Community Service Volunteers Houston

On Friday, June 18, 2010, Star of Hope Men’s Development Center hosted the Fifth Annual Alumni Fellowship Celebration (AFC). We celebrated the victory of “new lives” in Christ. We celebrated the victory that God has given the alumni over drugs, alcohol, and habitual sin. We celebrated the victory that God has given them as servants of the Gospel of Christ.
 

Men who have satisfied Client Services and Spiritual Recovery Program requirements and now live off SOH property in their own residence are classified as alumni. This year we celebrated their acts of service in the community and within the Star of Hope facilities. Three different awards were given to the alumni who rendered Acts of Service:

• Eleven alumni received the “Redeeming the Time Award” which was given to men who volunteered through ACTS Ministry (Alumni in Community Transformation & Service).
• Five alumni received the “Sowing the Seed Award” which was given to men who taught or preached at the any one of our four Star of Hope locations.
• Eleven alumni received the “Stirring it Up Award” which was given to men who discipled another alumni

 
Private Dale C. shared a brief testimony about how the Star of Hope played a tremendous role in saving his life, changing his life, and redirecting his life. On October 20, 2008, Dale signed up for the Spiritual Recovery Program (SPR). While at the Star of Hope, Dale accepted Christ as his Savior. While sharing his testimony during the fellowship, he said in so many words that his life was going now where fast. After completing the SRP, he left to sign up for the United States Army. Looking back over the last two years, Dale has completed two rigorous programs, the SRP and the Army Boot Camp. Dale talks about how rigorous the SOH and Boot Camp training was. He now knows that he needed both of these painstaking training programs to prepare him to serve his country for Christ.

Dale is a true solider for Christ. Dale entered the doors of the Star of Hope at the tender age of 19 homeless and hopeless. Today he is 22 and has a new home in heaven and hope for a brighter future in Christ. He is a great servant of the Most High, and we love and support him.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “We give thanks to God always for you all (alumni), making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6
 

Visit Christian Ministries Houston to learn more about ACTS, Star of Hope's Alumni Ministry.

It’s probably been a year since we first met perky art consultant, Sheri Hammonds. A dynamic MBA with a gentle, compassionate spirit, Sheri contacted Star of Hope about teaching art classes for our adult clients. Sheri described how she loves “to move paint” and how this creative outlet might help our clients express feelings for which they have no words. 

Since that first meeting, Sheri’s dedication to this project never wavered. When others might have become overwhelmed by the ever-present challenges of a start-up program, Sheri met with artists and recruited volunteers to assist with the classes. Along with her team, Sheri attended workshops on teaching art, as well as our required volunteer orientation. She developed a 7-week curriculum for the classes, located funding sources for art supplies and got a large quantity of supplies donated. And she worked tirelessly with all of us at Star of Hope to ensure each detail was carefully attended. It wasn’t an easy process, but Sheri was committed to the project God placed on her heart. 

Yesterday afternoon, finally, Sheri held her first class for 10 ladies at our Transitional Living Center! Sheri was joined by three more volunteer teachers – Paula, Carol and Lucy. At first, some of the clients were a little anxious and hesitant to try something so new. But Sheri worked beside them, reassuring and encouraging all of the ladies. Soon, everyone was filling large sheets of paper with beautiful colors and sharing moments of fun, laughter and relaxation – as well as a few artistic tips.

Sheri said, “I was particularly moved by one student’s explanation of her drawing, which was a road leading to various paths in her life and stops in her truck.  I also had a great conversation with one student about her heroes in her life. She told me about three people she’d like to have dinner with if she ever had the chance.  This was a wonderful group and they were so glad to be creating and relaxing.”

Like Sheri, you can make a real difference in the lives of Houston’s homeless men, women and children.  Register today to become a Star of Hope volunteer at Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Throughout the community, an exceptional group of young people are learning the skills needed to become our future leaders. These young men and women are part of the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. What an honor it is to work with Scouts who select Star of Hope as the site for their Eagle Scout and Girls Scout Gold Award projects!  

