Lawyer referral services
Legal services organizations
FBLC strategic partners
Resources
Online resources
Government agencies and services
National organizations
Courts and jails
Issues by topic:
Abuse
Basic services: food and financial
Children
Consumer information
Disabilities
Employment issues
Family law issues
Immigration
Parenting Classes
Rehabilitation/crisis
Senior Citizens
Women
Other: Family, Women, Youth, and
Abuse Services
LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICES:
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Fort Bend County Bar Association: http://www.fortbendbar.com/
Houston Lawyer Referral Service: http://www.hlrs.org/, 713-237-9429
State Bar of Texas: http://www.texasbar.com/, 1-800-252-9690
o Attorney Referrals: 1-877-9TEXBAR
o Grievance Committee: 713-758-8200
o Client Attorney Assistance Program: 1-800-932-1900
 For help resolving problems between clients and attorneys
LEGAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS:
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Fort Bend Lawyers Care: 281-239-0015
o Legal Line 1st Wednesday each month, 7-9pm
o www.fortbendlawyerscare.org
Lone Star Legal Aid: http://www.lonestarlegal.org/
o 713-652-0077, 713-652-5911
o Free civil legal assistance to low income individuals and families
Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program: http://www.hvlp.org, 713-228-0732
o Pro bono legal services for low income residents of Harris County
The People’s Lawyer: www.peopleslawyer.net , 1-877-839-8422
o The People’s Law School: October 3, 2009 at the University of Houston Law
Center
Houston Legal Line: 713-759-1133
o 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 5-9pm
o Spanish Legal Line 1st Thursday each month, 5-9pm
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Legal Hotline for Older Texans: 1-800-622-2520
University of Houston Legal Aid Clinic: 713-743-2094
South Texas College of Law Legal Clinic: 713-652-0009
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law Clinics: 713-313-4455
FBLC STRATEGIC PARTNERS
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Asians Against Domestic Abuse: http://www.aadainc.org/ , 713-339-8300
o Mission to prevent violence against women. Support Asian American women
and their children in the greater Houston area.
Brazos Bend Guardianship Services: 281-494-5928
o http://brazosbendguardianship.org/
o Assists incapacitated and disabled adults and their families with legal
guardianship, money management and related alternatives
Child Advocates of Fort Bend: http://www.cafb.org/, 281-341-9955
o Provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County
through the use of specially trained community volunteers and staff
Fort Bend Council on Drugs: http://www.fortbendcouncil.org/, 281-207-2400
o Providing families and individuals substance abuse prevention, education,
and treatment services they need for positive change for themselves and the
community
Fort Bend County Women’s Center: 281-342-4357
o http://www.fortbendwomenscenter.org/index.htm
o Assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children
Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels: http://www.fortbendseniors.org/, 281-633-7053
o Home delivered meals for those who qualify
Habitat for Humanity: http://www.fortbendhfh.org/ , 281-403-0708
o Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds
and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner (partner)
families
RESOURCES:

Fort Bend County Law Library: http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/branches/ll.html
o 281-341-3718
o 401 Jackson St, Room 302
o Richmond, TX 77469
ONLINE RESOURCES:
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Texas Law Help: http://www.texaslawhelp.org/TX/index.cfm
o For information on many legal issues
Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA): http://www.tyla.org/citizens.html
o Advice for those representing themselves (pro se)
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o Divorce Handbook (pro se)
The People’s Lawyer: http://www.peopleslawyer.net/qa/qa2.asp
o Index of questions and answers on a wide variety of legal issues
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND SERVICES:
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Child Advocates of Fort Bend: http://www.cafb.org/, 281-341-9955
o Provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County
through the use of specially trained community volunteers and staff
Fort Bend Public Housing: 281-342-1456
Fort Bend County: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/
o Child Support Information Center: 281-342-6222
o County Clerk’s Office: 281-341-8685
o District Clerk’s Office: 281-341-4515
o Probate Clerk’s Office: 281-341-4515
o Sheriff’s Office: 281-341-4700
o Tax Assessor and Collector: 281-341-9267
Children’s Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400
o http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/About_Child_Protective_Services
o Investigates reports of abused and neglected children
State Board of Labor:1-800-832-9243
State of Texas: http://www.texasonline.com
o Attorney General of Texas: 1-800-252-8011
o Comptroller of Public Accounts: 1-800-252-5555
o Comptroller of Public Accounts, Property Tax Division; 1-800-252-9121
o Department of Licensing and Regulation: 1-800-803-9202
o Department of Human Services (Houston office): 713-767-2000
o Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation: 713-767-2000
