Sunnyside

Sunnyside Stories

• Share Grand Opening of Sunnyside’s Newest Little Library on Facebook Share Grand Opening of Sunnyside’s Newest Little Library on Twitter Share Grand Opening of Sunnyside’s Newest Little Library on Linkedin Email Grand Opening of Sunnyside’s Newest Little Library link

  Grand Opening of Sunnyside’s Newest Little Library

  by lindsey.williams, almost 4 years ago
  

  In April 2022 the South Union CDC Solar Outdoor classroom held a grand opening event for Sunnyside’s newest little library. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes worldwide.

  Ben Litofsky constructed and donated a new little library to the Sunnyside Complete Community as his Bar Mitzvah project. Ben reached out to the Complete Communities team to identify a site that would be able to receive the donation and greatly benefit. His focus was to promote literacy for all and help amplify an area that the Kid's Meal team was trying... Continue reading

  In April 2022 the South Union CDC Solar Outdoor classroom held a grand opening event for Sunnyside’s newest little library. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes worldwide.

  Ben Litofsky constructed and donated a new little library to the Sunnyside Complete Community as his Bar Mitzvah project. Ben reached out to the Complete Communities team to identify a site that would be able to receive the donation and greatly benefit. His focus was to promote literacy for all and help amplify an area that the Kid's Meal team was trying to expand in. He was presented with proclamations from the Precinct One Team and Councilmember Dr. Carolynn Evans Shabazz.

  The Kid's Meals team provided healthy lunches and taught residents how you can enroll in their free food delivery program, focusing on pre-school age children. To learn more visit: www.kidsmealsinc.org

  To learn more about the solar outdoor classroom and tap into all of their exciting sustainable community efforts visit here: https://www.southunioncdc.org/
• Share DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS ANNOUNCES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATION on Facebook Share DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS ANNOUNCES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATION on Twitter Share DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS ANNOUNCES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATION on Linkedin Email DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS ANNOUNCES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATION link

  DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS ANNOUNCES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATION

  by lindsey.williams, over 4 years ago
  

  
  

  The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the inaugural Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Fall 2021 graduation. Twenty-three graduates were honored at a graduation ceremony held on December 1, 2021 at the Houston Public Library Barbara Bush Literary Plaza. The ceremony featured brief remarks by representatives of DON, the Mayor’s Office, and City Council Districts F and At-Large 2, and the presentation of certificates of course completion to the graduates.
  
  HOUSTON - The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the inaugural Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Fall 2021 graduation. Twenty-three graduates were honored at... Continue reading

  
  

  The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the inaugural Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Fall 2021 graduation. Twenty-three graduates were honored at a graduation ceremony held on December 1, 2021 at the Houston Public Library Barbara Bush Literary Plaza. The ceremony featured brief remarks by representatives of DON, the Mayor’s Office, and City Council Districts F and At-Large 2, and the presentation of certificates of course completion to the graduates.
  
  HOUSTON - The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the inaugural Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Fall 2021 graduation. Twenty-three graduates were honored at a graduation ceremony held on December 1, 2021 at the Houston Public Library Barbara Bush Literary Plaza. The ceremony featured brief remarks by representatives of DON, the Mayor’s Office, and City Council Districts F and At-Large 2, and the presentation of certificates of course completion to the graduates.
  
  
  Complete Communities University graduates happily pose after the graduation ceremony held at the Barbara Bush Literary Plaza on December 1, 2021.
  
  The graduates completed an eight-week leadership training course designed to empower civic leaders and promote civic action in Houston neighborhoods. They represent new and emerging leadership in City Council Districts A, B, C, D, F, G, H, and I, including Mayor’s Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities of Alief, Near Northside, Magnolia, Kashmere, and Sunnyside.
  “Over eight weeks, you have demonstrated your leadership and commitment to making a positive impact on communities,” said Shannon Buggs, director of Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities initiative. “I applaud your decision to develop your leadership skills by learning more about civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education and diving into how city and county government function and impact neighborhoods.”
  DON assistant director Landon Taylor, who developed the CCU course curriculum, congratulated the graduates. “As the first cohort of Complete Communities University, you have stepped up and shown up,” said Taylor. “Remember, the work that you do will be both transformational and generational, for your advocacy will impact your neighborhood now, and most powerfully, your work will be felt for generations to come.“
  DON director TaKasha Francis stressed that to be an effective leader one must commit to a purpose and carry out an active role in person. “Everybody has a purpose in life,” said Francis. “Your purpose and the service you choose to provide is derived from the gifts, skills, and abilities that each of you have. It entails understanding and ‘overstanding’ your commitment to a cause. ”Alluding to values espoused by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, the director stated, “As you carry out your work, keep in mind that there is a time for peaceful and conciliatory action and a time to make some noise to be recognized.”
  
