How to Help H-Town Musicians and Artists Today

Decades ago, Renée Wallace was determined to find her adult son, who had challenging behaviors and different abilities, a place to live long-term. After being denied housing at several residential facilities, Wallace took matters into her own hands and opened Vita Living in 1985. Vita Living provides lifelong comprehensive care for both adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), plus support for their families. In May, just in time for its 35th anniversary, the organization will break ground on two new residential facilities, bringing its total number to 20; Vita Living also operates a daytime activity center. 

A larger-than-life Christmas tree shines brightly in front of City Hall; families ice skate hand-in-hand in the center of the Galleria; high schoolers dart to River Oaks to snap the perfect Instagram pic under tree lights. These scenes are emblematic of the holidays in Houston. But there are other kids in town struggling through complicated legal battles this season. In fact, Harris County welcomes the most unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the whole country. But Houston is also home to KIND, Kids in Need of Defense, a national organization that offers pro bono legal representation to children fleeing violence for safety and hope in the U.S.