o Texas Department of Insurance: 1-800-252-3439
o Texas Governor’s Hotline: 1-800-939-6631
o Texas Rehabilitation Commission – Disability Determination Services: 1-800252-7009
o Texas Veteran’s Commission: 713-794-7785
o Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission
 Houston East Office: 713-943-0800
 Commission Health and Safety Hotline: 1-800-452-9595
 Appeals Division: 1-800-832-2829
o Texas Workforce Commission
 Labor Commissioner: 1-800-832-2829
 Houston Telecenter: 713-982-7400
US Government – Federal Agencies:
o Federal Citizen Information Center: 1-800-688-9889
o Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms: 1-800-829-3676
 Returns – Teletax: 1-800-829-4477
o Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
o US Department of Housing and Urban Development General Inspector: 1800-347-3735
 General: 1-800-718-3199
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
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AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Legal Services Network:
https://www.aarplsn.com
o Free consultation and many lawyers offering 20% off services
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union): http://www.aclu.org/index.html
o 713-942-8146
o Defending individual rights and liberties
Advocacy, Inc.: www.advocacyinc.org, 1-800-252-9911
o Advocate for, protect and advance the legal, human and service rights of
people with disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.eeoc.gov
o 713-209-3320, 1-800-669-4000
o Protecting against discriminatory employment practices
LAMBDA: http://www.lambda.org/
o Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender agency dedicated to reducing homophobia,
inequality, hate crimes, and discrimination by encouraging self-acceptance,
cooperation, and non-violence
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund):
http://www.maldef.org/
o Strives to implement programs that are structured to bring Latinos into the
mainstream of American political and socio-economic life
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Legal
Program:
http://naacphouston.org/site/index.php?view=category&id=39%3Alegal&option=com
_content&Itemid=2 , 713-526-3389
o Advice and counsel through Legal Assistance Program
COURTS AND JAILS
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Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office: 281-341-8685
Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office: 281-238-3372
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o Represents the people of the State of Texas in all felony and misdemeanor
criminal cases in the district courts, county courts at law, and justice courts.
Additionally, the district attorney represents the State in asset forfeiture
cases, bond forfeitures cases, juvenile matters, protective orders, as well as
aiding crime victims through its victim assistance coordinator.
Fort Bend County Courts:
o County Court at Law #1: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7436, 281-633-7415
 Honorable Ben W. Childers, Judge
o County Court at Law #2: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7438, 281-341-4446
 Honorable Walter S. McMeans, Judge
o County Court at Law #3: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7439, 281-341-4430
 Honorable Susan G. Lowery, Judge
o County Court at Law #4: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7440, 281-341-4501
 Honorable R.H. “Sandy” Bielstein, Judge
Fort Bend County District Courts: list what the court’s jurisdiction is
o 240th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7575, 281-341-8600
 Honorable Thomas R. Culver, III, Judge
o 268th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7442, 281-341-8610
 Honorable Brady G. Elliott, Judge
o 328th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7443, 281-341-4406
 Honorable Ronald R. Pope, Judge
o 387th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7444, 281-238-3290
 Honorable Robert J. Kern, Judge
o 400th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7445, 281-341-4422
 Honorable Clifford J. Vacek, Judge
o 434th Judicial District Court: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=13743
 Honorable James H. Shoemake, Judge
Fort Bend Municipal Courts indicate what municipal courts do
o Alvin: 281-388-4250
o Arcola: 281-431-1852
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o Fulshear: 281-346-1796
o Katy: 281-391-4810
o Manvel: 281-489-1229
o Meadows Place: 281-983-2950
o Missouri City: 281-261-4245
o Needville: 979-793-4253
o Richmond: 281-341-0578
o Rosenberg: 832-593-3450
o Stafford: 281-261-3930
o Sugar Land: 281-275-2560
o Wallis: 979-478-6712
Fort Bend County Jail: 281-341-4617
Fort Bend County Attorney’s Office: 281-341-4555
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office: 281-342-6116
Juvenile Detention and Probation: 713-633-7400
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Adult Probation: 713-633-5700
Federal Courts: 713-250-5500
Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 713-468-5463
Houston Police Department Dispatch Office: 713-222-3131
o Family Violence Unit: 713-308-1100
ISSUES BY TOPIC:
ABUSE
 Fort Bend County Women’s Center: 281-342-4357
http://www.fortbendwomenscenter.org/index.htm
o Assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children
 Asians Against Domestic Abuse: 713-339-8300
o Mission to prevent violence against women. Support Asian American women
and their children in the greater Houston area.
