Civic Heart formerly Change Happens!

Civic Heart, formerly Change Happens! is a community-based, non-profit organization that has been serving Houston's Third Ward Community for over 20 years. The organization was originally founded as an outpatient alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program in 1989 from a dream that Rev. Leslie Smith had in 1982. The dream consisted of Rev. Smith offering services in crack houses that he renovated. In the dream, people were lined up to get inside these houses for help with social issues that were afflicting them. They came in one way and left changed.

Civic Heart emphasizes education as the avenue to address issues that negatively affect the family. Through this understanding, families are taught ways of coping with change and uncertainties in society. Civic Heart applies an all-encompassing, humanistic approach to behavioral and emotional impairment caused by societal ills.

Since 1989, Civic Heart has expanded with an increase in educational classes, counseling, referral, resources, community training, and networking, resulting in a variety of programs and services that empower families to help themselves. In 1990, Change Happens!, now Civic Heart began receiving government funding from the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Civic Heart now receives funding from a variety of federal, state, and local agencies and foundations. In 2005, Change Happens!, now Civic Heart, built a three-story, 27,000 square foot establishment which now houses over 18 programs serving over 100,000 individuals each year. In April 2023, Civic Heart announced they are moving to a 58,000 square foot building to help house the rapid growth in programs and employment.