From time to time we have shared and will continue to share, with our client’s permission, highlights of work done together. This month, we are honored to highlight a day spent with The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program.

The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program (FWEP) was begun in one of the most challenging neighborhoods of Houston, Texas over twenty years ago by its current and Founding Director, Ernest McMillan. FWEP is comprised of twenty full and part-time staff as well as countless volunteers who work to create opportunities for young men from that community to achieve and succeed.

Recently, on the recommendation of Jorge Batres a participant in the “What One Person Can Do” conversation when he worked at Houston Works (now a staff member at FWEP), I went to the FWEP for a one day workshop.

Having spent a fair amount of time with Ernest over the phone prior to my visit, I knew this workshop was important to him. Important because he has always valued his staff and even more important now that he was considering the leadership transition that would be necessary before long.

The morning of the workshop was spent dealing with the basic elements of human development, wellness, where self-destructive and damaging behavior originates and the nature of our personal training as human beings to date, similar to the first day of a “What One Person Can Do” conversation.

From there we began to explore some pretty basic questions:

• Why does this organization exist?

• Why do you work here?

• What’s working?

• What might be improved?

• How is that going to happen?

Their answers to these questions were clear and heartfelt. During the ensuing portions of the day, people were asked to look at their commitment to themselves, the way they intend to be with one and other and what personal discipline might be necessary to achieve these things. For example:

• If I do not see myself as in charge of the circumstances in my own life (balance, equanimity, money, happiness), how can I speak to program participants about that ability in them?

• If I do not take care of my spiritual needs (as delineated from religious needs, though they might be the same), how can I speak with young men whose primary experience of belonging is with a gang?

• If I do not honor and value myself, is it likely that I will honor and value others?

• If I do not experience this capacity in myself, how can I speak of it in others?

Commitments were made and a process begun.

My experience of the FWEP team is that they are a highly dedicated group who understand the importance of both heart and follow through. The process begun on this single day back in August will be of use only if translated from a one day wonder to everyday practice. It was an honor to work with the FWEP team.