 Fort Bend County Child Welfare Board: http://fortbendchildren.org/content/about-us
o Helps meet the needs of abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County
 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
o Protecting children, adults who are elderly or have disabilities living at home
or in state facilities, and licensing group day-care homes, day-care centers,
and registered family homes
 Children’s Protective Services: 713-394-4000
o To report a case: 1-800-252-5400
o http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/About_Child_Protective_Services
o Investigates reports of abused and neglected children
 Texas Advocacy Project: https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/
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o Free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
o Family Violence Legal Hotline: 1-800-374-4673
Justice for Children: www.justiceforchildren.org, 713-225-4357
o Assisting in situations involving child abuse
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse: http://avda-tx.org, 713-224-9911
o Provide direct services to families victimized by domestic violence by
providing legal representation, education, and battering intervention programs
in Harris County.
Rape Hotline: 281-342-4357
Texas Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
BASIC SERVICES: FOOD AND FINANCIAL
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Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels: http://www.fortbendseniors.org/, 281-633-7053
o Home delivered meals for those who qualify
Fort Bend Social Services:
o http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=5780
o Missouri City: 281-403-8050
o Rosenberg: 281-342-7300
o Provide assistance to county residents with emergency needs for shelter,
groceries, medications and utilities. The department also assists with
transportation, limited medical equipment and supplies, and pauper burials.
East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry: http://www.humanneeds.org/,
o 281-261-5470, 281-261-1006
o Our mission is to address the basic human needs of families in temporary
financial crisis in East Fort Bend County
Richmond/Rosenberg Helping Hands: http://www.roserichhelpinghands.org/
o 281-232-4904
o Assistance with food, clothing, utilities on a short term basis
Second Mile Mission Center: http://www.secondmile.org/, 281-261-9199
o For needy families in Fort Bend County. Core current areas of service
include a food pantry, a clothing room, household goods and furniture and
financial assistance
Holy Family Catholic Church: http://www.holyfamilychurch.us/
o Social services: 281-499-6246
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Social Ministry:
http://www.sacredheartrichmond.com/, 281-431-0969
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, 281-207-2500
Crisis Hotline: 713-HOT-LINE
o Assistance paying utilities, food bank, or shelter
Financial Assistance Program: 281-261-5470
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Food Pantry: 281-261-1006
St. Joseph Social Service Ministry/Our Lady of Guadalupe: 281-232-5113
St. Stephen’s Ministry/First United Methodist: 281-491-6041
St. Theresa’s Catholic Church/St. Vincent de Paul: 281-242-9149
Windsor Village United Methodist Church: 713-551-8792
CHILDREN
 Child Advocates of Fort Bend: http://www.cafb.org/, 281-341-9955
o Provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County
through the use of specially trained community volunteers and staff
 Fort Bend Children’s Advocacy Center: http://www.cactx.org/local/display/37
o 281-341-9955
o Mission to lessen the emotional trauma to child victims by coordinating the
multidisciplinary investigation, assessment, prosecution, and treatment of
sexual and serious physical abuse.
