Houston Newsmakers – Breaking Free: Erasing Intimate Partner Violence

Jack WolfFebruary 13, 2023

IN THIS EPISODE:

In anticipation of the KPRC 2 initiative “Break freeBeginning Feb. 13, host Humbrel Marshall meets with Heather Bellino, CEO of the Texas Advocacy Project, which works with every shelter in the state for every person who may have experienced some form of intimate partner violence.
Spotlight on Black History Month with the 39-year-old President and CEO of Integrated Utility Services.
Genesys Work Houston provides opportunities for high school students going to college.

Break Free: Texas Defense project mission is to end intimate partner violence

Heather Bellino, CEO, Texas Advocacy Project (KPRK)

The data doesn’t lie. Intimate partner violence is a growing problem. Next week, KPRC 2 will be focusing on the station-wide Break Free program across all platforms to shed light on just how widespread this type of domestic violence is and what we can all do about it.

Heather Bellino, CEO of the Texas Advocacy Project, says they have a relationship with every shelter in the state for every person who may experience intimate partner violence.

READ: KPRC 2 presents a special week-long series about escaping and ending domestic violence.

“You have to have a roof over your head, food in your belly and a place to sleep to be able to understand what will happen in the justice system,” she said. “Therefore, our attorneys are trained in trauma care and are assisted by social workers so they can reach you with a holistic approach to help you and walk with you towards the safety you deserve.”

There is so much more that the Texas Human Rights Project is doing on the front lines in the fight against domestic violence, and you can hear about it this week. Houston Newsmakers EXTRA with Heather Bellino.

Black History Month Honors 39-Year-Old President and CEO

Trinity Dawson, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Integrated Utility Services (KPRK)

A child of urban Detroit, Trinity Dawson has chosen an unknown path. His faith and football took him to college and through college into the business world of finance. Along the way, he released an album of gospel music and found the confidence to go out and found Integrated Utility Services, which provides maintenance and repair services for oil and gas companies.

His company recently acquired New Jersey manufacturer Stuart Steel Protection, which means he now owns one of the largest wholly-owned service companies of its kind in the United States.

“You don’t have to be a product of your environment,” he said. “You can do anything if you make sure that God has a purpose for you. You have to have a hard job and be willing to work, and even if it’s none of your business, you must treat it like it’s your business. I think the other part is relationships and relationship building. I heard a civil rights leader once say, “Excellence and achievement are important, but access and inheritance are more important.”

Genesys Works Houston connects high schools with business careers

Katherine Taylor, CEO, Genesys Works Houston, Shachella James, CenterPoint VP of Infrastructure, OPS, and Technology (KPRK)

High school students who want to go to college and pursue a professional career can choose Genesys Works Houston.

“We have about 40 different partner high schools in six districts, so we are currently recruiting and receiving hundreds of applications each year,” said Katherine Taylor, chief executive of Genesys Works Houston. “But the first real part of the program is our intensive eight-week summer training program.”

Find out how the program works and how to participate in this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Humbrel Marshall.