Houston reVision's mission is to help youth in Harris County, TX who are caught in the cycle of the juvenile justice system and homelessness. They do this by connecting them with mentors, positive peers, helpful resources, and opportunities for artistic expression. Houston reVision works to end the severe isolation among these youth. By connecting them with caring adults, positive peers, and effective programs, Houston reVision offers a chance to envision a hopeful future.

Mentoring

reVision's mentoring program facilitates one-on-one relationships, group mentoring, and peer mentoring.  reVision provides one-on-one and group mentoring promoting restorative practices in schools selected for the Keeping Kids in School program by Houston ISD. These schools were chosen due to the disproportionate number of students on community or deferred probation and students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Other reVision mentors work with youth previously incarcerated in one of the juvenile facilities operated by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, providing support as they transition back into their communities. Research shows that the re-entry period between the institution and home is critical for juvenile offenders who may have begun making behavioral changes but can quickly regress upon returning to their original environment.

Case Management

reVision has professional Case Managers and on-staff licensed clinicians who provide specialized support for youth referred to reVision. We employ a case management approach, maintaining regular contact with the youth, identifying their needs, locating services through collaborations with dozens of community agencies, and working one-on-one to develop their plans for the future. All reVision front-line staff are trained in trauma-informed techniques, including Karen Purvis' Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI® ) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). TBRI is designed for children with a history of abuse, neglect, or trauma. It can be especially challenging for these youth to trust adults and peers, which often results in confusing or problematic behaviors. reVision program staff are trained in this method to see the “whole child” in their care and help them reach their highest potential. Because of their histories, it can be difficult for youth to make healthy life choices, and they are often angry, hostile, unmotivated, or unprepared to change problematic behaviors.

Homeless Diversion

Not knowing where you are going to sleep at night is terrifying. Seen through the eyes of a youth, it can leave life-changing trauma and manifest in behaviors that can be difficult to overcome. Houston reVision specializes in stabilizing profoundly disconnected youth and providing the support, role models, and other protective factors that allow them to thrive. Thanks to a transformational grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), reVision has expanded services to youth experiencing housing instability. We work with youth caught up in the school-to-prison pipeline - teens in trouble at school, in juvenile detention, on probation, and certified youth in adult prison. Many are in the foster care system, unstably housed, or are gang-affected. 

Educational Programming

Houston: reVision’s Keeping Kids in School program promotes school connectedness and improves student health and academic achievement through partnerships with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD). Houston reVision serves disconnected youth who are struggling with their behavior and engagement at school and in their communities. These youth are experiencing issues including extreme poverty, absent or incarcerated parents, are gang affected, and may witness violence and drug use in their homes. Many have undiagnosed behavioral health issues, are food insecure, and lack basic necessities like clothes, shoes, and hygiene items. Youth referred to reVision are, on average, two grade levels behind where they should be academically. Many of these youth are at risk of or have already become system-involved through the school disciplinary process or the juvenile justice system. reVision has significant expertise working with this youth population, particularly working with gang members and gang-affected youth.

Football (Soccer) Club

The program offers teams for U14 and U19 players, as well as an adult UPSL team. Currently, 50 former reVision FC players have graduated from high school and are either starting or returning to college on soccer scholarships, joining over 150 players who have been able to attend college through playing soccer with reVision.