Moving Forward

Important Dates

Presentation of Community Asset Profiles..Beginning February 2012 Broad Community Surveys..Beginning April 2012 Sharing of Survey Findings & Community Visioning..Beginning August 2012

For more information and to participate: Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center

720 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena, TX 77504 713.944.9186

Community Profile Executive Summary Pasadena & South Houston, Texas Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center
The Pasadena/South Houston community has an extraordinary history of turning difficult challenges into opportunity. In less than three decades, the population of Pasadena alone has shifted from 81% Caucasian and 17% Latino (in 1980) to 66% Latino and 28% Caucasian (in 2010). This massive shift has meant very real changes in everything from goods and products sold in local businesses to the predominant language spoken. While the face of Pasadena/South Houston has gradually become more multicultural, its institutional structures are still working hard to catch up. In spite of the challenges that are inherent with any great change, residents have held tight to the values that define them a steadfast commitment to family and a dedication to bettering themselves and their community. Pasadena/South Houston is comprised of two communities the old and the new, but it is only a matter of time until this latest reinvention is fully embraced.

Location. Pasadena and South Houston are located in eastern Harris County, bordered by Hwy 225 (north), Genoa Road
(south), Shaver (west), and Center Street (east).

Population Demographics. As of 2010, the Pasadena/South Houston community is home to 175,456 people with the
following demographics: 66% Hispanic, 28% Caucasian, 2% African American, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% other 58% of residents live in homes where the primary language spoken is Spanish; 27% are neither literate nor fluent in English 54% have education levels of high school/GED, 30% less than high school, 17% bachelors degree or higher (45% not reported) 28% have incomes of $25,000 a year or lower; 72% of households have incomes of $25,000 a year or higher

Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center Members.

Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center serves 3,736 core members with the following demographics: From 29 zip codes, primarily 77034, 77502, 77504, and 77506 96% Hispanic, 3% Caucasian, 1% African American, >1% other 67% come from homes where the primary language spoken is Spanish, 33% English 61% of households have incomes of $25,000 a year or lower; 39% have incomes of $25,000 a year or higher

Local Schools. There are 14 elementary schools, 8 middle/intermediate schools, and 5 high schools in the area with
which Neighborhood Centers has a current working relationship, but the agency plans to partner with additional schools in the coming years. At least 72% of students at each of the 27 schools are on free or reduced lunch plans, with the exception of 4 schools. As of 2010, all schools are rated at least academically acceptable by TAKS score standards, and 3 elementary schools and a middle/high school have been rated exemplary.

History of Neighborhood Centers Inc. in the Community. Neighborhood Centers has been present in the community
since 1948 when the agency began providing recreational activities at Pasadena parks and schools. After the City of Pasadena established its own Recreation Department in 1954, Neighborhood Center programs in the area switched to more informal education and enrichment, and later to the delivery of services such as after-school and summer youth activities, life skills classes for adults, senior services, and job training programs. Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center opened at its present location in 1968.

Community Aspirations. Pasadena and South Houston residents aspire to become an economically vibrant community by
improving community engagement, strengthening programs for families, and enhancing public transportation and city infrastructure. Copyright Neighborhood Centers Inc. 2011. All data correct as of October 2011.