The  Bridge

It is often said that “The American Dream is a thread in the Tapestry of Hope.” The loom of Democracy, the fabric of Hope, the weft and the warp of Justice all are parts of the process we call America. Our Constitution states ” …in order to form a more perfect union…”  implies that the idea of America is an ongoing process, constantly being reworked through the hopes and aspirations of our citizens.

The William C. Velasquez Community Empowerment Awards (WVCEA) honors the spirit of those Americans who have dedicated their lives to making our country a “…more perfect union….”  Through the inexhaustible drive and unselfish dedication of people such as our honorees, the hopes and dreams of all Americans will be fully realized and not negated or ignored.

Community Sustainability Partnership (CSP) is the 501(c)3 designated organization that will partner with organizations whose shared mission and efforts are focused on projects such as WIC to WIC (Women, Infants and Children to Women in Construction), Community Grassroots Education and Employment (CGEE), Communication  through Arts and Media (CAM)Projects and other strategic efforts that promote community self-reliance and sustainability.

It is the intent and determination of the CSP partnerships to increase the social capital within targeted areas, thus lessening the disparity in education, employment and the quality of life within areas in our community.

Strategic Partnerships

WIC to WIC (Women, Infants and Children to Women in Construction)

Statistically women are the majority in population (numbers). Women are also the fastest growing entrepreneur class (economics) and are the majority registered voting group (voice) in Texas.  Unfortunately, high divorce rates, high dropout and unemployment rates coupled with a high incarceration rate among young males leave young females with infants and children to face drastic life changes. These changes often expose the young family to life under undesirable conditions with no future, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty and dependency.

WIC to WIC is one of many strategic efforts designed to end this vicious cycle-one family at a time.  Partnering with Business, Educational and Social Teams (BEST), teams educate and prepare female heads of households to enter into non-traditional work environments. These partnerships will incorporate a multilevel skills program designed to identify and maximize the skill set of the intern (participant). After intake and assessment, each intern will receive multi-level training through a merit based program that is self-paced throughout the entire training curriculum.

WIC to WIC offers the young female head of household an opportunity and a path towards self-sufficiency, upward mobility and self-determination.

Community Build

Community Build (CB) incorporates an age- old technique of community development and inclusive participation practices. When communities were smaller and more compact, neighbors helping neighbors was a commonplace occurrence.  As society modernized, we became less socially responsible and began to accept minimum standards as an accepted norm and mediocrity as a standard practice.

CB offers opportunities for targeted areas to rebuild themselves from within.  Incorporating only the effective and efficient portions of Federal Statutes such as Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 and the Federal Youthbuild Program, CB custom fits projects to the needs of the community. Emphasis is placed on providing contracting opportunities for the targeted area small business community. Next, provide employment opportunities for residents of the targeted area and set-aside realistic project opportunities for the targeted area youth.

CB will utilize Green Building materials and incorporate Green Building techniques whenever it is feasibly possible. As responsible stewards of our environment CB introduces at every level a culture of change that will impact the environment and health of the community.  

Second chance–the re-entry solution

This great experiment we call democracy was formally introduced over two hundred and thirty three years ago. We the People, believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, some in our society chose to violate the precepts of community and need to be punished for their infractions. Others may have fallen on hard times or difficult circumstances and for one reason or another were swept into the System. Violating one’s right to life, liberty and happiness is a punishable offense, but we have historically been a society of how much justice can you afford. Sometimes Lady Justice isn’t always blind she’s just hard of hearing.  There are many citizens who proudly serve in our system of justice. These judges, lawyers and advocates are critical in preserving the sanctity of our democracy and the furtherance of our democracy.

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