By: Byron Parker
Out of the ashes of last year’s devastating tragedy, a pillar of the Third Ward is rising, rebuilding, and being restored. The Association of Black Social Workers of Texas, Inc. (ABSW) Houston Chapter President Byron Parker has officially announced a massive $25,000.00 in-kind donation to the SHAPE Community Center. The contribution comes at a critical time for the his- toric institution, which lost its community computer lab in a catastrophic fire last year. The donation is a huge upgrade that significantly revitalizes SHAPE’s technological infrastructure. It includes ten (10) state-of-the-art desktop computers equipped with wireless dual-screen monitors, webcams, and top- tier processing power.
More Than Just Hardware
ABSW Houston notes that this is not just a collection of equipment, but essentially a fully functioning, modern computer lab. “When the fire claimed our lab last year, it didn’t just destroy property, it severed a vital lifeline for our neighborhood,” said SHAPE Center’s Co- Founder & Executive Director, Deloyd Parker. “This blessing from ABSW doesn’t just replace what we lost; it elevates us into the digital future.”
For over five decades, the SHAPE Community Center has served as a sanctuary for education, cultural empowerment, and community organizing. The loss of the original computer lab left a gaping void for local students, job seekers, and seniors who relied on the center for internet access, digital literacy, and resources.
