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Founder • Advocate • Community Leader

Dr. Thelma Scott

Founder & Chairman of S.A.F.E. Communities

Disability advocate, suicide prevention advocate, environmental and climate justice activist, mentor, community leader, and host of the S.A.F.E. 4 Communities Radio Talk Show.

Biography

A Lifetime of Advocacy, Leadership & Community Service

For more than two decades, Dr. Thelma Scott has devoted her leadership, time, and passion to creating opportunities and advocating for youth, families, and people with disabilities.

Dr. Thelma Scott is the Founder & Chairman of S.A.F.E. Communities, formerly Barbara Jordan Endeavors, and the host of the S.A.F.E. 4 Communities Radio Talk Show . Dr. Scott founded the organization in December 2000. Through her research, she discovered students with unique disabilities and at-risk students throughout school districts and the community.

Dr. Scott has dedicated her life, time, and passion as a disability and suicide prevention advocate and mentor to stop the stigma of bullying, reduce the dropout and suicide rate for students with disabilities, protect youth from human trafficking, and educate youth and their families about environmental justice, racial injustice, and climate justice.

Leadership

Public Service & Advocacy

2004

Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities

Dr. Scott's first appointment as an advocate for people with disabilities was made by the Honorable Mayor Lee P. Brown.

2006

Mayor's Youth Advocate Award

Reappointed by the Honorable Mayor Bill White, Dr. Scott helped create the first Mayor's Youth Advocate Award for a youth with a disability.

2008

Texas Rehabilitation Council

Dr. Scott became the first African American woman with a disability appointed by the Governor's Office Rehabilitation Council for the State of Texas.

During Dr. Scott's tenure as an RCT Council Member for the State of Texas, she served on various committees including the Planning and Review Committee and the Advocacy and Education Committee.

Her community service has included the Black Heritage Society Board & MLK Parade Foundation, Spring ISD Business and Community Advisory Committee, Spring Education Foundation Board, Texas Rehabilitation Association Advocate Advisory Committee, Mayor's Office K-12 Advisory Committee, Houston North West Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, and Texas Gulf Coast Diversity Council Education Advisory Committee.

National Recognition

Recognized for Leadership, Advocacy & Service

Dr. Scott was nominated by President Barack Obama for the Champion of Change Award for People with Disabilities and was nominated by First Lady Michelle Obama for The United States of Women.

Honors & Recognition

Awards & Distinctions

Dr. Scott has received numerous national and local honors recognizing her decades of community leadership, advocacy, humanitarian service, and commitment to people with disabilities.

Mental Health Heroes Award

Women of Excellence Award

Super Woman Award

Houston Climate Movement Award

Greater Houston Frontier Club Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Spotlight Award — 2025

Texas House of Representatives & State Rep. Senfronia Thompson — Woman on The Move Award — 2024

Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University — Woman On The Move Award — 2024

Commissioner Rodney Ellis — Living Legend Award — 2024

Honorary Doctoral in Humanity Award — 2021

D-Mars Living Legend Award — 2021

D-Mars Community Pillar Award — 2021

City of Houston Community Champion — 2020

Thelma Scott's Day — Honored by Mayor Turner — April 30, 2019

Ford Foundation Hero Harvey Award — 2018

Black Caucus Unsung Harvey Hero Award — 2018

Mayor Hurricane Harvey Unsung Hero Award — 2018

Spring/Klein Chamber Unsung Hurricane Harvey Award — 2018

President's Life-Time Achievement Award — 2018

Opulence Lifetime Service Award — 2018

Amazing Women Award — 2018

Faith Award — 2018

Additional Recognition

Additional honors include Houston Women Magazine Community Angel 2017, the 2017 Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Pendleton Chapel Seminary School, Texas Diversity First Leadership Award, WSN Community Outreach Advocate of the Year Award 2015, Texas Rehabilitation Association Justin Dart (ADA) Advocate of the Year Award 2015, Texas GFSC Self-Advocate of the Year Award 2015, Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015, Super Lady Soiree Honoree Houston 2014, and the TWEF Woman of Worth Award presented by Stedman Graham in 2014.

