Trio of Katy area non-profits recognized at December GA

Trio of Katy area non-profits recognized at December GA Main Photo

26 Dec 2018


In the spirit of the season of giving, the Katy Area Economic Development Council December General Assembly meeting featured three non-profit organizations which play key roles in improving the lives of those in the Katy area community.  Katy Prairie Conservancy, Katy Autism Support and The Ballard House were each featured at the monthly meeting which was held at British International School of Houston (BISH). 

The meeting began with a presentation by BISH Principal Andrew Derry.  Derry shared information about the school campus which is located at 2203 North Westgreen Boulevard in Katy.  BISH offers a NORD Anglia Education and currently has students from roughly 77 countries enrolled.  The school provides a rigorous, inter-disciplinary curricula and teachers who are experts in differentiated learning with the school earning numerous accolades in recent years including being named an Apple Distinguished School and garnering top results in International Baccalaureate testing in the Houston area.  BISH, a Katy Area EDC Board of Governors member, served as the host and sponsor for the event. Learn more about BISH at www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/houston/british-international.

Mary Anne Piacentini, President/CEO of Katy Prairie Conservancy, outlined information on the non-profit organization which focuses on land conservation, prairie restoration, and education and outreach.  Piacentini detailed information regarding the important role which the prairie plays in flood mitigation as well as the recreational opportunities the prairie provides to Katy area residents.  If you would like to learn more about the organization and get involved in its efforts, visit www.katyprairie.org.

Katy Alt, Executive Director of The Ballard House, shared information on the facility which offers free lodging to patients and caregivers seeking treatment at area medical facilities.  Since 2006, the charity has offered approximately 30,000 nights of no cost housing for patients and their families.  The organization recently completed an expansion at its facility which added 17 additional rooms.  To learn how you can support The Ballard House, visit theballardhouse.org.

The final non-profit featured at the meeting was Katy Autism Support.  In attendance to share information on the organization was President Cynthia Reece.  Katy Autism Support is committed to educating and empowering families living with autism in the Katy area including providing childcare and continuing to raise awareness about the disability which impacts roughly 1 in 68 children in the country.  More information is available on the organization at www.katyaustimsupport.org. 

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to feature organizations which are working hard to positively impact the Katy area community,” said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.  “I encourage all Katy area residents to take time during this holiday season to thank the numerous non-profit organizations that help to better our community.”

Katy Area EDC Membership Committee Chair Rick Lawler introduced the City of Fulshear as a new Associate level member at the meeting.  Membership renewals included Trammell Crow and Medistar Corp., both at the Strategic Partner level.