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Economic Mobility Catalog

A free online resource helping local government leaders identify and implement evidence-based strategies to improve upward economic mobility for their residents.

Over 50 high-level strategies and nearly 200 specific programs backed by rigorous research. From early childhood to workforce development, housing to financial security.

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NEWS, RESEARCH AND REPORTS THECHANGELAB NEWS, RESEARCH AND REPORTS THECHANGELAB

2025 State of Housing in Houston.

Why This Matters

  • For Renters: Rent jumped 9% in one year. Many families must choose between rent and other basic needs.

  • For Homebuyers: Home prices rose faster than incomes. The typical family can't afford the typical home.

  • For Communities: Over 500,000 people live in areas threatened by floods, heat, and bad air.

  • For Policy Makers: Climate and housing problems are connected. Solutions must address both.

  • For Our Future: Houston is becoming less affordable and less safe to live in.

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LEARNING CENTER, SPOTLIGHT THECHANGELAB LEARNING CENTER, SPOTLIGHT THECHANGELAB

Free Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course

What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week program that teaches mindfulness meditation as a way to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, MBSR has been researched extensively and shown to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

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EVENTS, SPOTLIGHT THECHANGELAB EVENTS, SPOTLIGHT THECHANGELAB

102725 OnLine Safety, Compliance and Security for Our Churches

Why Church Safety Matters

Your church should be a safe place. Everyone should feel welcome and protected. But many churches don't know where to start with safety planning.

What churches deal with:

  • More than 75% of churches don't have a safety team

  • Many churches don't know what rules they need to follow

  • Church leaders want to help but don't know what to do first

  • Communities need safe places to gather and worship

This event will help you learn simple ways to make your church safer for everyone.

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THECHANGELAB THECHANGELAB

YMCA of Greater Houston

Why Belonging Matters

Families sign up their kids for swim lessons or sports not just to learn skills, but to make friends and feel like they belong. Seniors come for exercise classes and stay to talk over coffee. People walk through our doors for programs, but they stay because they feel seen and supported.

Recent research shows that feeling connected to others is more important for success than age, race, or income. The Y uses this information to create programs that bring different generations together and help people feel less alone.

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WELLFARE

Our unique program gives food-insecure families an opportunity to access unaffordable, better-for-you alternatives that drastically curb sugar, salt and fat intake. In communities where generational chronic health conditions are the norm, the Better Box is helping thousands take positive steps toward a more nutritious and sustainable lifestyle. Behind the scenes, our Direct-to-Need model leverages over 2,000 Wellfare volunteers and aligns procurement, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and customer experience under one umbrella, making the program incredibly efficient, transparent and cost-effective. The Better Box is a dynamic and impactful first step in our long term aim to create true food security across the United States.

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What Emotional Dysregulation Looks Like and How to Deal With It

Emotional dysregulation affects how people respond to stress and communicate feelings, often leading to misunderstood behaviors and strained relationships. Understanding its root causes—such as trauma, neurodivergence, or chronic stress—opens the door to healing and resilience. This guide empowers caregivers, educators, and individuals with language and tools for support.

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