We’re proud to participate in Houston Gives, an annual publication that highlights and champions local charitable organizations. This year, we’re sponsoring our long-time customer and community partner, the Tejano Center for Community Concerns, where our Executive Vice President and Bank President of the East End office, David Corpus, serves as Chairman of the Board. Here, we asked David to share more about his role with Tejano Center, including community impact and plans for the future.
Q: Could you tell us about your connection to the Tejano Center. How did you first get involved, and how has your relationship with the organization grown over time?
I joined the Tejano Center board in 2005. Since then, the organization has grown from just two programs to more than 13. The programs include affordable housing and commercial real estate development, senior citizen housing, a teen health clinic, early childhood education, public charter schools, and more.
With my banking background, I wanted to add value and help Tejano Center become a more “bankable entity.” Over the last 19 years, our annual revenue has grown from about $5 million to right around $83 million. And our assets and real estate have grown from about $8 million to $100 million. This strategic expansion has put Tejano Center in a great position to secure the financing it needs to promote future growth.
Q: Tejano Center's mission focuses on educating, transforming, and empowering families to elevate communities in Greater Houston and Brownsville areas. As chairman of the board, how have you seen this mission come to life in the communities Tejano Center supports?
The Tejano Center is a family of programs that are dedicated to serving the underrepresented, underserved, and under-resourced. Essentially, as we saw a need, we would determine how we could get funding—whether that’s through public or private funding, endowments, or government funding. If we grow the program and make it work well, we try to add to it.
For example, we’ve always had a foster program where we train and register people to become certified foster care parents. But we’ve recently expanded our foster care advocacy with Sunrise Lofts, which provides housing and support for youth aging out of foster care. The Tejano Center is also working on the certifications to form an adoption agency.
Q: The Tejano Center focuses on four key areas: education, housing, health services, and social support. How do these various programs work together to provide comprehensive assistance for families?
The Tejano Center’s programs are designed to serve every age and every stage of life. From healthcare, to housing, to education, the Tejano Center addresses the social issues across the community. We understand that situations change and family needs evolve. That's why we’re here to collaborate with people and, ultimately, empower them to help themselves.
Q: How has Stellar Bank's role as both a banking provider and community sponsor supported Tejano Center? Can you share an example of how this partnership has enhanced your impact in the community?
Stellar Bank helped us complete a Federal Home Loan Bank application process for our affordable housing project, Sunrise Lofts. This $26-million development consists of 89 unit apartment complex providing permanent housing for 18- to 25-year-olds who are placing out of the foster care program. Stellar Bank stepped in to complete our loan application to the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) after another bank was unable to finish the process. Due to this FHLB application, we secured $850,000 in funding for the project. This funding was instrumental as it allowed us to acquire appliances and furnishings for Sunrise Lofts. The Sunrise Lofts will also provide job training and emotional counseling services to our tenants.
Q: As we look to the future, how do you envision the customer-supporter relationship between Tejano Center and Stellar Bank evolving to further strengthen community and support Greater Houston and Brownsville?
We’re always collaborating with Tejano Center. As Tejano Center expands its community development projects, there are opportunities for Stellar Bank to provide the financing needed to reach these goals.
Q: How does Tejano Center’s partnership with Stellar Bank, particularly through initiatives like Houston Gives, enhance your ability to create lasting change in the community?
The Houston Gives publication helps us extend our reach by providing visibility to those who are not familiar with Tejano Center and all its different programs. By raising awareness, we’re increasing the opportunities for Tejano Center to receive support—whether that’s through community involvement, donations, and awareness.
Q: Tejano Center’s work touches many aspects of community life. What are some specific ways people can get involved and support Tejano Center, whether through volunteering, donations, or other forms of community engagement?
There are many opportunities to get involved with the Tejano Center. We’re always looking for people looking to volunteer or donate. One way is through our Best Christmas Ever program, which helps bring holiday magic to more than 300 children in the community.
If you're passionate about our programs, Tejano Center has employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities and even opportunities to join our board.
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Stellar Bank is enormously committed to supporting our communities. Our passion lies in empowering families, friends, coworkers and neighbors to thrive—whether that’s through volunteerism, donations, education, or financial services. Because we believe that advancing the well-being of others promotes shared prosperity for all.
For more information about the Tejano Center and its programs, visit www.tejanocenter.org
