Dream Rydes
For children battling cancer and serious illnesses, getting to treatment can be one more challenge in an already difficult journey. Houston-based nonprofit Dream Rydes is helping remove that barrier, providing safe, reliable transportation to medical appointments for pediatric patients and their families throughout Greater Houston and Galveston.
Founded in 2019 by Danielle Johnston, a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor and former pediatric oncology nurse practitioner at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Dream Rydes grew out of her experience with cancer and years spent caring for young patients. Johnston saw firsthand how transportation challenges could keep children from receiving critical care, prompting her to create an organization focused on getting them where they need to go.
Through its Transportation Aid Program, Dream Rydes provides rides in a wheelchair-accessible Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, along with assistance for parking, fuel, tolls, and urgent vehicle repairs. Its Rydes of a Lifetime program takes a more joyful approach, giving children the chance to ride in exotic cars, planes, helicopters, or boats while enjoying a day of specially planned activities.
On November 7, Dream Rydes will host its Luck for Little Lives Gala, a fundraising event that supports its mission and helps fuel more rides for children and families in need. dreamrydes.org
Houston Aphasia Recovery Center
For people living with aphasia, communication can become one of life’s greatest challenges. The Houston Aphasia Recovery Center (HARC) provides a supportive place where people can rebuild language skills, connect with others, and gain confidence in daily life.
A nonprofit wellness center, HARC offers language-based programs designed to support communication recovery while fostering socialization, recreation, and fellowship. Its programs serve people who have aphasia, as well as caregivers and families, providing education, advocacy, resources, and opportunities to participate in research.
HARC offers in-person programming Tuesday through Thursday, and its HARC at Home virtual program brings services to participants across Texas via Zoom. Activities promote communication in a welcoming place where participants can practice skills, build relationships, and enjoy a feeling of community. HARC’s programming combines communication practice with everyday activities that encourage connection and participation. In-person offerings include book clubs, music and language, creative activities, brain games, current events, and exercise, giving participants opportunities to practice communication in engaging, realistic settings.
Caregivers are also supported through Caregiver Chats, where they can learn communication techniques, exchange resources, and connect with others who understand the realities of caring for someone with aphasia. HARC also offers virtual programming, making its services accessible to participants across Texas.
HARC’s mission goes beyond language recovery, focusing on wellness and helping people who have aphasia participate more fully in life. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, making its programs accessible to families experiencing financial hardship.
For HARC participants, the goal is simple but meaningful: creating opportunities to communicate, connect, and be understood. harctx.org
United Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking can be difficult to see, but United Against Human Trafficking (UAHT) is working to make Houston a place where exploitation is recognized, prevented, and addressed. The nonprofit works to end human trafficking through three key areas: preventing exploitation, educating the community, and empowering survivors.
UAHT’s work begins with prevention and awareness. Through educational programs, the organization teaches teens how to recognize trafficking and avoid exploitation, while training helps professionals, first responders, and community members identify trafficking situations and respond using trauma-sensitive practices.
For victims and survivors, UAHT provides outreach, case management, and support groups, connecting people with resources and service providers while helping them move toward restoration and greater independence. The organization also works to build community awareness around the systems that allow trafficking to continue.
UAHT also supports the community response to trafficking by bringing together organizations, professionals, and advocates. Through its coalition efforts, educational resources, and trauma-informed approach, the organization helps create a well-informed network of people equipped to recognize exploitation and connect those affected with appropriate support. Its work stresses collaboration, prevention, and survivor empowerment, tackling both the immediate needs of individuals and the larger systems that allow trafficking to occur.
Led by CEO Timeka Walker, UAHT brings together staff, community partners, and advocates to address human trafficking through education, direct services, and joint efforts. Its work is based on a simple belief that no human life should be for sale. With a vision that all people can live free, UAHT continues building awareness and developing pathways of support for those affected by trafficking. uaht.org
At HARC, communication is about more than finding the right words. It is about connection, confidence, and participation. Through language programs, social activities, caregiver support, and virtual resources, HARC gives people with aphasia opportunities to strengthen communication skills, build relationships, and feel more connected to their community.
By educating communities, helping survivors, and helping people recognize the signs of exploitation, United Against Human Trafficking is creating a stronger network of awareness, resources, and support while working toward a time in which every person can live free from trafficking and exploitation.