committed to supporting our homeless neighbors through coordination of service providers, prioritizing outreach, housing pathways and service connections in our approach. Through this effort, we are changing the culture on our streets and in our shelters – reinforcing with every engagement that we are offering a pathway to housing and support.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Meet the goats helping kids build confidence at school

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Kaitlyn Ross

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    DOUGLAS COUNTY, Georgia (WXIA) — Having a friend makes everything easier, especially when you’re doing something hard.

For kids learning to read at Bright Star Elementary School in Douglas County, that friend now has four legs, floppy ears, and a habit of nibbling on books.

Students at the school are getting a very unusual reading buddy. Two goats named Comet and Cosmo are helping children practice reading in a fun, relaxing, and a little bit silly way.

You may have heard of kids reading to dogs or even plants. But goats are a brand new twist.

Opening a book opens worlds for children. But reading out loud can also take courage and confidence.

Some students say reading in front of classmates can feel intimidating.

“Sometimes they’ll get distracted and talk to other friends, or they’ll criticize you about what you’re reading,” said student Ian Rainey.

That is where the goats come in.

Comet and Cosmo have become the school’s newest reading partners. Instead of an audience that might judge mistakes, students read to an animal that simply listens.

“It feels funny, but it’s like, oh, now you’re reading to something else,” said student Maria Jean.

Sometimes the goats curl up beside the students on beanbags. Other times, they wander over to investigate the pages.

And occasionally, they get a little hungry.

“They like to try to eat your book,” Ian said, laughing.

Media Specialist Elizabeth Shadix says the program is about giving students a safe place to practice reading.

“It’s important for them to be able to read without feeling like they’re doing it wrong,” Shadix said. “They’re told so many times in their life that they’re doing something incorrectly. It’s nice to just have that confidence booster to come in and read.”

According to the Georgia Council on Literacy, about 60 percent of third-grade students in the state are not reading at grade level. Programs like this are designed to help build confidence and encourage practice.

The goats may nibble on pages from time to time, but they never judge a mispronounced word.

“They can correct you when you’re wrong, but a goat, they just listen,” said student Raynie Causey. “They don’t think anything is wrong.”

Students say that simple difference makes reading feel calmer and more enjoyable.

“I feel like they actually know what I’m saying,” Raynie said.

Bright Star Elementary Principal Heather Fields says the idea was an easy decision when Shadix brought it forward.

“I love that Ms. Shadix always has innovative ways to encourage and engage students,” Fields said. “When she asked about getting Reading Goats, it was an immediate yes. Our students benefit, and that is what we are all about.”

Fields added that Shadix also leads another hands-on learning space at the school.

“Ms. Shadix also maintains our Bright Star garden. Literally, greatness grows here at Bright Star,” she said.

The school hopes the program is just the beginning. Leaders are working toward becoming an elementary agricultural school, similar to the district’s high school program.

With goats, chickens, and a garden, students are learning in a hands-on environment that blends agriculture, literacy, and confidence-building.

At Bright Star Elementary, reading is coming to life one page at a time and sometimes one nibble at a time.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Owner of Pope Leo’s childhood church, school, pushing to preserve buildings

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Noel Brennan

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — There’s a push to save Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church and school after it made Preservation Chicago’s Most Endangered list last week.

The annual Chicago 7 Most Endangered list sounds the alarm on buildings and structures that are imminently threatened.

Now, St. Mary of the Assumption is at risk of being demolished.

“It’s still surreal to me,” said Joe Hall.

When Hall bought the abandoned church, he didn’t expect the spotlight.

“Nature-made sunroof on top of the church,” he said.

St. Mary of the Assumption in Riverdale hasn’t hosted a mass since 2011.

“The one thing that remained constant and still intact are the beautiful stained-glass windows,” Hall said.

The forgotten church and old school building are suddenly the focus of attention for good reason. It’s where Pope Leo XIV went to school and to church.

“To know that an actual pope walked through these hallways and in these classrooms is amazing,” he said.

Hall is committed to preserving the place.

“This is my opportunity to sort of give back to what was poured into me a long time ago,” Hall said.

He’s counting on help from a second spotlight.

“Recently, it’s been announced that we are part of the Chicago 7 now,” he said.

The church and its campus are on the Preservation Chicago list of most endangered buildings.

“We spotlight them if you will, so that developers and other stakeholders can come together and realize how important these resources are and invest in them,” said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago.

A spotlight might be all this church needs.

“It really does open this up as an idea for a pilgrimage site,” Miller said.

“The idea is to turn the church into what’s called an oratory, a place where people can come, you know, and have intimate events, but the main thing is it will be a place where the community can come in and actually, you know, pray,” Hall said.

And someday, maybe this place could welcome back a pope.

“And that’s the goal, is to get this place up and running to the point where he can come home,” Hall said.

Empty and endangered for now, but full of possibility.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Minneapolis restaurant sends urgent plea to customers to come back to downtown Minneapolis

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Jason Rantala

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — In a popular night spot like Minneapolis’ North Loop, it may come as a surprise to learn there are struggling restaurants there, but the owners of Dario said that is their new reality.