  Complete Communities University
  Class of Fall 2021 Graduates
  
  Luis Adame, City Council District C
  Angel Akins, City Council District G
  Debbie Allen, City Council District B
  Arlinda Arriaga, City Council District H
  Ricky Cardenas, City Council District H
  Isaac Eguia, City Council District F
  Daniella Flanagan, City Council District B
  Maria Franco, City Council District I
  Gustavo Garcia, City Council District C
  Tadeo Huerta, City Council District C
  Eric Hudson-Thomas, City Council District B
  Trévoir Hudson-Thomas, City Council District B
  Adiaha Itauma, City Council District F
  Robert Jackson, City Council District F
  Shay Jones, City Council District H
  Catherine Kocses, City Council District A
  Melissa Kyle, City Council District C
  Virginia Lambert, City Council District A
  Sarah Mallams, City Council District I
  Hannah Mannion, City Council District A
  Edidiong Obot, City Council District F
  Stephanie Rogers, City Council District
  Jessica Shittu, City Council District D - Congratulations to our SUNNYSIDE graduate!
  
  Next CCU Application Deadline: February 11, 2022
  The Complete Communities University course will be offered on a quarterly basis. The winter 2022 session will run from March 2 to April 20, 2022. Interested Houston residents are invited to apply for enrollment in the course. The application deadline is Friday, February 11, 2022.

  To apply, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods and click on Complete Communities University.
  
  About Complete Communities University
  The Complete Communities University (CCU) program was introduced in 2018 by the Planning and Development Department as part of Mayor Sylvester Turner's Complete Communities initiative. The Department of Neighborhoods revamped and relaunched the program this fall. The CCU program consists of an eight-week leadership training course for emerging and aspiring civic leaders who reside in Houston. The course sessions are conducted online, and the course is offered on quarterly basis. The objectives of the CCU initiative are to coach emerging leaders on civic engagement methods and techniques, cultivate a positive relationship between the City of Houston and community leaders, and promote the participation of residents in civic activities to help vitalize neighborhoods.
  
  
  
  
  
• Share Two Houston Artists Selected to Commission Works For New Sunnyside Multi-Service Center on Facebook Share Two Houston Artists Selected to Commission Works For New Sunnyside Multi-Service Center on Twitter Share Two Houston Artists Selected to Commission Works For New Sunnyside Multi-Service Center on Linkedin Email Two Houston Artists Selected to Commission Works For New Sunnyside Multi-Service Center link

  Two Houston Artists Selected to Commission Works For New Sunnyside Multi-Service Center

  by lindsey.williams, over 4 years ago
  

  The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) announced today the selection of two local artists whose work will become an integral part of the new Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center. Creative concepts from Houston-based visual artists Jesse Lott and Irene Antonia Diane Reece were selected out of more than 92 artists and artists groups for commissioning and will debut with the opening of the new facility. "Our city's multi-service centers provide social services for communities in Houston and address the needs and well-being of multiple generations – from our elders to our young mothers and their children,"

