SHAPE Community Center is a historic Houston institution dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities through education, cultural enrichment, advocacy, and collective action. For more than five decades, SHAPE has served Houston’s Third Ward and the broader community by creating programs and gathering spaces rooted in unity, self determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

The center provides youth enrichment, family support, cultural education, workshops, support groups, community resources, and activities designed to improve quality of life. Its programs help young people build confidence, develop academic and leadership skills, explore cultural identity, and form meaningful connections with caring adults and peers.

Parents, families, and community members can access educational opportunities, support networks, legal consultations, homebuyer workshops, cultural celebrations, and other programs offered according to current availability. SHAPE also brings residents, organizations, educators, advocates, and community leaders together to address shared needs and create pathways toward lasting progress.

Cultural preservation is central to SHAPE’s mission. Through educational programming, celebrations, arts activities, and community traditions, the center honors the history and contributions of people of African descent while welcoming all people who share its commitment to stronger families and healthier communities.

SHAPE also offers community space for eligible meetings, classes, conferences, celebrations, and special events. Its facilities provide an important place for people to gather, learn, organize, and build relationships in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward.

Following significant fire damage to the Nia Becnel Family Center, SHAPE continues its restoration efforts while resuming programs as space and resources allow. Visitors should contact the center directly to confirm current program schedules, service availability, facility access, and registration requirements.

Whether you are seeking youth enrichment, family resources, cultural education, community support, volunteer opportunities, or a meaningful way to invest in Houston families, SHAPE Community Center provides a powerful connection to service, history, and collective progress.

Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities shape a stronger future.

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