For two years, Dario has been serving up homemade pasta and cocktails.

“We’re not going to last much longer, nor are any of the other places you like to frequent, if we don’t get out here and try to experience these places,” said Stephen Rowe, Dario’s co-owner and beverage director.

Rowe and Executive Chef Joe Rolle recently sent a message to those on the restaurant’s e-mail list, writing that the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge, combined with a challenging winter season, has caused a nosedive in reservations. They’re asking for customers to come back downtown.

“Like everybody else who owns a business around here and in the city, it’s just kind of like a gut punch,” said Rowe.

Customers, in particular from the suburbs, haven’t been coming in as much, Rolle said.

“They see a lot of things online, they see things on TV,” said Rowe.

“No one thought that North Loop was really affected, but we were,” said Mary Binkley, president of the North Loop Neighborhood Association.

Binkley said the past few months have been tough for North Loop restaurants.

“January and February were certainly heavy and that’s because people were spending their restaurant dollars elsewhere, in immigrant-owned restaurants, restaurants in neighborhoods where there was more ICE activity,” said Binkley.

Recently, foot traffic has been steadily improving in the neighborhood, Binkley said. With St. Patrick’s Day and Minnesota Twins games right around the corner, she said she is confident people will return.

“This is a place in a two-block radius where a lot of everyone’s favorite restaurants are,” said Binkley.

Dario’s owners said they have been forced to cut back on hours and shifts for employees. Meanwhile, they’ve launched lunch service on Thursdays and catering with the hopes of boosting business and saving the jobs of their 80 employees.

“A restaurant can take, you know, one or two bad weeks, but we’ve all had eight bad weeks in a row, so we’ve got a lot of digging out to do,” said Rolle.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Arkansas couple charged after police say children lived in home with feces, urine

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Abner Sosa

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    BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A Bentonville couple faces felony charges after police say children were living in unsanitary conditions inside their home, according to court documents filed in Benton County.

Nicholas Snyder and Robyn Peterson are each charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and multiple counts of animal cruelty, according to affidavits filed in Benton County Circuit Court.

Officers with the Bentonville Police Department were dispatched March 2 to a home on Southwest Stonegrove Road for a welfare check after a report of possible poor living conditions and physical abuse, according to the court documents.

When officers entered the home, they reported smelling strong odors of ammonia and animal urine and observed dried urine, feces and trash on floors throughout the home, according to the affidavits.

Investigators also reported dirty diapers scattered throughout the home and said young children were running around barefoot, wearing only diapers. The documents state the children had bruises and scratches on their bodies and were in an environment where cleaning chemicals and animal waste were within reach.

Police also found several animals inside the home, including five dogs and three cats, according to the affidavits. Bentonville Animal Services responded and described the home as unfit for animals to live in, the documents state.

Authorities contacted the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and investigators placed a hold on the children, according to the affidavits. Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children investigators are also involved in the case.

A judge later found probable cause for arrest warrants for Snyder and Peterson on the charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and cruelty to animals, according to the Benton County court filings.

Both defendants have been appointed public defenders, according to court records.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Mother’s home birth experience highlights challenges with rising trend

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Rachel Whelan

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — A growing number of families are choosing home births, often seeking a more personal and comfortable environment during labor.

But when complications arise, and a hospital transfer becomes necessary, that transition can add unexpected stress.

For one Cincinnati-area mother, the experience raised larger questions about how home birth providers and hospitals coordinate care.

Maria Ibarra planned to welcome her daughter, Joy, with the team at the Cincinnati Birth Center. It was her second birth with the midwives there.

Ibarra said her decision to pursue a home birth was shaped in part by her own experiences growing up.

“As a young girl, I was in the hospital a lot with skin stuff,” she said. “I didn’t feel that sense of comfort when it comes to making a choice like that during a very vulnerable time.”

Midwife Meghan Nowland said many families are making similar choices.

“We saw a huge 300% increase with COVID,” Nowland said. “And then that did go down a little bit, but it’s still continued to be a popular thing.”

The Cincinnati Birth Center said it only works with low-risk pregnancies and that every family has a plan in place to transfer to a hospital if complications arise.

That plan was put to the test in July when Ibarra went into labor.

During labor, midwives noticed something concerning: the baby’s heart rate was dropping. Nowland says they called a nearby hospital while preparing for a transfer.

“The nurse there said that they don’t take walk-ins,” Nowland said.

She said they were already on their way to another hospital nearby.

“That was the second hospital we called, and they had a fantastic experience there,” Nowland said.

About an hour later, baby Joy was born healthy.

An NBC News investigation found that while many home birth transfers are not emergencies, coordination between home birth providers and hospitals can sometimes present challenges.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 10 to 25 percent of planned home births result in a hospital transfer.

Midwives say communication between providers is key to keeping both mothers and babies safe.

“The thing that makes it safest is when we can all communicate with each other and work professionally together,” Nowland said.

Medical experts say anyone considering a home birth should talk through the risks with their provider and make sure a clear emergency transfer plan is in place.

WLWT reached out to the local hospital Nowland said initially declined the transfer. A spokesperson told WLWT the hospital welcomes and accepts all patients without exception.

