Career Technology at Alief ISD

On October 29, 2019, the Sewa team visited the Career Technology Labs at both Holub and Olle Middle Schools. After receiving a donation from Sewa, Olle ISD was able to purchase 30 new laptops to staff their centers.

According the Olle Middle School Principal Nelda Billescas, thanks to this donation, “[the students will be] able to use systems that will be amazing for them as they move through school, so they’re learning… how to be successful in their college and career, and the tools necessary to make that happen. They don’t have the materials at home, they don’t have access to that unless they’re in the building. What you’ve done is you’ve just extended their learning and given them a chance to succeed, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, my staff, and our community.”

Zero Dollar Store at Villa Madrid

On Thursday, August 29th, ASPIRE Villa Madrid’s $0 Store had its grand opening to great acclaim! “I found a toy I really wanted” said Lando, “and it was ZERO dollars.”

The store was EC Liliana’s brainchild after receiving a sizable donation of new toys, clothes, and household items, which inspired her to seek out more inventory - new and gently used. She worked with the kids to set up the store, teaching them about organization, monetary value, the difference between necessities and indulgences and even a little lesson in merchandising. “It was fun organizing all the items,” said Kevin. “It was kind of like a puzzle without the picture.” “I liked folding the t-shirts,” said Jeffrey. “I saw a lady folding t-shirts at Kohl’s one time, so I remembered how to do it.” EC Carole’s only contribution was the name of the store since she threw out her back and had to leave the heavy lifting to the pros! The parents were delighted with the huge assortment of clothes and shoes for the children, the books and toys and various household items from lamps to quilts to electric kettles.

“I found clothes and shoes for all my children and they found toys that they liked,” said Cipriano. “The best things I found were an inflatable mattress, construction gloves, a lunch bag, and a flashlight. ALL NEW!”

Local Clown Entertains at Villa Madrid Center

A member of the local community gave his time to entertain the kids of Villa Madrid! Description written by one of our Education Coordinators, Carole Juarez:

El Payaso who brought the par-tay to VM on Wednesday! The kids loved him and he constantly had 4-5 kids up on stage with him participating. Attendance was a little lower than expected—only 22 with 3 of them hiding outside the door with mom because it turns out they were afraid of guys in red wigs. Afterward they had chicken nuggets, chips and parfait cups. A good time was had by all!

Sewa Dancing Stars 2019

This year, Sewa Houston hosted the second Sewa Dancing Stars event, a dance competition fundraiser to support the ASPIRE program. There were 96 participants, including solo and group performers from ages six to adult. We’re very grateful to everyone who took part in the event and all the volunteers who made it possible. Please enjoy a few photos from the event!

The full photo album can be found on Sewa Houston’s Flickr page here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmwyxpzd

Trunk 'r Treat with CKI UH

Sewa Houston partners with Circle K International University of Houston chapter to provide Halloween parties at the ASPIRE centers. Here are some photos from the event!

More photos can be found on the Sewa Houston Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sewahouston/

Thank you to CKI UH for the great time the ASPIRE students had!