About Us.
LEOH, founded in 1981, is a non-profit organization with one goal—to continue the educational and inspirational growth of its members through speakers, classes, field trips and activities.
LEOH was founded by and nurtured by the vision of Eveleth (Dickie) Harshman. In 1981, Dickie Harshman, a retired teacher and member of Bethany United Methodist Church, shared with neighborhood churches and civic clubs her enthusiasm and determination to establish a program for seniors similar to one she had attended in Atlanta.
Leaders in five southwest area churches and two civic clubs shared her conviction that “the elderly” would benefit from a program that would give them a means to develop new skills, meet new people, stimulate their minds and learn how to support and use community services. Life Enrichment of Houston held its First Session that Fall at Bethany. The brochure from the First Session in 1981 noted that the acronym LEOH also stands for Life, Energy, Optimism, and Hope. The logo for LEOH is quite logically a lion.
LEOH meets on Thursdays for two eight-week sessions per year, generally from mid-March through mid-May and again from mid-September through mid-November. The organization is open to all faiths and backgrounds, age 50+ and is composed of the most energetic and involved seniors that you would ever want to meet. It is an all-volunteer organization, so not only can you participate, you can also assist in organizing the classes and activities.
LEOH is governed by a Board of Directors. Rosalie Thurbon serves as Treasurer, and Jennifer Stone as Secretary. Because it is a volunteer organization, members are encouraged to become involved and to offer suggestions on how to improve the organization and its offerings.
Sadly, the President of LEOH, Ken Euler, passed away in December 2024. As President, Ken was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and worked to ensure LEOH inspired and entertained, by offering educational and social activities for its members. Ken led LEOH with a steady hand, and will be sorely missed.
The LEOH Board of Directors met in early February 2025 and elected David Martin to serve as its new President. Kelly Cervenka was later selected as Vice-President. We wish both of them much success as they lend their skills and talents to continuing to make LEOH warm, welcoming, and a great place to gather and enjoy all it has to offer!