  ... Continue reading

  The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) announced today the selection of two local artists whose work will become an integral part of the new Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center. Creative concepts from Houston-based visual artists Jesse Lott and Irene Antonia Diane Reece were selected out of more than 92 artists and artists groups for commissioning and will debut with the opening of the new facility. "Our city's multi-service centers provide social services for communities in Houston and address the needs and well-being of multiple generations – from our elders to our young mothers and their children," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "Having artwork that captures the unique character of our local communities and the richness of our histories and cultures will make our multi-service centers feel like an extension of home." Houston renowned artist, a long-time Fifth Ward resident, and recently named Texas State three-dimensional artist for 2022 Jesse Lott, will create The Dreamcatcher, a sculpture to be installed on the exterior of the center. The community will have a hand in deciding key elements of this work. "The voices of local residents will help guide the central imagery of the sculpture—whether it's a sun, a family, or another element that encompasses the spirit of Sunnyside," said Lott. "The community will also be engaged to source materials that are authentic to the neighborhood for incorporation into The Dreamcatcher." Native Houstonian, contemporary artist, and visual activist Reece will produce That Sunnyside Pride, a collection of original photographs to be featured in the interior public entrance of the center. Reece plans to invite the community to be a part of the photography selection process to ensure historical and present-day attributes of Sunnyside are represented. "It's important that this body of work showcases every aspect of [Sunnyside's] authenticity," said Reece. "I want to include and uplift the community's multi-generational voices by featuring the families, community leaders, and historical sites that makeup Sunnyside." "We are more than excited to see art commissions developed for the City by such accomplished artists and are embracing this work as a tremendous opportunity to support intergenerational collaboration and to encourage community engagement for the sake of art," said MOCA director Necole Irvin. "Both artists will bring to our collection artworks imbued with qualities and characteristics unique to Sunnyside, borne from their working closely with residents from the neighborhood." Operated by the Houston Health Department, the Center will provide social services, including educational and technology resources, access to healthy nutrition, senior services, and more. The Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center art project was made possible through the City of Houston's Civic Art Program, managed by MOCA, which provides exciting opportunities for Houstonians and visitors to engage with art in public spaces. Under contract and in partnership with MOCA, Houston Arts Alliance administers these city-funded public opportunities to acquire, manage and conserve the City of Houston's public art pieces. MOCA congratulates these visionary artists as they embark on their projects and thanks all applicants for their dedication to the arts in Houston. About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA. About Houston Arts Alliance Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture organization whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA also executes privately funded special projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation, research on the state of the arts in Houston, and temporary public art projects that energize neighborhoods. To learn more about HAA, visit www.houstonartsalliance.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonArtsAlliance.
• Share Dumpstoppers Clean up by Sunnyside Neighborhood Taskforce Huge Success on Facebook Share Dumpstoppers Clean up by Sunnyside Neighborhood Taskforce Huge Success on Twitter Share Dumpstoppers Clean up by Sunnyside Neighborhood Taskforce Huge Success on Linkedin Email Dumpstoppers Clean up by Sunnyside Neighborhood Taskforce Huge Success link

  Dumpstoppers Clean up by Sunnyside Neighborhood Taskforce Huge Success

  by lindsey.williams, over 4 years ago
  

  The Sunnyside Neighborhood task force took on their first big project. This resident led effort was aided by a LISC grant awarded to Mel Young of Young Community and Culture group. Over 100 resident leaders, students, and stakeholders were able to clean Cloverand Park, Worthing High School surrounding area, and Scott & 610 intersection. With the help of Sunnyside CC, District D Councilmember Carolynn Evans Shabazz and staff, the Precinct One team, Worthing High School, and the Houston Parks Board this event was able to make a big impact in the Sunnyside Complete Community

  
  

  
  

  
  

  The Sunnyside Neighborhood task force took on their first big project. This resident led effort was aided by a LISC grant awarded to Mel Young of Young Community and Culture group. Over 100 resident leaders, students, and stakeholders were able to clean Cloverand Park, Worthing High School surrounding area, and Scott & 610 intersection. With the help of Sunnyside CC, District D Councilmember Carolynn Evans Shabazz and staff, the Precinct One team, Worthing High School, and the Houston Parks Board this event was able to make a big impact in the Sunnyside Complete Community

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share Honorary Street Marker Placed for Clifford Branch, Jr. on Facebook Share Honorary Street Marker Placed for Clifford Branch, Jr. on Twitter Share Honorary Street Marker Placed for Clifford Branch, Jr. on Linkedin Email Honorary Street Marker Placed for Clifford Branch, Jr. link

  Honorary Street Marker Placed for Clifford Branch, Jr.

  by lindsey.williams, over 4 years ago
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Sunday, August 1, family, friends, and residents of Larkspur Street in Sunnyside celebrated one of their own com with City of Houston honorary street markers dedicated to ex-Raider football legend Clifford Branch, Jr. on what would have been his 73rd birthday. The blue markers were placed at either end of the 4800 Block of Larkspur between Chain and Coffee streets.