Media

Television, Radio & Press

Dr. Scott's advocacy, scholarship work, community programs, and personal story have been featured by numerous Houston television stations, publications, and community media organizations.

Television Features

Channel 2 News — New York Night of Hope with Lakewood Church
Channel 13 News — Cross Roads with Melanie Lawson
Channel 13 News — Walk, Run & Roll Kick Off
Channel 13 News — BJE Program Interview
Fox 26 News — BJE Program Interview
Channel 11 News — Great Day Houston
Channel 13 News — Barbara Jordan HS & BJE Award Ceremony

Selected Press Coverage

Houston Style Magazine
Cypress Creek Mirror News
D-Mars Community Journal
The Diboll Free Press
The Bright Star / Lufkin News
D-Mars Business Journal
Houston Chronicle
1960 Sun Klein News
The Ebony Voice
The Leader News

Beyond Advocacy

Education, Career & Community Legacy

Law Enforcement & Education

Dr. Scott's first career was in law enforcement with the Diboll Police Department, where she worked for ten and a half years as a Communication Officer Supervisor. She attended Kilgore College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Lamar University, Angelina College, and North Harris Lone Star College.

Family & Community

Dr. Scott is the proud mother of five children and nine grandchildren. Her life and work were deeply influenced by her late husband, Otis Scott Sr., and by her close friendship with Rose Mary McGowen, sister of the late Barbara Jordan.

Film & Creative Work

Dr. Scott was featured in the movie Pound of Flesh with Street Corner Films, which debuted August 23, 2014. She was also appointed Associate Producer for Street Corner Films and was featured in the film Temp to Fire.

“

It is clear to me. We as human beings must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.

— Barbara Jordan

Continuing The Mission

Demonstrating Extraordinary “Unique Abilities”

Dr. Scott's determination and commitment to service continue to position her to impact lives throughout the community. She believes that when people with disabilities are given an opportunity, disability becomes an opportunity to demonstrate extraordinary “unique abilities.”

Dr. Thelma Scott • Founder & Chairman • S.A.F.E. Communities

Our Amazing Founder

Thelma Scott
Founder of S.A.F.E. Communities

Achievements

Awards and Honors for Thelma Scott
Founder & CEO of Barbara Jordan Endeavors Corporation

Women of Now Rising Higher Award for Women’s History Month Award – March 7, 2016
Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Community Hero February 28, 2015
Texas Diversity First Leadership Award, the first African American woman to receive this award
WSN Community Outreach Advocate of the Year Award 2015
TRA Justin Dart (ADA) Advocate of the Year Award 2015, only one person in Texas is honored with this award

Texas GFSC Self-Advocate of the Year Award 2015, only one person in Texas is honored with this award
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2014
Super Lady Soiree Honoree Houston 2014
TWEF Woman of Worth Award Presented by Stedman Graham 2013
Parents, Teachers, and Students Association Community Support Award – 2013

Rotary District 5890 Spotlight Award 2013
White Cane Day Appreciation Award 2012
No More Victims Outstanding Community Award 2012
VIP Community Partnership Award from HISD (2011 & 2013)
Black History Month 2013 DARS Stakeholder Spotlighted (BJE) 2013
LPCDC Community Partner’s Award 2011
Adopt a Ditch Keep Houston Beautiful Award 2010

Rotary District 5890 Spotlight Award 2013
White Cane Day Appreciation Award 2012
No More Victims Outstanding Community Award 2012
VIP Community Partnership Award from HISD (2011 & 2013)
Black History Month 2013 DARS Stakeholder Spotlighted (BJE) 2013

Recognition

Professional Profile: Mrs. Scott's Advocacy Work and Scholarship Program Recognition

· Channel 2 News featured Mrs. Scott’s testimony in the New York Night of Hope
Channel 13 News – Cross Roads interview with Melanie Lawson
Channel 13 News – Walk, Run & Roll Kick-Off interview with Tom Abraham
Channel 13 News – BJE Program interview with Elissa Rivas
Fox 26 News – BJE Program interview with Sally McDonald
Channel 11 News – Great Day Houston Interview with Debra Duncan
Channel 13 News – Barbara Jordan HS & BJE Award Ceremony with Tom Abraham

