As one of the most visible and involved community centers in Greater Houston, SHAPE has led the way toward justice, equal opportunity, human rights and institution building in the city, state, nation and the world. Because of its deep commitment to the community, SHAPE has actively sought ways to oppose injustice and to improve the community for all people.  S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education) Community Center was founded in 1969. For over 42 years, S.H.A.P.E. has survived the ebbs and flows of the civil rights movement.

S.H.A.P.E.’s journey from a small organization to one of international scope mirrors the transition of its leadership. The center, which originally had a staff of two, now supports 25 full and part-time staff and hundreds of volunteers who are the key component to S.H.A.P.E.’s success. The outreach, which began locally, has now gained national and international attention. Today, the center provides many programs and activities that serve as tools to strengthen families and communities.

S.H.A.P.E. has been honored in Washington D.C. for their efforts in combating drugs during the early 90’s. The center has also been historically involved with the organizing of the Million Man March, the Million Family March, and the Millions More Movement where hundreds of families were transported from Harris County to the Gulf Coast Area to Washington, D.C.

For its efforts in improving the quality of life for children, family, and the community, S.H.A.P.E. has received more than 450 awards including the Jefferson Award, MLK Humanitarian Award, UNCF Leadership in the Minority Community Award, Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston Outstanding Community Service Award, and the State of Texas (TCADA) Substance Abuse Prevention Award.

S.H.A.P.E. has made presentations in London, England on “Building Institutions” in 1993 and in Washington, D.C. for the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). It has conducted many seminars for HISD schools and has made presentations to over 100 schools in the HISD, Ft. Bend County ISD and Rice Consolidated ISD and others. S.H.A.P.E. has played leadership roles regarding numerous justice issues over the years including nationally recognized cases such as the Clarence Bradley Case, the Ida Delaney Case, the Byron Gilliam Case, the Gary Graham Case, as well as the implementation of a Police Civilian Review Committee.

While directing the After School Community Watch, S.H.A.P.E. and its staff have been successful in removing many hand guns and other weapons from youth on the streets of the Houston Third Ward Community, as well as transitioning those youth into functional family programs. S.H.A.P.E. has instituted several economic development programs and activities including the Black Economic Development Association, T-Shirt/Silk-Screening Operations, a nutrition program and a restaurant with catering service.

S.H.A.P.E.’s staff and volunteers have accomplished many of its goals for uplifting the African-American community and the community at large through collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, self-determination, creativity, unity and its faith in “The Greater Power” to persevere. S.H.A.P.E. recognizes that the philosophy of interdependence is the key ingredient for the community to succeed in all of its endeavors.

Youth Programs & Hours

After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP)

• Serves children aged 5–13 during the school year

• Activities include: academic support, cultural arts, STEM, sports, and Friday field trips

• Provides nutritious snacks and host biweekly parent strengthening sessions

• Run Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM during August–May

Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP)

• A full-day, 8-week summer camp for youth aged 5–13

• Offers arts, music, dance, robotics, field trips, Black History education, medical literacy, swimming, and more

• Open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM from June through August