 DePelchin Children’s Center: 713-730-2335
o Appointment desk: 713-802-3800
o To enhance children’s mental health and physical well-being
 Include pregnancy and adoption
 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: http://www.missingkids.com,
o 1-800-843-5678
 Runaway Hotline: 1-888-580-4357
 Texas Youth Hotline: 1-800-210-2278
CONSUMER INFORMATION
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Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: 1-800-621-0508
o http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/index.shtml
o Files on behalf of the state, not individuals
Banking Department of Texas: www.banking.state.tx.us, 512-475-1300
o Mission is to ensure Texas has a safe, sound and competitive financial
services system
Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas: 713-250-5115
o http://www.txs.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy/
Better Business Bureau: http://houston.bbb.org/, 713-868-9500
o Want to advance marketplace trust
Consumer Credit Counseling Service and Money Management: 713-923-2227
Credit Coalition: 713-224-8100
Credit Bureaus:
o Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
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o Experian: 1-888-397-3742
o Trans Union Credit: 1-800-916-8800
Identity Theft: Office of the Attorney General: www.oag.state.tx.us, 1-800-621-0508
Insurance Consumer Line: 1-800-622-8682
Motor Vehicle Information: 713-621-6274
National Association of Remodeling Industry – Houston Chapter: 1-800-876-7060
o http://www.nari.org/
o to advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product
and vital public purpose
National Fraud Information Center: http://www.fraud.org/, 512-936-7000
Public Utility Commission of Texas: http://www.puc.state.tx.us/, 1-800-888-0511
o Protects customers, fosters competition, and promotes high quality
infrastructure.
Texas Economic Development Council: https://www.texasedc.org/, 1-800-638-8270
o Dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities in
Texas.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission: 713-874-6570
DISABILITIES:
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Arc of Fort Bend: www.arcoffortbend.org , 281-494-5959
o Ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and related developmental
disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community
Mental Health Association Fort Bend County: http://www.mhafbc.org/, 281-341-5155
o Bringing together mental health consumers, their families, advocates, and
community wide service providers to provide the most current preventive
information. Open to all residents
Texana: http://www.texanacenter.com/, 1-800-633-5686
o Helping people with behavioral healthcare issues or developmental
disabilities challenges make a positive difference in their lives
Advocacy, Inc.: www.advocacyinc.org, 1-800-252-9911
o Advocate for, protect and advance the legal, human and service rights of
people with disabilities
Mental Health and Mental Retardation Agency Crisis Line: 713-970-4600
Texas Rehabilitation Commission – Disability Determination Services:
o http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ , 1-800-252-7009
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES:
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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.eeoc.gov
o 713-209-3320, 1-800-669-4000
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o Protecting against discriminatory employment practices
Employment Services: 281-344-0279
State Board of Labor: 1-800-832-9243
Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission:
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/indexwc.html
o Houston East Office: 713-943-0800
o Health and Safety Hotline: 1-800-452-9595
Texas Workforce Commission: http://www.texasworkforce.org/
o Houston office: 713-982-7400
o Appeals Division: 1-800-832-2829
o Labor Commissioner: 1-800-832-2829
o Houston Telecenter: 713-982-7400
o State government agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce
development services to employers and job seekers of Texas
FAMILY LAW ISSUES
 Brazos Bend Guardianship Services: 281-494-5928
o http://brazosbendguardianship.org/
o Assists incapacitated and disabled adults and their families with legal
guardianship, money management and related alternatives
 Child Support Information Center – Ft. Bend County: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/,
o 281-342-6222
 Office of the Attorney General: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/index.shtml
o Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division:
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/cs/index.shtml
 713-660-0085, 1-800-252-8014
 Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office – to obtain protective order:
o 281-341-3718
 Protective Order Kit from Attorney General’s Website: www.oag.state.tx.us
 Dispute Resolution Center (Richmond): 281-342-5000
IMMIGRATION:
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Associated Catholic Charities: Texas Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance:
http://www.catholiccharities.org/en/cms/?17, 713-526-4611
o Charla: information session explaining immigration laws. Following the Charla
