Where are they now? The Crucial Role of Investing in Community Leadership Development | LISC Houston

LISC Houston's Training for Trainers (T4T) program grows grassroots leaders right here in Houston. Participants build real skills, connect across neighborhoods, and commit to teaching what they learn — creating a ripple effect of community leadership that reaches far beyond the classroom.

T4T is built for emerging leaders, active residents, and people working in community development. The program covers leadership skills and community development knowledge. It also connects you with a network of people from different backgrounds who share your commitment. One key requirement: after you complete the program, you agree to teach others what you learned. That pass-it-on promise is what makes the impact grow over time. Graduates like Rain Eatmon — founder of the Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group — and Rev. Jason Moreno — who helped develop the Harris County Community Land Trust, a program that sells homes to people who can't afford typical homeownership — show what T4T alumni go on to accomplish.

Take stock of your own neighborhood. What do residents need? What resources already exist that most people don't know about? T4T graduates say that knowing your surroundings and knowing what resources are available are two of the most practical skills the program gave them. If you work in community development, serve a congregation, or simply want to do more in your block or zip code, this program can give you a clearer map and a stronger network to work from. Reach out to LISC Houston directly to learn whether a current cohort is forming and whether you qualify.

No fixed date

Not location-specific

T4T is part of LISC Houston's broader mission to support community development across the region. The program has ties to the Harris County Community Land Trust and to H-GAC (Houston-Galveston Area Council), a regional planning organization. LISC also runs an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Internship program that builds a diverse talent pipeline for CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) — organizations that direct money toward underserved communities.

Strong neighborhoods run on strong leaders. When community members have the tools to advocate, problem-solve, and work together, whole neighborhoods benefit. T4T invests in that human foundation — and the returns show up in places like Acres Homes and Harris County, where program graduates are already driving real change.