  Branch started his road to athletics by playing catch and having foot races with his neighborhood friends up and down Larkspur. From there he played football and track at Houston’s Worthing High School and nearby Wharton Junior College before transferring... Continue reading

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Sunday, August 1, family, friends, and residents of Larkspur Street in Sunnyside celebrated one of their own com with City of Houston honorary street markers dedicated to ex-Raider football legend Clifford Branch, Jr. on what would have been his 73rd birthday. The blue markers were placed at either end of the 4800 Block of Larkspur between Chain and Coffee streets.

  Branch started his road to athletics by playing catch and having foot races with his neighborhood friends up and down Larkspur. From there he played football and track at Houston’s Worthing High School and nearby Wharton Junior College before transferring to the University of Colorado. At Colorado, after setting an NCAA championship meet record in the 100 meters, he stated "My goal has always been to win the NCAA 100 meter championship. This is my last track meet since I expect to sign a pro contract with the Oakland Raiders within the next two weeks."

  As he predicted, the Oakland Raiders picked Branch in the fourth round. He went on to play 14 NFL seasons, all with the Raiders, including winning three Super Bowls. Cliff Branch passed from natural causes on August 3, 2019.
• Share New Sunnyside Health And Multi-Service Center Construction Kicks Off on Facebook Share New Sunnyside Health And Multi-Service Center Construction Kicks Off on Twitter Share New Sunnyside Health And Multi-Service Center Construction Kicks Off on Linkedin Email New Sunnyside Health And Multi-Service Center Construction Kicks Off link

  New Sunnyside Health And Multi-Service Center Construction Kicks Off

  by lindsey.williams, almost 5 years ago
  

  Work is officially underway on a new Houston Health Department facility to better serve the Sunnyside community, a focus of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Houston Complete Communities Initiative. Read More HERE

  
  

  
  

  Work is officially underway on a new Houston Health Department facility to better serve the Sunnyside community, a focus of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Houston Complete Communities Initiative. Read More HERE

  
  

  
  
• Share Stronger Together- Two Young Black Sunnyside Farmers featured in Edible Houston on Facebook Share Stronger Together- Two Young Black Sunnyside Farmers featured in Edible Houston on Twitter Share Stronger Together- Two Young Black Sunnyside Farmers featured in Edible Houston on Linkedin Email Stronger Together- Two Young Black Sunnyside Farmers featured in Edible Houston link

  Stronger Together- Two Young Black Sunnyside Farmers featured in Edible Houston

  by lindsey.williams, almost 5 years ago
  

  Find out how two young Black Sunnyside resident farmers & PVAMU alums Ivy Walls and Jeremy Peaches are working to feed and reinvigorate and feed the Sunnyside community! Take a peak at the Edible Houston Article to learn more.

  Find out how two young Black Sunnyside resident farmers & PVAMU alums Ivy Walls and Jeremy Peaches are working to feed and reinvigorate and feed the Sunnyside community! Take a peak at the Edible Houston Article to learn more.
• Share Complete Community Meeting: 03.17.2021 on Facebook Share Complete Community Meeting: 03.17.2021 on Twitter Share Complete Community Meeting: 03.17.2021 on Linkedin Email Complete Community Meeting: 03.17.2021 link

  Complete Community Meeting: 03.17.2021

  by lindsey.williams, about 5 years ago

  On March 17, 2021, at 6 pm, the Sunnyside Complete Community held a meeting to update the community on exciting ongoing projects in the Sunnyside Community.

  The Agenda included:

  • Houston Parks Board & Precinct One– Updates for Hill at Sims Project
  • Houston Public Library – Johnson Neighborhood Library Program Updates
  • Houston Financial Empowerment Center – Winter Storm Resources
  • AIA / HNOMA Designing For Impact
  • Ivy Leaf Farm
  • FEMA to Sunnyside for Disaster Assistance Event
  • LISC Grant Opportunities Community Announcements led by Sasha Marshall

  
  

  On March 17, 2021, at 6 pm, the Sunnyside Complete Community held a meeting to update the community on exciting ongoing projects in the Sunnyside Community.

  The Agenda included:

  • Houston Parks Board & Precinct One– Updates for Hill at Sims Project
  • Houston Public Library – Johnson Neighborhood Library Program Updates
  • Houston Financial Empowerment Center – Winter Storm Resources
  • AIA / HNOMA Designing For Impact
  • Ivy Leaf Farm
  • FEMA to Sunnyside for Disaster Assistance Event
  • LISC Grant Opportunities Community Announcements led by Sasha Marshall