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Building Lasting Opportunities through Choice, Knowledge, and Skills

Program Design and Strategy

Support to individuals transitioning from just getting by to thriving.

Life skills and vocational support to equip individuals with knowledge and skills for success.

Reduce societal barriers through educational training for individuals, groups, and larger entities.

Mission Statement:

To empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency through meaningful opportunities that transform their lives and futures.

Goal:

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Our goal is to assist individuals obtain gainful employment as they move towards self-sufficiency.

BLOCKS Board Members

Antonio Ford

Antonio Ford is a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Criminology from the University of Houston. After an extensive career in criminal justice, serving as a Master Peace Officer, Police Instructor, Sergeant then serving as Chief of Police by establishing two state recognized police departments, one for a school district in which he obtained a teaching permit to offer a criminal justice class. He created the first of its kind multi-jurisdictional police department fora Native American reservation. Antonio moved into the non-profit arena serving as the Director of Housing for Prevailing Faith and then as the Chief Operations Officer for the Anthony Graves Foundation. Mr. Ford has served as the Moody Early Childhood Center Deputy Executive Director since its inception in 2016. Antonio started another non-profit to assist individuals with skills who are re-entering society after incarceration and has received certifications through the workforce to as a Job Skills Trainer and Job Placement Specialist.

Robyn Kebede

Robyn Kebede is proud of her Houston roots, holding a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Houston Baptist University and a master's in public health from Liberty University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree with special interests in maternal and child health, disease prevention, environmental health, and implementation of public health initiatives.

With over a decade of experience in health education across non-profits, academic institutions, and local health departments, Robyn is dedicated to community work and helping families achieve optimal health outcomes. She is a certified Texas community health worker, a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and a small business owner. In her free time, Robyn enjoys exploring new dining experiences, spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, and cherishing moments with her husband and four daughters.

Karin Miller

Karin Miller holds a Master of Science degree in educational management from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a Bachelor of Science degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. She has been in education for over 30 years, serving as a pk and kindergarten teacher, Federal Programs Coordinator, Early Childhood Specialist, Executive Director of Special Programs, Assistant Superintendent for Special Programs, and Assistant Superintendent for Student and Support Programs. She was hired in June 2016 to serve as the Executive Director for the Moody Early Childhood Center, an innovative state program initiated to show the impact of high-quality early childhood education on Kindergarten readiness.

Walter Lee Grant III

Walter Lee Gant III has over 25 years of municipal and county experience. He previously worked for the City of Pasadena Police Department where he supervised and restructured the Police Property and Evidence room. He also held the positions of Community Development Administrator, Budget and Grant Manager, Planning and Grant Coordinator, Compliance Officer and City Grant Writer. Walter also served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Pasadena for two years before taking a position with Harris County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office as Lieutenant. At Pct. 3 Walter was responsible for Backgrounds, Court Bailiffs, Property/Evidence Division, Chaplain Program and Information Technology. Furthermore, Walter was also the City Administrator and Police Chief for the City of Kemah for the last four years. He has a Master Peace Officer certificate, TAPEIT certification and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown.

Anthony Graves

Anthony Graves is a distinguished leader in the field of criminal justice reform, known for
his unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change within the system. As the
Executive Director of Community Outreach for the Harris County Public Defender's Office,
Anthony brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role, having been
wrongfully convicted and spending 18 and a half years in prison, including time on Texas
death row. Exonerated in October 2010, Anthony has since dedicated his life to advocating
for justice and empowering those affected by the criminal justice system.

In addition to his role at the Harris County Public Defender's Office, Anthony is the
visionary founder of two impactful organizations: the Peer Navigator Project and Anthony
Believes. The Peer Navigator Project, a nonprofit initiative, is committed to providing
training and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals, enabling them to become
mentors and advocates within the criminal justice system. Under Anthony's leadership, the
project has successfully integrated peer navigators into legal defense teams, significantly
reducing recidivism rates and offering a second chance to countless individuals.

Anthony Believes, his for-profit consultancy, leverages Anthony's extensive knowledge and
experience to offer strategic guidance to criminal defense attorneys, community
organizations, and policymakers. Through this consultancy, Anthony provides expert
testimony, case strategy development, and community outreach, all while advocating for
systemic reform.

Anthony's story is one of resilience and hope. His book, "Infinite Hope," chronicles his
journey from wrongful conviction to exoneration, and has inspired many to join him in his
mission to reform the criminal justice system. As a board member, Anthony continues to
champion the cause of justice, using his platform to influence policy, inspire change, and
empower others to make a difference.

Anthony's commitment to justice and reform is not only professional but deeply personal.
His experiences drive his passion and credibility as a leader, making him a formidable force
in the fight for a fair and just legal system. Through his work, Anthony Graves exemplifies
the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have in transforming lives
and communities.

