As one of the most visible and involved community centers in Houston’s African-American community and the Houston community as a whole, S.H.A.P.E. has led the way toward justice, equal opportunity, and institution building in the city, state, nation and world. Because of its deep commitment to the community, S.H.A.P.E. has actively sought ways to oppose injustice and to better 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 47 years (and counting), 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.