ouston All-Stars Children's Development Program is an innovative program providing multifaceted activities for at-risk children living in the Braeswood and Fonmeadows Communities.  Together with Elrod and Argyle Elementary Schools, Houston All-Stars implements strategies for children aged 6 to 14 to deal with the stresses and pressures of drugs, violence, family abuse and parental neglect that pervade both neighborhoods.  Houston All-Stars strives to give these children the academic, athletic and social tools they need to build self-esteem, confidence and skills to interact with each other and with a wider community.

Houston All-Stars utilizes a self help philosophy to encourage growth and development in each individual as well as provide a safe, supervised place to decrease crime, increase academic performance, improve conduct and promote school attendance.

The key components of the program include:

Academic Enhancement: Tutoring in reading and math with high school scholars, college students and parents volunteering and assisting with homework.

Skill Development: Group discussions with high school and college students give children opportunities to practice the leadership skills they learn by discussing and applying them to real life situations.  Invited artistic programs include environmental and conflict resolution programs taught by nonprofit partners such as Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts and Natural Legacy; coupled with visual arts for expression as well as team building.

Enrichment: Travel, camping, field trips; environmental gardening and artistic programs that include music, drama, photography and dance.

Physical Development: Nutritional Education, exercise and training; track meets and road races (once a week from April to August), giving students opportunities to work with high school athletes, college and world class athletic mentors who grew up in the program; and to compete with other children of similar ages.

Community Involvement:  Parent meetings and community service; opportunities for parents to volunteer and teenagers to mentor younger children on a scheduled basis.

Counseling Program: The most recent addition to Houston All-Stars programming; TCP was developed by a Licensed Professional Counselor (mother of a student who grew up in the program and recently received a scholarship award) who volunteers to provide parenting support by identifying and addressing common problems such as discipline, behavioral disorders, medication, emotional issues, divorce and communication.

Each program component design is based on long years of experience, includes significant one-on-one time with adult and older youth mentors, and provides opportunities for students to focus on and achieve success with the encouragement and input of someone who cares.