Josh Miller

Josh Miller is a dynamic and accomplished educator and leader, specializing in education within special populations. With a strong background in education, he has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and program management. With a B.S in Kinesiology and a M.S. in Education Management and his pursuit of a Doctorate in Education Leadership, he is committed to advancing educational practices and fostering inclusive learning environments. Josh brings a wealth of experience, particularly in fundraising, working within underserved communities, fostering relationships with caregivers of children with specific needs. He is dedicated to making a positive impact both in education and the community around him.

Jimmy Evans

Jimmy Evans has over 30 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Jimmy, began his career with the Metro Transit Police Department (1993) and has since demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of Community-Oriented Policing. Recognized for his outstanding outreach efforts.

In January 2021, Jimmy was appointed as Chief Deputy of the Fort Bend County Constable Pct. 3. His extensive experience includes over 12 years in supervisory roles, having served as a Captain, Lieutenant (retired in 2020), and Sergeant. His diverse background encompasses Patrol, Special Operations, Narcotics, Traffic, and Community Services.

Academically, Chief Evans holds a Master’s Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Criminal Justice, and an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement.

He has also completed advanced leadership training programs including the FBI National Academy Session 288-Quantico, Va., FBI-Texas Command College, FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institution, and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas-Command Leadership Series and Texas Constable Leadership College.

Work Advance Model:

Program Methodology

Individual-Focused

Aligns the right job with the right person at the right time.

Holistic Support

Comprehensive support for both personal and professional needs.

Employer-Focused

Understanding the needs of employers to overcome hiring challenges.

Targeted Interventions

Strategic actions to break down employment barriers and create a path to success.

Advancement-Focused

Starts with an employment plan aimed at long-term self-sufficiency.

Target Population

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Programs for Young Adults Ages 18-24

We focus on equipping young adults with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to transition into the workforce successfully.

Training Focus Areas:

Workplace Readiness: Time management, teamwork, and communication.

Career Exploration: Identifying strengths and interests to guide career paths.

On-the-Job Training: Real-world experience to build practical skills.

Networking Opportunities: Connecting young adults with employers, mentors, and career professionals.

Training Available in High-Demand Fields:

Information Technology (IT)
Healthcare Support Services
Renewable Energy
Transportation and Logistics
Hospitality and Tourism
Manufacturing and Trades

Program Features:

Career Mapping: Defining clear career paths and goals.
Job Readiness: Coaching for interviews, addressing background concerns, and building employer connections.
Skill Development: Opportunities for technical training and work experience.
High-Demand Industries: Focus on sustainable, high-paying jobs like manufacturing, construction, and culinary/hospitality.

Programs for Adults with Convictions Ages 25+

We support individuals who have faced past convictions or are transitioning back into society from incarceration, breaking barriers and creating long-term employment opportunities.

The BLOCKS' Partnerships

In addition to our internal programs, ROC Church has partnered with several local organizations and services to provide a comprehensive support network for those in need. These resources are designed to further assist individuals with everything from housing and job placement to legal aid and mental health support.

Heads Up Houston

Heads Up Houston supports the development and delivery of accessible, quality, relevant community-focused
education, enrichment and engagement opportunities for students, families and young adults.

Galveston County Teen Parenting Coalition

The Galveston County Teen Parenting Coalition (GCTPC) is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to bring together other organizations and individuals in the Galveston County area concerned about issues of adolescent pregnancy and parenthood.

Noah's Ark Children's Transitional Care Foundation

NACTCF aims to provide support during a season of transition by offering emotional empathy, access to resources and financial assistance to families in need.

Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project

Through zealous representation, GHIRP ensures that immigrants in the community have equal access to due process in our complex immigration system.

HBI

HBI is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of trade skills training and education for the building industry. HBI is building the next generation of skilled tradespeople and HBI graduates are transforming their communities and building America’s homes.

Anthony Believes

Founded by Anthony Graves, who emerged from 18 and a half years of wrongful incarceration, Anthony Believes is dedicated to making a difference. With firsthand experience and a relentless passion for justice, Anthony and his team offer personal empowerment sessions, criminal justice consulting, and peer navigator training.

Empowering Lives

Trusted Resources

Through

We connect individuals with trusted resources to overcome life’s toughest challenges. From housing to legal aid, our partners provide vital tools for success. We have partnered with trusted local organizations to provide holistic support in areas such as housing, legal services, and employment opportunities.

Housing Assistance

Houston Housing and Community Development Department

Coalition for the Homeless of Houston and Harris County

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Community Supervision & Corrections Department

Employment & Job Readiness

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Community Legal Resources

Legal Support

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Montrose Counseling Center

Mental Health Services

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Addiction Recovery

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The Council on Recovery