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Ohio restaurant celebrates World War II veteran’s 100th birthday

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Brian Hamrick

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    WEST CHESTER, Ohio (WLWT) — Mert Gassert, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday at the Back Porch Restaurant, where he is treated like a celebrity and has been a cherished customer for decades.

“He is the man, the myth, the legend,” said a guest at the celebration.

Gassert’s birthday was marked by nearly 100 friends and family members who gathered to honor him.

He has a personalized plaque on his seat at the bar, a drink named after him called “The Mert,” and even merchandise bearing his name.

“I got a lot of friends for an old man,” Gassert joked.

Ron Holliday, Gassert’s nephew, noted his uncle’s charisma and the way he interacts with others.

“I believe he’s treated that way because of how he responds to everybody else,” Holliday said.

The celebration featured special decorations, and friends and family traveled from across the country to be part of the occasion. “He’s very special around here,” said Back Porch employee Barbie Stanton.

To mark his 100 years, Gassert handed over his car keys, giving up his spot in the driver’s seat but not his seat at the end of the bar at the Back Porch.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Houston Area Urban League Welcomes Kelly P. Hodges to Lead Fund Development and Communications

CNN Newsource on March 10, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    March 10, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit, civic pride, and commitment to community advancement, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) has added a powerhouse leader to its executive team. The organization recently announced the appointment of Kelly P. Hodges as its new Director of Fund Development and Communications, a move that signals both strategic momentum and a renewed commitment to expanding opportunity across Greater Houston.

With more than two decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, Hodges arrives with a reputation for turning vision into impact. Her career reflects a dynamic blend of fundraising expertise, strategic communications leadership, and mission-driven advocacy—precisely the kind of leadership that aligns with the Urban League’s longstanding mission of advancing economic empowerment and educational opportunity.

A Proven Leader in Philanthropy and Community Engagement

As Director of Fund Development and Communications, Hodges will guide the organization’s fundraising strategy, oversee major gifts and corporate partnerships, and lead marketing and communications efforts that elevate the visibility and influence of HAUL’s programs.

Working closely with President and CEO Judson W. Robinson III, the executive leadership team, and the Board of Directors, she will help drive philanthropic investment and deepen relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners committed to building a more equitable Houston.

“Kelly’s depth of experience in fund development and strategic communications makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” Robinson said. “Her ability to build meaningful relationships, secure transformational funding, and amplify organizational impact will play a critical role as we continue expanding opportunity and advancing economic mobility for individuals and families throughout Greater Houston.”

A Career Built on Impact

Hodges’ professional journey reads like a masterclass in mission-driven leadership. Before joining the Houston Area Urban League, she served as Interim Executive Director of the NNPA Fund, where she helped advance national fundraising initiatives supporting Black-owned media institutions across the country.

Her previous leadership roles also include Regional Director of Philanthropy for the Coast Guard Foundation, where she successfully raised more than $2.5 million in major gifts from Fortune 500 corporations and high-net-worth donors.

Throughout her career, Hodges has held senior development and communications roles with several nationally respected organizations, including:

YMCA of Greater Houston American Heart Association Sisters Network® Inc. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center In these roles, she led multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, health equity initiatives, strategic communications programs, and community partnerships designed to improve lives and strengthen communities.

A Personal Commitment to Community Leadership

For Hodges, leadership is not confined to the boardroom. Her service extends deeply into the civic fabric of Houston.

She currently serves as a member of the Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees, helping shape educational policy and opportunity for thousands of students. She is also a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, an organization long known for its commitment to service and scholarship.

Her faith and community roots are equally strong. Hodges is an active member of Holman Street Baptist Church, located in Houston’s historic Third Ward—one of the city’s most culturally significant communities.

“I am honored to join an organization with such a powerful legacy of advocacy and service,” Hodges said. “I look forward to strengthening partnerships, expanding our philanthropic footprint, and ensuring the Houston Area Urban League’s impact remains visible, measurable, and sustainable for generations to come.”

Recognized Excellence

Hodges’ leadership and contributions have earned recognition across Houston’s civic and media landscape. She has been named a Top Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professional by D-Mars Magazine, honored as one of Houston’s Top 25 Women by Rolling Out Magazine, and featured in the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston.

Her work and influence have also been highlighted in prominent publications including Forward Times, Houston Defender, and Houston Style Magazine.

The Urban League’s Mission Continues

Founded in 1968, the Houston Area Urban League remains one of the region’s most influential community-based organizations dedicated to empowering African Americans and underserved communities.

As an affiliate of the National Urban League and a United Way agency, HAUL provides direct services and advocacy across Greater Houston through programs focused on:

Workforce development Education and youth services Financial empowerment Housing assistance Small business support Health equity initiatives Through strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, and faith-based organizations, the Houston Area Urban League continues to strengthen families, build sustainable careers, and expand economic mobility across the region.

With Kelly P. Hodges now helping lead the organization’s fundraising and communications strategy, the future looks brighter than ever for Houston families seeking opportunity, empowerment, and a path forward.

For more information or to support the Houston Area Urban League’s mission, visit haul.org .

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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