Covenant House Texas is currently experiencing phone/internet issues. If you have tried to reach out to us, we apologize for the delayed response.

For Deon, professional growth is about more than building a résumé. It is preparation for a future dedicated to creating change.

This fall, Deon became the inaugural Covenant House Texas Youth Development Research Intern, joining the Development team for a hands-on opportunity to learn about donor research, community partnerships, and fundraising strategy. Through the internship, he is developing professional skills in research, communication, presentations, and workplace collaboration while contributing directly to the mission of Covenant House Texas.

As part of his role, Deon researches prospective donors and community partners who could support Covenant House Texas through grants, financial gifts, in-kind donations, and volunteer service. He also helps organize donor information, develop prospect profiles, and support the relationship-building efforts that make more resources available to young people.

Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom

Deon’s internship was made possible through a collaboration with Workforce Solutions, which provides Deon and other Covenant House Texas youth with opportunities to develop real-world skills through paid, in-house internships. Opportunities include roles in areas such as administration, nutrition services, and now development.

For Deon, the experience also connects directly to his education and the future he is already working toward.

He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy at Texas Southern University. His goal is to attend law school and ultimately become a civil rights attorney, using his career to advocate for justice and equity.

“This internship is giving me the opportunity to grow professionally while learning how meaningful partnerships can create real change in the community.”

The experience has allowed Deon to take interests he has explored academically—including research, advocacy, communication, and community development—and apply them in a professional environment. He says he is especially excited to contribute to work that directly impacts young people and expands the resources available to them.

Building Toward a Bigger Purpose

Deon sees this internship as another step toward a much larger goal.

He hopes the skills and experience he gains will help him become a stronger advocate for young people and underserved communities. Ultimately, he wants to help build a future where justice, equity, dignity, opportunity, and basic necessities are accessible to everyone.

His work is already contributing to that vision.

By helping Covenant House Texas identify and cultivate potential supporters, Deon is helping strengthen the partnerships and resources that allow the organization to serve more young people.

And while the internship is helping prepare Deon for his own future, he is also using the opportunity to help create possibilities for others.

That is what opportunity can become when a young person is given the tools, experience, and space to pursue their potential.

Help Turn Crisis Into Comebacks

Covenant House Texas is working every day to create safety, stability, and prevention for youth facing homelessness in Houston, TX—but we can’t do it without community support.

Donate, partner, or volunteer today. Your urgency creates a path off the streets, keeps young people safe, and helps prevent homelessness from defining another life.