Community Service Volunteers Houston

“Volunteering at Star of Hope is a demonstration of my faith in the LORD,” is how Gregg Lattier explains his ongoing commitment to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children through his partnership with our mission. Gregg attended one of the first orientation classes I held for perspective new volunteers almost 13 years ago - and he enthusiastically continues to touch hundreds of lives by sharing his compassionate wisdom and love for Jesus Christ.

Most Friday mornings, Gregg teaches stress management to clients in the Personal Development program at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center.  Several clients describe his class this way:

·         “Dr. Gregg Lattier really inspired me when he taught the class on values.  He provide me with information that I have had never heard before.”

·         “Dr. Gregg Lattier has made me think, learn and laugh during his classes….I wish that more teachers were like him!”

·         “What a great stress management instructor!  Mr. Lattier gave us great methods on how to live life stress-less rather than stressful. He teaches people the true meaning of laughter out loud!  He showed me how to embrace what others might think is impossible.”

Although Gregg is at home in the classroom, he loves to travel around the globe.  Christmas break found him in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Cameroon and he plans to visit Asia during spring break.  While traveling, Gregg, who teaches business classes at Lee College and is a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves, has the opportunity to build relationships and share the Gospel while living off of the local economy. He travels light with only a backpack!

When the Houston Texans beat the Jaguars during their last home game on January 2^nd, Gregg was backpacking somewhere through Africa. However, during the game he was recognized as a recipient of the Houston Texans 2010 Community Quarterback Award and Star of Hope will receive a generous donation in his honor.

Congratulations on this prestigious award, Gregg, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to our mission! We are grateful to you and the many other faithful volunteers God sends through our doors.

Read more about Gregg and how you, too, can help the homeless in the Star of Hope's January Newsletter, The Light.

Community Service Houston

Recently, while running errands, my husband pulled the car into a Chevron station. As he filled up the tank, my attention focused on the poster hanging beside each pump, which showcased the many ways Chevron volunteers contribute “human energy” to make our community a better place. Not only was I delighted that local Chevron volunteers were recognized, but also thrilled that Star of Hope was included – both the top, left- and right-hand photos were taken during Star of Hope projects. 

We first worked with Chevron volunteers during their 2009 Humankind Week, and thus, a wonderful, new partnership was born. Throughout 2010, volunteers from Chevron’s Black Employee Network assisted in many areas, such as the kitchens at all three facilities and the Christmas Workshop. 

During the sizzling-hot, triple-digit, Houston summer, it was a funny sight when several Chevron volunteers arrived for work all bundled up in heavy jackets, knit hats and gloves! But they came prepared to clean the walk-in freezer at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. While they cleaned the freezer and others assisted with lunch preparations, several more volunteers baked a scrumptious treat. You can imagine the eager anticipation of shelter clients as the aroma of mouth-watering fudge brownies wafted through the air!

In the fall of 2010, Chevron groups celebrated their Humankind Week by working on major projects at Star of Hope. Volunteers at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter painted several atrium spaces and cleaned out storage areas. Working in shifts over two days, another Chevron group prepped and painted the iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the Men’s Development Center. Thanks to the generosity of Chevron and the hard work of their dedicated volunteers, we will spend less on facility maintenance and have many more dollars to directly help Houston’s homeless men, women and children!

We look forward to additional opportunities to partner with Chevron and the many other volunteers in our community who have a heart for the homeless. 2011 will be an amazing year as together we serve those in need.

Learn how you can help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston.

For the last 20 years, the Hard Rock Cafe has closed its doors on Thanksgiving Day. Although this popular downtown Houston eatery is closed to the public, the kitchen and waitstaff are quite busy. Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving with their own families, everyone at the Hard Rock volunteers on their day off to host a gourmet dinner for clients at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Living Center. This year, the Hard Rock team was joined by another very special team – Head Coach James Dickey brought the University of Houston Men’s Basketball team to help. The UH players, still in their warm-ups after an exhausting practice session, autographed posters and visited with our families before heading inside to wait tables. 

The UH basketball coaches and players weren’t the only Cougars waiting tables for Star of Hope clients during the holidays. UH athletic director Mack Rhoades was joined by his family as they helped serve Christmas dinner at the Men’s Development Center. Rhoades and his family set out desserts and filled drink glasses as they helped make special Christmas memories for men who are often forgotten. 

"It's a very humbling experience," said Rhoades.  "It makes you realize what you have and it's a blessing to be part of this."

Thanks to the UH Athletic Department for reaching out to Houston’s homeless men, women and children during the holidays! Merry Christmas and Go Coogs!

Get involved with Star of Hope and help homeless men, women and families in our community. Find opportunities of interest to you at Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Every child needs a special blanket with which to cuddle – one that makes him or her feel safe and secure. Thanks to three awesome volunteer groups, the children at Star of Hope have blankets made just for them with lots of extra love.

When you walk through the doors of Dancewear, etc, (located just west of I-45 South on Fuqua), you immediately enter a world that’s filled with tap shoes, ballet slippers and leotards. But venture beyond all of the spandex and tulle into the back room and you will find several sewing machines and fabric squares used by the ladies with Project Linus to make the beautifully patterned children’s blankets.  Store owner Linda Henshaw has directed this project for several years and just dropped off enough blankets to fill every inch of her SUV - barely leaving enough room for her to drive.

