Who Makes Things Happen at Shield Bearer Counseling Centers? Meet Roy!

12 People Who Make Things Happen for Kids in Houston

Who makes things happen at Shield Bearer Counseling Centers?

Meet Roy Wooten!

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers

Roy Wooten is the Executive Director of Shield Bearer Counseling Centers, a nonprofit "fighting for hearts" on the front lines of healthy relationships. Shield Bearer helps children, and those who raise and train them, to develop in healthy ways through programs like Strong Fathers Strong Families in preschools and elementary schools. Every child needs to have a positive male in their life. Roy's 20+ years of leadership experience in youth and family social services helps him connect fathers and father figures with children and reinforce their important role in child outcomes.

What does your job entail?

I lead programs and services for Shield Bearer who served over 21,000 people last year in the Greater Houston area. One of the most fun parts of my job is working with fathers and engage dads and children of all ages. I usually leave an event with over a hundred fathers (and father figures) and their children with a very full and happy heart.

How did you become involved in working with your organization?

I began as a volunteer consulting with the board of directors in order to help move the fragile new organization into stability. After a couple of months, they asked me to serve as the Executive Director. That was in 2007 and it is a great privilege to continue to serve in this role and help families and couples do what is best for children.

What is the most fun part of your job?

I love to hear directly from those we have impacted the most. When a young father tells me that no one has ever told him how important he is to the outcomes of his child, or a couple tells me that what I shared with them at the workshop saved their marriage, it feels me with a lot of happy energy.  I feel like I am doing what God put me on this earth to do and that is the most fun part of my job. 

How did you get started in your field of work?

In my teens, I was the one who others would pull aside and confide in regarding issues going on in their lives. So many times it was family problems, their parents struggling to get along or worse. Faith was always a part of my upbringing. Somewhere in my teen years I really felt called to make a difference in peoples lives and to help them. Later as I began college years, I learned the many avenues that I could take to help others. I chose counseling and have been helping people ever since.  I do not know that I would be happy doing anything else.

What are some of your favorite events at your organization?

I love our Strong Fathers Strong Families events.  When Dads (and father figures) get together to play, interact and learn with their children, there is always a great amount of laughter and fun. At some point in the event I usually will get the kids buys with something so that I can have Dad’s full attention. I share with them the research that says that if they stay involved with their children, being present physically, spiritually and emotionally, their children have a greater chance of reaching their highest academic potential, staying away from dangerous things like drugs and behaviors that get them engaged with juvenile justices, and they have a better chance of not being in poverty, not being a victim of abuse, and not dropping out of school. 

What kind of unusual things have you done in the course of your job there?

Tell us a little about your life outside of your work?

I am married to my lifetime love Devra for the past 26 years. I have a 22 year old son and 19 year old daughter who are in school at Texas A&M. When we are not leading events, we enjoy spending time together kayaking, hiking, fishing and doing outdoor activities.

What other interests do you have in the community?

I love Houston’s restaurants and food options. I enjoy the many cultures that work and live together in Houston and one of my favorite ways I enjoy Houston’s diversity is in the variety of food available here.  

Do you have any new events in the upcoming year?

We have a couples retreat every month. Some are free and some cost. We also have a monthly breakfast where people who are interested in volunteering to help others can come learn how to get involved. You can always find out what is going on at Shield Bearer by checking out www.ShieldBearer.org

What are some great ways parents can get kids interested in attending a Shield Bearers event?

If a dad invites a child to an event, they are usually excited to attend. You can always count on us having interactive fun where parents and children (or mom and dad, if it is a couples event) can enjoy doing something fun together.

Tell us a few fun facts about yourself:

I am one of the original ball players that the book that became the movie Friday Night Lights was based upon. I also coauthored the best selling book, “The Secret to Lifeteme Love” with my wife, Devra Wooten.

What other question should we ask about you that we haven't?

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