Larry Moses II is a thrill seeker. Or as he calls himself, a “daredevil.”

We’re talking parasailing, roller coasters or riding jet skis in the ocean.

There was even ziplining through the jungles of Mexico when he turned 30 years old. It wasn’t so much the ziplining but more the climb up multiple flights of stairs to finally overlook trees and water while his heartbeat grew faster and faster in his chest.

He does have his limits, though.

“Not sky diving,” the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids project coordinator says with a chuckle.

Moses enjoys seeking those thrills and living his life on the edge, but he thoroughly loves being able to give opportunities like these – though on a different scale – to CASE for Kids participants. His passion for changing lives and creating those memories is what made him a worthy selection for Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) May Employee of the Month.

Over the past year, Moses took on the responsibility of managing the City Connections and County Connections grant programs simultaneously. Administered by CASE for Kids in conjunction with the Houston City Council and Harris County Commissioners, the initiatives provide funding for out-of-school time program providers and afford students with more educational opportunities outside school hours or during the summertime.

Moses oversees the distribution of more than $2 million in funding annually and works closely with 16 councilmembers and four precinct commissioners to ensure grant awards are equitable, strategic and meet the community’s needs. In addition, he has built relationships with over 300 nonprofit organizations and service providers and became a valued resource to connect programs with opportunities that benefit area youth.

“He was happy to take on the extra tasks because he wants to learn and grow as a professional, so he never complained and he takes a lot of care and attention to detail when it comes to both projects.,” said Federal Programs and Compliance Manager Jasmine Castleberry, who nominated Moses for employee of the month. “He handles all of that with ease, so it’s just really incredible to see him work.”

For Moses, the programs connect Harris County youth with experiences some may not have had without the funding and opportunities. These are their “thrill-seeking” experiences. It’s familiar because during his childhood, Moses experienced both missing out and having the support to reach goals.

Raised in a single-parent household, Moses watched his mother work two jobs to support the two of them. He has an older sister, but she’s 12 years older and was off to college and into adulthood as Moses grew up. He credits his mom for doing all she could to provide support.

The thrill-seeking started early for Moses, who remembers jumping into the pool at 3 and 4 years old while visiting family in Las Vegas. He couldn’t swim and neither could most everyone else. His Aunt Precious – the lone swimmer in the family – was there to rescue him.

“In life we all should experience new things,” Moses said. “So, when opportunities come, yes be safe, but take advantage of it.”

Moses began his education career at Fort Bend Independent School District before joining the YMCA of Greater Houston in 2018 as a youth development director. In both stops, he thrived as a role model and father figure to many.

He learned of HCDE and CASE for Kids through the YMCA and saw firsthand how the Department is a valuable resource for organizations and fills in the gaps for Harris County students and their educational needs. Joining HCDE was an easy decision when an opportunity opened at the start of 2024.

“It’s a community – he grew up in afterschool programming,” CASE for Kids Senior Director Dr. Lisa Caruther said. “So, he knows what they experience. He knows what they’re going through, and he’s been able to be a real resource to these community partners that are applying. Then he gets behind them, does the paperwork, the details, the charts and the money, and navigates all of that. He really is well-rounded.”

Added Programs Coordinator Brandi Nichols: “Professionalism as a skill – if you’ve never seen it – is Larry, and he brings that with everyone we collaborate with.”

Moses still has plenty of room for fun, both at work and on his latest adventure. CASE for Kids is about enhancing the youth experience, and Moses takes that personal.

So, he’s very thorough with City Connections and County Connections. Even with site visits after grants are funded and put in motion. These are the full circle moments for him.

Like The Woods Project, which creates wilderness and outdoor exploration experiences for low-income high school populations in Houston. Students who are unlikely to backpack and hike, camp overnight under the stars or even see animals in the wild are now doing so.

Or perhaps a music program exposing youth to various instruments. Maybe even a simple field trip.

“I didn’t have those experiences,” Moses said. “Now with me working with these nonprofits and seeing the great work they are doing, my main vision for our youth is creating learning experiences. I’m always willing to take on challenges and nothing can come across my path to where I’m not going to take advantage of it, put in all my passion and effort to ensure the goal is complete.”