The Celebration

The Hyatt Regency set the scene for the 22nd Annual Barrier Breaker Award Luncheon, the primary fundraiser for Career Recovery Resources, Inc. (CRR). Close to 400 public officials, supporters, clients, and CRR board members attended to show their appreciation for the important work CRR does. The elegant affair was co-emceed by KTRK’s vice president of community affairs, Cynthia Cisneros, and author and lead studio analyst for CBS Sports’ College Football Today, Spencer Tillman. Doug and Winell Herron chaired the event.

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The Story

Being honored at the luncheon for their outstanding leadership within the Houston community were Judge Ed and Gwen Emmett and Arthur and Philamena Baird. STAR company H-E-B was also honored for being an outstanding corporate leader in the community. STAR clients of CRR Donald Harris, Anna Vasquez, Alvin Byrd, and Jessica Y were also honored. Spencer Tillman led a lively auction featuring lunch with himself and his co-emcee, Cynthia Cisneros.

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The Moments

The four CRR STAR client honorees shared their heartfelt stories of the ways in which CRR has helped them overcome personal challenges to achieve employment and success. To date, the luncheon has raised over $265,000 to support CRR’s four core programs: Employment Placement and Career Development, Veteran and Housing Assistance, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and Alternative Substance/Alcohol Abuse Outpatient Treatment.

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Guests: Alma and Dr. Vernus C. Swisher, Congressman Gene Green, Duni Hebron, Vince Ryan, Dwight Boykins, Karla Cisneros, Martha Castex-Tatum, Brenda Stardig, Samuel Peña, Stan Stanart, Kathryn Griffin, Judge Denise Bradley, Jo Ellen and John Sweeney, Lainie Gordon, Dr. Judith Craven, and Susan Floyd-Toups.

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About Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. (CRR). 

Established in 1945, Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. (CRR), is dedicated to helping people identify and overcome barriers to employment. CRR has four core program areas: Employment and Career Development, Veteran and Housing Assistance, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and Alternative Substance/Alcohol Abuse Outpatient Treatment. The agency offers computer training, literacy education, career counseling, job placement assistance, and substance abuse and alcohol outpatient treatment and prevention education services.  In 2017, CRR served over 5,250 clients and provided educational outreach to over 5,000 youth and young adults.