The project requirements are stringent. Scouts must submit a comprehensive plan - containing a detailed description of the project, the necessary supplies and materials, how the project will be funded and how the project will benefit Star of Hope - that goes through many levels of approval in the Scout organizations before work can begin. 

This month, Scouts Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat will complete the projects they first proposed last year. Mark designed and is coordinating a team to build shelving units for a storage area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Kevin designed and is coordinating a team to build a seating area and improve the area around a playground at our Transitional Living Center. Scout Brian Howell is working on a project that will include a new seating area and beautification of an area around Star of Hope’s administration building. From drawing plans to material take-offs, these young men have covered all the bases. Scouts Tyler Barron and Matthew Salazar recently hosted donation drives for pillows, towels, socks and underwear and collected several thousand items! As we work with these young men over many months, nothing is more awesome and inspiring than when the invitation arrives to their Court of Honor ceremonies! 

Girl Scouts Madeline Bowser and Kelsey Pearson developed Gold Award projects that enriched the lives of the elementary-school-age children at our Transitional Living Center. Madeline organized and hosted three fun-filled monthly theme parties and also collected children’s socks and underwear. Kelsey, who lived in China for several years, shared her love for international cultures by organizing and hosting three international festivals that included arts & crafts, food and games. Not only did our children benefit from these unique experiences, Madeline and Kelsey were excellent role models.

In addition to these wonderful young people, Boy Scout leader Shana Montgomery has been a special blessing. While working through the demanding Wood Badge program, which teaches advanced leadership skills, Shana selected Star of Hope for her community service project. She helped get our children ready for summer camp by collecting flip-flops in all colors and sizes. 

We are so proud of our Scouts and grateful for the many ways they bless our mission! Each Scout demonstrates a tremendous work ethic, dedication and compassion for those less fortunate. Their commitment and service truly gives Houston’s homeless men, women and children hope for a better tomorrow.

“Taking Care of the Way People Live” is more than a catchy advertising slogan for Gables Residential, a company nationally recognized for excellence in the management, development, acquisition and construction of multi-family apartment communities. Last Thursday, Gables Residential shut down their entire Houston operation and sent about 150 enthusiastic, high-energy volunteers to take care of the way families live at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center. 

Members of the Gables team spent the day painting 15 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in preparation for new families who would otherwise be homeless, as well as repairing and painting mechanical surrounds. The TLC campus was covered with bright, eye-popping turquoise t-shirts that proclaimed “Volunteering In Progress”. Not only did Gables generously donate the project materials and manpower, but they also donated items our children need for summer camp – duffel bags, flip-flops and towels. 

Throughout the day, my heart was touched by the joy with which the Gables volunteers worked. Here are just a few of the responses I received when I randomly asked volunteers what it meant to be part of Gables Day at Star of Hope:

·         -  “My mother raised three kids on her own….to be able to help other people is important” Rosemary

·         -  “I moved out of my house when I was 16 years old. When I decided to straighten out my life, my family was there for me. I’m glad Star of Hope is here for these families.” Lisa

·        -   “Star of Hope is a place that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of folks who really need it. It is refreshing to see that Star of Hope has kept true to its core mission and values throughout the good times and bad. Truly a great organization!” Ben

·         -  “Volunteering at Star of Hope means giving back in circles.” Sabrina

·         -  “I like helping other people.” Jesus

Would your corporate group like to join Gables Residential in helping Houston’s homeless men, women and children? Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston to get started.

This week we have all been bombarded with advertisements from greeting card companies, florists and jewelers enticing us to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.  We’ve seen images of adoring children gathered around mom, sharing moments of fun and laughter. But instead of those perfect family portraits captured by Kodak, just for a moment, imagine being a homeless mom with several small children. You don’t know how you’re going to feed your children or where you will find a safe place for them to curl up and sleep. Stressed and exhausted, you feel like a failure. You have little hope for a better tomorrow until, somehow, you arrive at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. There, in the midst of your pain and struggles, you find people eager to help you and your children. Not only are needs of your family met, but there is a special Mother’s Day surprise just for you!

