We had the good fortune of connecting with Connie Fredrick, LCSW-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the thought that I could have an idea or a skill, or the ability to create something that could improve the quality of someone’s else’s life. That’s very humbling to me, and it makes me feel determined to not waste the gifts, talents, and abilities that I’ve been blessed with. I feel a responsibility to pour into others as I have been poured into. I also feel inspired when I see people wanting to do better and just needing a little push to help them get there.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded Reinforcing Houston in 2015 when I didn’t have much, but I wanted to share what I had with those in need. I felt myself transitioning upward and I wanted to bring others up with me. The name of our organization was inspired by the scripture Luke 22:32. I heard Pastor Sheryl Brady preach at a women’s conference in 2014 and she described the text as saying, once you have made it, once you have healed, once you have grown, once you have learned, then you must go back and REINFORCE your brethren. The moment I heard that, I knew instantly that the name of the organization was Reinforcing Houston and my mission is to bring others up from places that I too, have once been. Everyday, we are doing exactly what our name entails, by working to Reinforce the underserved communities in Houston by providing high quality wraparound community based services to remove barriers to care and promote healthier lives in partnership with other community agencies. Receiving culturally competent dignified care and services is what our community deserves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a native Houstonian, I LOVE my city!! It is so difficult to pinpoint any one or two places to visit around town. I love to eat and Houston delivers! As a southerner, BBQ is at the top of my list and there are about 3-4 A+ stellar barbeque joints that will knock your socks off. Seafood is another favorite of mine, and fresh coastal selection never fails. Anyplace that has an open patio in the cool evening hours is also one of my favorite ways to spend time. From the restaurants, to the parks, ponds, malls, rec centers, any of the many city centers around town, and then all of the magnificence that is Downtown Houston give us plenty to see and do! You can’t go wrong touring all of the beautiful historical places around Houston. I truly seek to serve this great city because I love the city and it’s people so much.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I sincerely believe that I am standing on the shoulders of everyone in my family that did not give up when they had every reason to. Their ceiling became my floor. I have received so much support from my best friends Helen and Andrea who have listened to me, cried with me, held me, cheered for me, and have prayed me through very difficult seasons in my life. A major area of personal and spiritual growth has come from the support and discipleship received by my church family at Shine Bible Fellowship where our lead pastor is Jaron Jones and his wife and my friend Eboni Jones, have taken so much time, care, and detail to walk alongside me. My relationship with God is the driving force of everything I do and I’m grateful that the Reinforcing Houston Board of Directors tirelessly support and encourage me to strive for excellence and don’t allow me to settle for less. I have so many other friends and family members who have supported every wild, far-fetched idea and I am so grateful that they never try to minimize or discourage how big I dream. Saving the very best for last, I’m thankful for the support of my husband, and I can’t express enough how my beautiful children inspire me to explore and expand. I set the standard high so that one day my ceiling can become their floor.

Website: https://reinforcinghouston.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinforcinghouston/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reinforcing-houston-4290a9159

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reinforcinghouston

Image Credits
I have purchased and own my images so I don’t believe that image credit is applicable.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.