The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing an Agreement between the City of Houston (City) and Wesley Community Center, Inc. of Texas (Wesley), providing up to $125,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for an Early Childhood Education and Out of School Time program for low-to-moderate income families through Wesley Day School and Kurtz Education/Recreation Center.  

The Early Childhood Education and Out of School Time program will serve 21 unique children. Early childhood education includes an evidenced-based curriculum for infants up to 4 years old. The program consists of a combination of various scheduled activities such as twice-a-day Center Time (free play), twice-a-day Circle Time (group activities such as story time), outside play (two times a day), meal/snack time, and nap time. Four to six activity centers are designed within each classroom and may include dramatic play, building, arts and crafts, reading, and math. Staff also engage with the children’s parents to assist them in learning and using activities and interactions with their young children that further these developmental advances.  

The Out-of-School Time program provides services to school-age children from kindergarten through 12 years old. Wesley’s Youth Program offers a safe place for children to participate in quality after-school and summer activities, with a multipurpose focus on academic support, healthy lifestyles, social and emotional learning, and enrichment activities. Other program supports include healthy food, afterschool transportation from local schools, and opportunities to participate in social-emotional development activities and support groups.  

The agency also provides wrap-around services for parents through other Wesley programs including food, housing assistance (rent, utilities), employment services, adult education, benefit enrollment assistance, and financial management (financial coaching/workshops). 

HCD conducted a Notice of Funding Availability for Childcare and Out-of-School Time Programming in May 2024, with the option for renewal of up to a one-year increment at the City’s discretion. Wesley was one of the agencies selected. The Agreement term will provide funding from the Date of Countersignature through October 31, 2025. Wesley has received funding from the City of Houston since 2022 and has no findings.

Fiscal Note: 

No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.  

This item was reviewed by the Housing and Affordability Committee on October 15, 2024. 

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Michael Nichols, Director