Last year, Sue Clark of Houston Gift Rep Group, wanted to honor the moms at our shelter with special Mother’s Day flowers. She found beautiful cream-colored vases trimmed in gold and ordered enough flowers to fill all the vases. Sue even found a florist who allowed her to use their workroom from 9 AM until noon on Saturday. Sue, along with helper Sharon Reese, a tiny lady with a Texas-size heart, worked at a feverish pace all morning. But at noon, there were still many arrangements to be made. It’s so amazing how God works! Business was so good the florist had to stay open. Throngs of customers kept coming until the last arrangement was assembled!

Sue delivered more than 200 beautiful, fragrant, ribbon-tied arrangements to the shelter for the staff to distribute Sunday morning. There were tears of joy and big, happy smiles from all the moms. Some of our moms had never before received flowers from anyone. This was their very first time! Here are some of the comments made by our moms:

·         This is so beautiful, I love it!”

·         “Oh, my, thank you so much!”

·         “Oooh!  You don’t know how much this means to me!  Thank you so much!”

·         “This is lovely, so I get to celebrate Mother’s Day!”

·         “Thank you for the flowers.”

·         “Thank you for making us feel special!”

However, this Mother’s Day story doesn’t end on Sunday. On Monday, a first-time mom came home from the hospital (to a homeless shelter) with precious newborn twins. She didn’t leave the hospital with carts full of flowers, balloon and the other special well wishes that make this time even more exciting. But when she arrived at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Sue’s flowers were there to celebrate the very special delivery and her first Mother’s Day!

This year, as an organization, Houston Gift Rep Group has followed Sue’s lead and will again provide Mother’s Day flowers for all of the shelter’s moms. Moms who are struggling through times of crisis will know they are loved, appreciated and valued – not only by their children, but by the One who created us all. And as our moms are surrounded by His love, their hearts will be touched and the lives of their families forever changed.   Happy Mother’s Day!

I spent some time last week editing a video that we are producing for Star of Hope's HR department. As I listened to my colleagues talk about what brought them to Star of Hope and how God is using their skills and talents, I found myself feeling... grateful... and thankful. Watching, I remembered back to my first days around the Mission.

Catherine Taylor, VP of Human Resources, was the first person I met and interviewed with. She was the first who explained to me the depth of the programs offered here.

I joined Marilyn Fountain, Director of Community Relations, for a Graduation at our Transitional Living Center. After the celebration, she look me on a tour of the facility. It was an eye opener! I had volunteered at Women & Family Emergency Center several times, but didn't know anything about Star of Hope's Substance Abuse Recovery Program for women... New Hope. I remember how impressed I was when I learned about GED/ABE Training, Personal Development, Career Development and more.

Then there is Dick Druary, Director of Men's Development Center, who walked me through MDC, explaining the ministry and programs offered to the homeless men of Houston. As he told me about the first time he preached at Star of Hope as a teen, I remembered back to my first visit as a teen and playing guitar at a chapel service.

Back to the video... it will be completed in a few weeks. Until then, take a look at our Career Page at Christian Ministries Houston and consider a career with a ministry in Houston, that truly offers help, hope and life to the homeless in our community. 
 

Although others might disagree, I truly believe the Volunteer Services team has the best jobs at Star of Hope! Every single day, Julie, Billie and I have the privilege of working with people who come to Star of Hope simply because they have a heart to serve. They come as partners in our mission – not wanting anything in return. These amazing people are Star of Hope volunteers!

Our volunteers bring an enormous variety of talents, abilities and skills to the table. Their generous gifts of time, energy, compassion and leadership have touched the lives of Houston’s homeless men, women and children in countless way! As they share special moments of God’s love with our clients, our volunteers are beautiful examples of a servant’s heart and outstanding role models in our community. The difference they make today will continue to impact tomorrow’s history and our world is a much better place because of each volunteer who walks through our doors.

