HCDE Changes Lives

Be the Change

For the first time in 22 years of gifting rehabbed vehicles to struggling moms, Bates Collision Centers offers keys to a young father whose daughter is enrolled in the Harris County Head Start Department.

The landmark moment was personally celebrated outside Bates Collison Center, 3219 N. Main St. Baytown, Thursday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. Dad John Rose and daughter Journee join owners Lee and Leila Bates, their staff and community, to unwrap the gift-filled, six-month-long mystery car.

The 22nd Annual Bates Conscientious Parenting Awards helps a hand-up as the Bates and their team spend months rehabilitating a crash vehicle and handing it to a worthy parent. The 32-year-old father is Amazon's truck driver. He claims he turned his life into trouble in his younger years. Daughter Journee, 4, attends Fifth Ward's HCDE Head Start. Her dad also volunteers in a leadership group called the Policy Committee.

This car will change John's life because he won't have to ride the bus anymore. He'll take his daughter to school every morning. It's crucial to be in your child's education. The Bates make the annual giveaway a priority because they understand the sacrifices parents frequently make for their children. Journee is a precocious, bright, vocabulary-sized boy. She's excited about learning sight words and loves her dad. She'll be shown her ride, a bike with training wheels.

Most children want to play in school, but Journee intends to go to school to learn. John's application, submitted by the center manager, instantly impressed co-owner Lee Bates. John wrote an article on his life in the application process. He owned his life mistakes and wants his daughter's good father.

Kindness is needed this year, more than ever

Bates co-owner Leila says she and her husband Lee are proud of their workers who continue to give time and money to families they have to meet. Returning cars to the road is part of this daily grind, but this puts families back on the road. Bates has a talented staff, and this project brings their team together.

Leila sees the project's disparity from the Bates workers to the families obtaining the vehicles. Car No. 39 will be unique for those concerned. Lighting up her team's faces is a gift for them. Transport gift is a game-changer.

Senior Director Venetia Peacock said she was excited to kick off the holiday season with this case. Bates family's generosity and staff fill everyone's hearts with joy every year. This program embodies HCDE Head Start's goal of building school readiness and success with our families.

HCDE's board president, Eric Dick, says, "I'm so proud of HCDE and Bates. This year more than ever, Christmas is about helping others and the change you can make in their lives. We did just that with the Rose family."

HCDE Head Start serves children's families aged six weeks to age 5 with 14 Head Start centers located in north-north-east Harris County. Income-eligible families and children with disabilities gain free Head Start programs to help prepare children for kindergarten. Families receive school readiness support services through community partners.