· Houston Style Magazine Article – Breast Cancer Survivor Creates 5K Walk, Run & Roll-2013
Cypress Creek Mirror News Article – Barbara Jordan Endeavors program expanding – 2013
d- Mars Community Journal – 5k Walk, Run & Roll Kick Off River Oaks Metro Center – 2013
The Diboll Free Press – Scott Honored: “Endeavors” as Champion of Change Award – 2012
The Bright Star, Lufkin News- Diboll Native Nominated for White House STEM Award – 2012

· d- Mars Business Journal – Mrs. Scott as a Disability Advocate -2012
Houston Chronicle News Article – Programs helps teens work toward future goals -2012
Houston Chronicle News Article – Making a Difference for People with Disabilities – 2008
1960 Sun Klein News Article – Endeavors Program Empowers Students with Disabilities – 2005
The Ebony Voice News Article – Endeavors Scholarship Awards Luncheon – 2004

Houston Chronicle News Article – She Endeavors To Help Others – 2004
1960 Sun News Article, New Chamber Committee Takes Cause for People with Disabilities 2004
1960 Sun News Article – Making some shade for Westfield High School – 2004
The Leader News Article – Providing the first BJE Scholarship to an NHC Student -2002
Houston Chronicle – Against All Odds North Harris College – 2000

Perseverance

Mrs. Thelma Scott: Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Inspiration, and Prioritizing Family and Community.

Mrs. Thelma Scott’s life journey has been marked by significant challenges and moments of personal tragedy. Despite the obstacles, she has persevered and emerged as a source of inspiration for many. Her husband, Otis Scott Sr., was her rock and supported her unconditionally until his passing in 2008. The loss was devastating, but Mrs. Scott drew strength from the love and support they shared for 41 years. Additionally, her close friend, Mrs. Rose Mary McGowen, has been a constant source of inspiration and support in her life. As a mother of five and a grandmother of nine, Mrs. Scott has always placed her family at the forefront of her priorities. Her career path has been diverse, from law enforcement to marketing, and she has excelled in every field she has pursued. Mrs. Scott’s unwavering commitment to community service is reflected in her involvement in projects such as the renaming of a Diboll street in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is also recognized for her work in films such as “Pound of Flesh” and “Temp to Fire.” Above all, Mrs. Scott is known for her giving spirit, as she passionately believes that everyone deserves equal opportunities regardless of their abilities.

Our View

Create Impactful Moments Every Day

Showing compassion to students with hardships can make a significant difference in their lives. S.A.F.E. Communities provides them with the support and encouragement they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

A student with a "Unique Ability" can do anything anyone else can do, when they are given the opportunity! Never Give Up, No Matter What. -Thelma Scott

We Understand and Care

Move Forward and Always Remember the 'Why'.

Thelma Scott’s exceptional legacy of service has inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps. The students of the S.A.F.E./BJE program are a shining example of her dedication to excellence, as they continue to display remarkable commitment and leadership in their work on committees, boards, and commissions advocating for equal access for all. Thelma’s unwavering commitment to service has left a lasting impact on the lives of many, and her spirit of generosity and compassion serves as a true inspiration to all those who aspire to make a positive difference in the world.

S.A.F.E. IS HONEST DEDICATED PREPARED

Testimonials

What People Say About
Our Organization

Volunteering with S.A.F.E. has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Knowing that I am helping to create more inclusive opportunities for disadvantaged students is truly fulfilling."

S.A.F.E. is a game-changer! Thanks to their scholarship program, my daughter, who has a mental disability, is now on track to graduate college with honors.

As a longtime donor to S.A.F.E., I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that their scholarships have on the lives of disadvantaged and mentally challenged students. It is truly heartwarming to know that my contributions are making a difference.

I cannot thank S.A.F.E. enough for the support they provided my son, who comes from a low-income family, in his pursuit of higher education. He now has a bright future ahead of him, all thanks to their scholarship program.

I am blown away by the dedication and passion of the team at S.A.F.E. . Their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system is truly inspiring, and I am proud to be a part of their mission.