Albert Schweitzer once said, “Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”

For many of our clients, the light was extinguished long ago as they struggled through pain, addictions, tragic circumstances, and sometimes, bad choices. Their world was pretty dark, bleak and hopeless and they often felt invisible.  But at Star of Hope, clients discover they were created for a unique purpose by a loving Heavenly Father, and as a child of the King, their lives have value and worth. As volunteers partner in our ministry, they help rekindle the light in another human being. Lights that have gone out are blown into flame by their love and compassion.

This is National Volunteer Week and a time to pay special tribute to all of our volunteers. The national theme, Celebrating People in Action, exemplifies the enthusiastic response of our volunteers as they have eagerly reached out to help those in need for more than 100 years.

On behalf of Star of Hope’s Board of Trustees, staff and clients, I would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to each of our volunteers. What you do matters and makes a lasting difference in the lives of others – you rekindle the light, touch hearts and inspire our clients to become successful members of our community. Thank you for all of the many ways you bless all of us. We pray God will richly bless your participation in this ministry today and always.
 

Get involved. Visit Houston Volunteer Opportunities.
 

Every day I find that people in our community are eager to know more about Star of Hope, the services we provide and how to get involved.  One question I am often asked is, “Where do you get your volunteers?”  The answer is simple – from everywhere!  

l  Churches, Bible studies & various ministries

l  Local and out-of-town mission outreach groups

l  Businesses – Small businesses to global conglomerates

l  Professional organizations and societies

l  Universities – student associations and professional groups, sororities & fraternities, athletic programs, alumni organizations, etc.

l  Traditional high schools to boarding schools and home school organization – clubs, athletic programs, honor societies, etc. 

l  Civic, philanthropic and charitable organizations

l  Social clubs

l  Other non-profit partnerships and collaborations

l  Families

I can’t imagine a community more generous than the one in which we live.  Each year, thousands of Individuals and groups give their time, energy and resources to help those less fortunate through Star of Hope’s onsite and offsite volunteer opportunities. We are grateful for each volunteer and consider this a "God thing" - the way He continues to impress people's hearts to partner with our ministry, enabling us to do far beyond what we could have ever imagined for over 100 years! 

Want to know more?  Check out the ways you can make a difference in the lives of Houston’s homeless men, women and children at Volunteering Houston.

There’s no one on the Star of Hope staff I respect more than those who work each day on the front lines with our clients! I am always in awe of the tremendous care, compassion and empathy they have for all of the hurting men, women and children God sends through our doors! Clients come to Star of Hope burdened and weighted down with the worries and stresses of homelessness. But thanks to our committed program staff, those struggling through difficult times soon learn there is indeed hope for a better tomorrow. Sometimes that means teaching our clients how to relax and have some fun!

This afternoon, I looked out the window just in time to see the director of our Transitional Living Center, Michelle Alexander, stringing up a net for an impromptu game of volleyball with ladies from the Personal Development class. Not only did Michelle put up the net, she demonstrated an awesome serve. And then, she became the cheerleader. Michelle wasn’t afraid to be "real" and act a little goofy as she gave shout-outs to both teams. As the ball flew back and forth across the net, it was an amazing, spontaneous time of fun, laughter and fellowship. I don’t know if they kept score, but this afternoon, all of the ladies were certainly winners!  My only regret....not having a camera handy!

This afternoon held one of those lovely, rare treats that we all cherish and hold close to our hearts. Sherri Ramos, from our Development department, and I were privileged to have lunch in the home of a most remarkable woman, Frances Swartsfager. Until her health began failing late last year, Frances was an active Star of Hope volunteer. But at age 96, she has certainly not retired!

Sharing a little of her history, Frances began volunteering as a certified Red Cross nurse aid during World War II. She described walking to work each day in the required uniform, white nylons and polished white shoes.  She reminisced about her work with expectant moms as their labor progressed.

