Harris County Public Health Awards $1 Million in Grants to Strengthen Local Nonprofits, Including Christ Clinic in Katy
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has announced the recipients of its inaugural Capacity Strengthening Program (CSP) grants, awarding a total of $1 million to 10 community-based organizations (CBOs). The initiative aims to empower smaller nonprofits to enhance their operational capabilities, address health equity, and improve the social determinants of health—non-medical factors that influence health outcomes.
A Groundbreaking Investment in Community Health
The Capacity Strengthening Program focuses on nonprofits with fewer than 25 employees, recognizing the critical role these smaller organizations play in advancing public health. Each selected organization will receive up to $100,000 over 16 months, contingent on participation in the program and successful implementation of a capacity-strengthening plan tailored to their unique needs.
In addition to funding, grantees gain access to:
- Peer Learning and Networking: Opportunities to connect with other organizations to share insights and best practices.
- Leadership Development: Focused mentorship to enhance organizational sustainability.
- Technical Assistance: Support from VESTEDin™ Consulting Group, LLC, a nonprofit management and development expert.
- Workshops and Training: Topics include grant writing, funder engagement, and emerging tools like artificial intelligence.
- Resource Learning Portal: A digital platform with tools, templates, and educational materials to support growth.
“This program represents a transformative step in equipping local organizations to tackle the health challenges our communities face,” said Dr. Umair Shah, Executive Director of HCPH.
Meet the Grant Recipients
After a rigorous selection process, HCPH awarded grants to 10 nonprofits that demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes across Harris County:
- African American Male Wellness Initiative
- BridgeYear
- Can Do Houston
- Center for Civic & Public Policy Improvement
- Christ Clinic
- Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS)
- Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach
- Institute of Spirituality and Health
- Texas Federation of the People Foundation
- The Arc of Harris County
These organizations will use the funding and resources to strengthen their capacity to deliver impactful programs and services.
Christ Clinic: A Community Lifeline in Katy
Among the recipients, Christ Clinic stands out as a vital healthcare provider for uninsured and underinsured residents of Katy and West Houston. Established in 2000, this nonprofit delivers affordable, high-quality medical care to individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to access healthcare.
Services offered by Christ Clinic include:
- Primary care for chronic and acute conditions.
- Preventive screenings and wellness education.
- Behavioral health services to address mental health needs.
- Prescription assistance to provide affordable medications.
Christ Clinic’s mission is rooted in compassion and community service, ensuring dignity and respect for every patient. Funded by grants, donations, and community partnerships, the organization relies heavily on volunteers, including medical professionals and administrative staff, to carry out its mission.
“This grant will allow us to strengthen our infrastructure and continue addressing the healthcare needs of the Katy community,” said Lara Hamilton, Executive Director of Christ Clinic.
A Collaborative Framework for Sustainable Growth
HCPH partnered with VESTEDin™ Consulting Group to deliver technical assistance to grant recipients, employing a human-centered organizational development model. Led by Bridget Y. Samuel and her team, VESTEDin™ will guide nonprofits through key capacity-building strategies such as:
- Custom capacity assessments and action plans.
- Leadership training focused on sustainability.
- Experiential workshops on nonprofit best practices.
- One-on-one coaching to navigate organizational challenges.
“Investments in early capacity-building pay dividends, not just for the organizations but for the communities they serve,” said Bridget Y. Samuel, founder of VESTEDin™.
Supporting a Healthier Future
The CSP initiative underscores Harris County Public Health’s dedication to fostering healthier communities by strengthening the nonprofits that serve them. By prioritizing capacity building, the program ensures that these organizations are equipped to address public health challenges effectively and sustainably.
For more information about Christ Clinic, visit christclinickaty.org. Details about the Capacity Strengthening Program are available at hcphtx.org/csp.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
