LET'S MOVE Brief Overview Let’s Move was launched in 2012 in Magnolia Park to promote safe and accessible opportunities for physical activity within the community. Developed in response to resident feedback, the program addressed a growing interest in engaging in regular fitness. Participants took part in free yoga and Zumba classes offered three to four times per week—creating a welcoming, community-centered environment that encouraged consistent participation and active living. The program expanded access to physical activity and supported participants in building healthier routines within their daily lives.
Impact
Over 600 residents participated in at least one class.
Participants improved their hip-to-waist ratio, BMI, blood pressure, flexibility and strength, and cardiovascular endurance
Communities Magnolia Park
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM (HLP) Brief Overview The Healthy Lifestyle Program was a six-week curriculum focused on promoting healthy eating and active living within families. Designed for parents and caregivers, the program built confidence and provided practical tools to support healthier daily choices. Participants engaged in interactive activities, cooking demonstrations, healthy food tastings, and goal-setting exercises—creating a hands-on experience that made it easier to apply what they learned at home. The program demonstrated strong retention and led to meaningful behavior changes, while also increasing participants’ confidence in managing their family’s health.
Impact
4 cohorts across 3 participating communities.
15 – 20 participants per session
Participants showed improvements in their behaviors, home environments, and self-efficacy.
Communities Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, and Fifth Ward
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL GARDENS Brief Overview CAN DO Houston has established and enhanced more than 12 vegetable gardens in communities and schools across Houston. These gardens engage thousands of students and community members each year, creating accessible opportunities for hands-on learning and community involvement. Participants take part in planting, harvesting, and maintaining the gardens—gaining practical experience while building connections to science, health, and economic development.
Impact
12 community gardens across 3 communities.
The training supports classroom learning and enhances students' knowledge and comprehension.
Economic development opportunities allow students and community members to sell their harvests at low prices, increasing access to healthy food options.
Communities Near Northside, Fifth Ward, and Independence Heights
COMMUNITY FOOD FAIRS Brief Overview CAN DO Houston’s Mobile Produce Unit is designed to improve access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables in communities where nutritious food options are limited. The program helps reduce barriers to healthy eating by bringing produce directly into neighborhoods with the greatest need. A key feature of the Mobile Produce Unit is its acceptance of SNAP benefits, making healthy food more accessible for individuals and families. In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, the unit has been actively deployed in communities such as Independence Heights and the Fifth Ward. In 2016, the program expanded to include pop-up grocery tours, helping participants build practical skills for making healthier food choices while shopping.
Impact
27 food fairs across 2 communities within one year.
2737 families attended the food fairs.
194,448 pounds of food were distributed.
Communities Involved Fifth Ward and Independence Heights
CURRENT INITIATIVES
CARE – COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACHES TO ASSESS, RESOURCE, & ENGAGE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES CARE started as a collaboration between CAN DO and the FARO initiative to address the impact of COVID-19 on under-resourced communities in Houston and Harris County. CARE has since evolved as a multi-year, community health worker-led research study focused on addressing social needs, misinformation, and chronic disease risk that affects quality of life in our priority communities.
Impact
Over 1,700 residents and families served by CHWs
Over 1,200 referrals provided to community resources (e.g.,food assistance, housing, legal, healthcare)
Over 300 health education resources provided by CHWs Improved knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to engage in preventative health behaviors.
Communities Sunnyside, Magnolia Park, Independence Heights, Gulfton, Midwest, Sharpstown
HEALTHY CORNER STORES The Healthy Corner Store initiative increases access to affordable, quality, and healthier food options (including snacks, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) through local convenience stores in low-resource communities in Harris County. Supported by on-site food sampling, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education, this initiative re-shapes community perceptions of ‘what is healthy’ and creates demand for the availability of culturally relevant food options through existing convenience store locations.
Impact
8 participating stores across 3 communities
40% increase in customer-reported awareness of healthier options in participating stores
Increase in customer- and store personnel-reported purchasing of healthier food options
Communities
Sunnyside, North Pasadena, Acres Homes
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY TRAINING CAN DO's Community Leadership and Advocacy Training is an intensive 8-week curriculum designed to strengthen leadership and advocacy skills. The training enhances community capacity for residents and stakeholders to prioritize and address local issues and improve health and quality of life. Various advocacy efforts have launched from this application-based training related to community safety, quality education, and access to healthy foods.
Impact
Over 120 graduates of this training
11 trainings completed across 8 communities in either English and/or Spanish
Increases in self-reported knowledge, civic engagement, and community empowerment
Communities
Sunnyside, Northeast Houston, OST/South Union, Near Northside, Fifth Ward, Pasadena, Neartown/Montrose, Acres Homes