As she and her beloved husband, Clarence, became parents to a beautiful baby boy, her role shifted to that of a homemaker. There she found unlimited opportunities for service – right in her own neighborhood. She became the scout den mother, the carpool driver and after-school snack provider.  Her door was always open.

When Clarence retired, he and Frances began a new ministry. Every morning, six days a week, for 20 years, the Swartsfagers zoomed out the door, each driving a station wagon, to arrive at the grocery store bakery by 7 AM. There they would load up all of the day-old bread and pastries to bring to Star of Hope and the Emergency Aid Coalition. 

In the early 1980’s, when women and children began seeking shelter at Star of Hope, Frances led a volunteer team from Church Women United in cooking and serving meals. She fondly spoke of that first shelter where sheets of plywood were used to give each family a little privacy. She didn’t care what brought a woman to Star of Hope – whether it was bad choices or unexpected circumstances – she was there with a loving, compassionate heart to help. Along with her team, Frances said there were many volunteers from Southwestern Bell who worked to make life a little more comfortable for those struggling families. 

As Star of Hope grew, Frances sought relevant new ways for her group to bless our mission. They served meals at banquets and during the holidays, addressed and sorted bulk mailings, and wrapped Christmas gifts at our Christmas Workshop. Not only was Frances busy at Star of Hope, she faithfully served her church and other community ministries. Every Thursday, Frances could be found at the Emergency Aid Coalition making hundreds of sandwiches for those in need. Although it’s now more difficult to venture away from home, Frances still organizes volunteer projects for Church Women United and ministers to everyone who crosses her path – even her own caregivers. 

Her favorite part of volunteering at Star of Hope was having the opportunity to hear client testimonies. She loved hearing the unique story of each woman – what her life had been and how, through God’s grace, her life was forever changed. Of course, Frances didn’t let Sherri and I leave without praying – not only for us, but also for all of the lost and hurting men, women and children who come through the doors at Star of Hope. As I hugged and kissed Frances goodbye, it was hard to leave. I was inspired to do more, to reach out to others with the love of Jesus – just as Frances has faithfully done for so many years.
 
 

Discover volunteer opportunities of interest to you at Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Looking back on 2009 probably makes us all a little jittery, as we remember the uncertainty we have experienced individually and collectively, due to the economic downturn.  But I hope you feel the same satisfaction and excitement that I feel, knowing that, in spite of the difficulties, God moved in dramatic ways to touch and change the lives of thousands of homeless men, women, and children, living at Star of Hope.  It was a year of abundant blessing for our Clients, with new records of service being given through our ministries around town, resulting in many great outcomes.

Did you know we served a record 6,319 individual clients during 2009?  Among other new records are total meals served…668,385, up 24% from 2008, night stays at 295,921, up 9%, clients finding independent housing up 17%, adults enrolled off-site in school or job training at 815, up 19%, clients graduating from a Star of Hope program up 44%, and the list goes on!

THANK YOU HOUSTON, for your generous support: for volunteering and contributing your time, resources, and monetary gifts, on behalf of our brothers and sisters who were suffering.  THANK YOU for letting God use you to work in the lives of those whom He has brought our way.
 
Most importantly, that 6,319 number is not just a statistic, it’s people of all ages in our community who were in crisis and needed an intervention, immediate needs met, and a loving environment in which to plan a new future.  And along the way, Star of Hope saw a total of 5,332 of these precious ones surrender their lives to Christ, and commit to live for Him.

Every client has his or her own story, but I thought you might want to take a look at this one, because it is representative of so many stories, that sum up 2009….what it’s like to be homeless unexpectedly, and how it feels:


   
So as we begin 2010, please remember, whatever our own struggles, that God is doing great things at the Star of Hope, and YOU are needed to partner with us in His service here!
 

Learn more about giving your time by visiting Community Service Volunteers Houston or give an online gift today at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

• Walked Hermann Park, praying for or with homeless men we met... giving them bottled water and granola bars
• Volunteered by preparing and serving meals at Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter.