"My future belongs to me" was the message stressed in a recent poster contest open to children living in HUD-assisted housing units throughout Houston. The contest was sponsored by AHMA (Affordable Housing Management Association) of East Texas. AHMA sponsors the poster contest and other events to keep youngsters from being involved with gangs, drugs and crime.

An awards presentation and luncheon was sponsored by the AHMA and HUD's Multifamily Program Center program in Houston.

Adrian Garcia, director of Houston's Anti-Gang Office, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Mr. Garcia acknowledged that drug-use and associated crime works against children, but also stressed that every child should be made to realize that their future truly "belongs to them." He advised children to be careful, listen to their parents and never give up...and that would help them from becoming another statistic.

Lewin Beard of Independent Missionary Village, Hitchcock, won 1st place for grades 4-6, and was also a national winner

Alexis Brundage of Wood Glen Apartments, The Woodlands, who won 1st place for grades K-3, was also a national winner Left: Jennifer Floyd of Holly Green Apartments, The Woodlands, won 2nd place for grades 10-12, and was also a national winner