COCI is hiring an instructor for our GEMS—Gaining Empowerment in Middle School—program in Houston, Texas. Could you be that person?

GEMS is an innovative program that works with Houston-area middle school students who have had a parent in prison. In the fall, we are expanding into two new schools, and we need an imaginative, passionate instructor. Fluency in Spanish is a must.

Job Summary: The GEMS instructor will be responsible for successfully launching and delivering GEMS classes in two middle schools. This will involve providing classroom instruction, communicating with families, and coordinating volunteers/role models for the GEMS program. Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with school partners and fluency in Spanish are requirements for this position. The instructor will be trained on the GEMS program and lessons and coached by the GEMS manager.

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Read what the Houston Chronicle wrote about Cherish Our Children Inc’s GEMS program for middle school students experiencing parental incarceration.

On Wednesday night, June 16th, we hold our first live fundraising event since the pandemic! Join co-chairs, Amber Elliott, Stephanie and Ryan Fleck, and Emily and Tug Hanley on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, for an intimate three-course dinner at B&B Butchers & Restaurant's cozy rooftop patio benefiting COCI's new GEMS program. We are thrilled to welcome Commissioner Adrian Garcia as the night's keynote speaker.

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Click here to support our work with children of incarcerated parents in Houston. 

Click here to support our work with children of incarcerated parents in Houston. 

But we also used the time to let them talk about what they learned this year. GEMS Manager Brandi Walker asked students to give presentations on five topics that were covered in GEMS lesson plans this year: 

• Building Trust, 
• Learning to Listen
• Express Yourself
• Resilience, and
• Effective Communication