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Brandon Fried has always been a problem solver. It’s the reason he started the handyman service Hands for Hire almost 20 years ago.  He has also been determined to provide customer service that leaves his clientele satisfied and willing to use Hands For Hire again. 

What is it?: Hands for Hire is a full-service handyman maintenance company that provides services such as:

• Drywall
• Painting
• Furniture assembly
• Exterior power washing
• Art and TV hanging
• General services

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce celebrates their 40 year anniversary with cake and cookies on May 11 in their office conference room.

The details: Since 1986, the member driven organization has served the community with a goal of uniting Cy-Fair member businesses through advocacy, leadership and growth, per their website.

The treats will be served as a come and go, per the invitation.

• May 11, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

• Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Office, 8711 Highway 6 North, Ste. 120, Houston

Lone Star College System has been launching new and expanded mental health and wellness programs for students and employees, with the next services slated to roll out in stages over the next few months.

Major takeaways: In March, LSCS mental health services were instituted, expanded or brought in-house for a soft launch of the programming. 

Current mental health services offered in-person and virtually by LSCS are:

• Short-term individual counseling

• Group counseling

• Career counseling

• Consultations for students, staff, parents and families

• Resources and referrals

A sneak peek: In August, new mental health services will be debuted, including:

• Telepsychiatry services

• A crisis phone line for 24/7 help

The impact: From the fall of 2024 to the spring of 2026, LSCS received 7,898 requests for help from 5,106 students for various mental health and wellness resources, according to the presentation. By 2030, LSCS leaders are hoping to see 65% of students, not including dual-credit high school students, using mental health and wellness support services, according to the presentation.

Following pressure from summer camp operators, lawmakers and legislative leaders, Texas is suspending a requirement that all camps install “end-to-end” fiber-optic internet infrastructure before opening this summer.

The background: After catastrophic flooding in Central Texas killed more than 130 people—including 28 deaths at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp—last July, state lawmakers passed a pair of laws designed to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness requirements for all Texas summer camps. One provision of the laws requires that camps install two types of broadband internet, including a fiber-optic system.

Nineteen camp operators sued the state over the fiber-optic rule in April, citing million-dollar installation fees and limited access to fiber-optic services in rural parts of Texas.

What's happening: The Department of State Health Services, which licenses youth camps, said it reached an agreement with the camp operators May 7. Under the agreement, Texas camps that maintain “redundant” broadband internet services—such as cellular, microwave or satellite technology—will not have their license revoked or denied as long as they meet all other safety requirements.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from May 4-8.

Grand Parkway project moves forward with $1.4B contract

Sugar Land launches ticket reservations for FIFA World Cup watch parties

Triten Real Estate Partners completes 400K-square-foot distribution center in Humble

Friendswood awards $8.6M contract for Blackhawk Boulevard improvements

From her grandmother’s garden to Houston storefronts, Bree Clarke grows something bigger than plants