is an opportunity for a free consultation with an Immigration Attorney or
Accredited Representative
 Spanish: 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month
 English: 2nd Tuesday each month
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YMCA International: 713-339-9015
o Walk-ins Wednesdays at Harwin location
PARENTING CLASSES
 Parenting Connections Series information: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/event.asp?sitePage=5795&id=26838
 Family Outreach, Fort Bend County: 281-242-5385
 Children Cope: 713-952-2673
REHABILITATION/CRISIS
 Fort Bend Council on Drugs: http://www.fortbendcouncil.org/, 281-207-2400
o Providing families and individuals substance abuse prevention, education,
and treatment services they need for positive change for themselves and the
community
 Alcoholics Anonymous: 713-686-6300
 Crisis, Suicide, Depression: 713-468-5463
 Grief Counseling Bo’s Place: 713-942-8339
 Family Time Crisis Hotline: 281-446-2615
 Turning Point (Drug Rehab): 713-783-5657
SENIOR CITIZENS:
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Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels: http://www.fortbendseniors.org/, 281-633-7053
o Home delivered meals for those who qualify
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Legal Services Network:
https://www.aarplsn.com
o Free consultation and many lawyers offering 20% off services
Texas Legal Services Center: www.tlsc.org, 1-800-622-2520
WOMEN
 Women’s Shelters:
o Fort Bend County Women’s Center: 281-342-4357
o Bay Area Women’s Center: 281-422-2292
o Baytown Area Women’s Center: 281-422-2292
o The Bridge Crisis Center: 713-473-2801
o Brazoria County Women’s Center: 979-849-9533
o Houston Area Women’s Center: 713-528-6798
o Montgomery County Women’s Center: 281-292-4338
 Casa de Esperanza: http://www.casadeesperanza.org/, 713-529-0639
o Educate communities and advocate for Latinas in situations of domestic
violence
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Women, Infants, and Children Program: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/
o Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and help accessing
health care are provided to low-income women, infants, and children
OTHER FAMILY, WOMEN, YOUTH, AND ABUSE SERVICES:
 Fort Bend Family Health Center: 281-342-4530
o http://www.tachc.org/About/Membership/Member_Directory/FBFHC.asp
o Targets the medically needed, but doors are open to all wishing to receive
care regardless of income
 Community Family Center: 713-923-2316
o http://www.communityfamilycenters.org/programs_TLN.html
o Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language classes, General
Equivalency Diplomas, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program, Family
Violence Prevention Program, Teen Pregnancy Program
 Covenant House: 713-523-2231, 1-800-252-5400
o http://www.covenanthousetx.org
o Helping youth who seek help – shelter, transitional housing, outreach
 Escape Family Resource Center: http://www.learntoparent.org/, 713-942-9500
o Prevent and combat emotional, physical, and sexual violence towards
children
 Family Service Centers – Central Houston Office: 713-861-4849
o http://www.familyservices.org/index.asp
o Provide individuals and families with the counseling and guidance they need
to strengthen themselves and their relationships
 Jewish Community Center: 713-729-3200
 Jewish Family Service: http://www.jfshouston.org/index.php, 713-667-9336
o Offers mental health and support programs including a specialized program
for individuals who suffer from chronic mental illness. Also provides senior
services and case management, community outreach, social and educational
programs, financial assistance programs and volunteer opportunities.
 Learning Support Center at Texas Children’s Hospital: 832-822-3700
o http://www.texaschildrens.org/carecenters/LearningSupport/Default.aspx
o provides neuropsychological and psychological services for children who
experience emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social or educational difficulties
within their daily living environments.
 Shape Community Center: http://www.shape.org/default.asp, 713-521-0641
o To improve the quality of life
for people of African descent (all people)
through programs and activities
 SIDA/AIDS Hotline (Spanish Hotline): 1-800-344-7432
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Star of Hope Mission: 713-748-0700
o http://www.sohmission.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=195
o Dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children.
Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which
focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and
recovery from substance abuse.
University of Houston
o Parent Education Project: 713-743-5435
o Victim’s Resource Institute: 713-743-8614
United Way Help Line: http://www.unitedwayhouston.org/?id=1, 281-499-5681
Women’s Hospital of Texas Education Department: 713-791-7495
o http://www.womanshospital.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=2B
9067D2-397E-4D6C-829D-69E00A907335
o Helps women and their families prepare for the physical and emotional
changes associated with pregnancy, birth and the transition to parenthood