New leadership. New direction. New hearts. Welcome to our new website.
(713) 374-1200 · 410 Pierce St., Houston · Mon–Fri 9–5
About Civic Heart
Rooted in Houston.
Since 1989.
Since 1989, Civic Heart has stood with Houston families working toward housing, health, and a fair shot.
Our story
A new name. The same heart.
Founded in 1989 as Families Under Urban and Social Attack (FUUSA), and most recently known as Change Happens!, Civic Heart Community Services has a thirty-five-year proven track record in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged populations to create life-altering impact.
Through our programs, we provide services to over 65,000 individuals annually. We take a holistic approach to providing programs and services, uniquely positioning Civic Heart to work with populations that experience the greatest disparities in social determinants of health.
Our mission
To help people empower themselves.
Our vision
To be the fearless heart of the community where lives are valued and elevated, inclusion is celebrated, and our community is inspired.
01
Be Accountable.
02
Openly Collaborate.
03
Be Bold.
04
Radiate Empathy.
05
Personify Integrity.
06
Strive for Excellence.
Our people
Leadership team
Anita Bates
Chief Executive Officer
Demarcus Foster
Program Director
Wellness and Prevention
Terrance Frazier
Program Director
Rescue Youth
Abdi Hassan
Program Director
Jeremiah Lewis
Compliance and Data Manager
Francis Rodriguez
Operations and Communications Manager
Jeness Sherrell
Program Director
ACA Health Navigator and Rescue in Motion
Calvin Vannoy
Program Director
Fathers First
Vanecia Weathersby Gray
Program Director
Health in My Hands (Wellness and Prevention)
Board of directors
Reva Witherspoon
Interim Board Chair
President, Principled Outcomes, LLC
Debbie Salazar
Board Secretary
Senior Vice President – Corporate Head Teller, IBC Bank
Deborah Boone
Outside Board Representative
The Junior League of Houston
Marian Cabanillas
Board Member
Health Plan CEO, UnitedHealthCare Community Plan of Texas
Tim Stuhlreyer
Board Member
Managing Director, PwC
Anita Bates
CEO
Civic Heart Community Services
65,000
Houstonians served in 2025
37
years in the Third Ward
5
free programs
Financial reports
See the work behind the mission.
Read our audited financial statements and Form 990.
Civic Heart in action
The monthly newsletter
Program news, client stories, and upcoming events in your inbox once a month.