Over the years, our friends at ExxonMobil have tackled everything from landscaping and painting projects to huge donation drives and building gazebos. But this was a first – an ExxonMobil group decided to reach out to our children by making fleece blankets. The ExxonMobil Global HR Services team stayed busy cutting and hand-knotting the fabric, and when the project was finished, there were about 250 blankets. Baseballs, basketballs, trucks and tractors for boys. Hearts and flowers and pastel bears for girls. A blanket in every child’s favorite color and pattern!

The women in a Memorial-area neighborhood group, Lots of Knots & Books, Too, promote the love of reading and understand the importance of warm, cozy blankets for children.  Working together, they created hundreds of hand-knotted fleece masterpieces for our children. They hope this donation will encourage each child at Star of Hope to curl up with a cozy blanket and set off on the adventure that awaits him or her in a good book.

When more than 100 local Bank of America managers wanted to do something for Star of Hope clients during Christmas, they came up with a unique idea. Instead of volunteering at one of our facilities, they turned the second floor of the Greenspoint branch into another Star of Hope Christmas Workshop. 

Bank of America ordered all of the gifts and wrapping supplies from the WalMart at South Post Oak and Loop 610. And thanks our friends at WalMart, Bank of America was able to stretch their $7,500 investment and buy even more gifts than anticipated! 

Princess tea sets, puzzles, games, watches, bath & shower sets, basketballs and MP3 players were just some of the gifts selected for Transitional Living Center clients. Once the gifts reached Santa’s Greenspoint outpost, they were sorted, wrapped and grouped together with joy. One team even made greeting cards filled with notes of encouragement and warm Christmas wishes for each TLC family! 

At the end of the day, all of Santa’s helpers, dressed in their red and white Bank of America t-shirts and Santa hats, waved goodbye. The Star of Hope truck, loaded down with many brightly colored packages, was on its way to make a very special delivery!

Learn how your organization can help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Merry Christmas from the Star of Hope Christmas Workshop! As volunteers get Christmas gifts ready for the many homeless men, women and children who come through our doors, it’s like having the North Pole right here in Houston, Texas!   Thanks to our good friends at ProLogis, we have an awesome space that has become Santa’s Workshop! Volunteers are busy sorting donated gifts, selecting something special for each client, wrapping the presents and grouping family gifts. When finished, several thousand Christmas gifts will be delivered to Star of Hope programs just in time for Christmas Day!

This is a huge undertaking that could never be accomplished without the help of many special volunteers:

 “It makes me feel thankful for what I have.”   Kylie

“It’s a good way for me to get into the spirit of Christmas.”   Kendall

“I like it because it’s faith- based.”   Allyn

“Giving and volunteering were traditions growing up in our house. We didn’t really know any different. There were always extra stockings and gifts for those less fortunate. So now, it’s a tradition my husband and I have tried to pass along to our kids.”   Joni

“It means a lot to help people who might not otherwise have a very nice Christmas.”    Taylor

“We’ve been doing this for about 10 years and it gives you the opportunity to see what God intended Christmas to be.”    Chuck

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, the gifts are a tangible reminder to our clients of their value and worth; that others really do care; and that better days are ahead. For what is wrapped in bright red and green paper and tied up with bows is the very best, most precious gift of all – and that is new hope through Jesus Christ!

Learn how your group or company can get involved with Star of Hope and help Houston's homeless. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Imagine what it must be like to be out on the streets with no place to call home. Frantically, you search for shelter and a safe place to fall asleep. That’s when you remember that someone told you about Star of Hope. In desperation, you put your last two quarters in the payphone, hoping with everything you have left inside that you can talk with someone, that you don't get a recording.

Although most of us are used to automated telephone systems, navigating menus can be a frustrating process. And if this is the only call you can make, it’s even worse. 

At Star of Hope, our goal is for every caller to reach a “live” voice – to get the help and answers each caller needs and deserves. To accomplish this goal, we opened a call center that is staffed entirely by volunteers. 

No one has taken a more active role in the call center than our friends from Willis of Texas, Inc. About 30 Willis employees staff both the morning and afternoon shifts every Wednesday. Thanks to Willis and other call center volunteers, each call is promptly answered by a friendly voice that’s filled with compassion. Once calls are answered, volunteers remain on the line until callers receive the help they need - even praying with callers. Volunteers are not interested in the number of calls they answer, but in delivering the best possible service.  It is far more than simply answering the phone, it is a ministry! 

Our friends at Willis have been very generous with their time, and yet, found a way to do even more during the holidays. In addition to volunteering in our kitchens and at the Christmas Workshop, they also raised $5,550 to purchase gifts for moms and dads at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and men in the recovery programs at the Men’s Development Center. Not only will there be gifts for the children, but for the adults, too. No one has been forgotten!

Homeless Vets celebrated everyday at Star of Hope Men’s Development Center

Today is Veteran’s Day, and as I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded of the long heritage Star of Hope Mission has had in serving our Veterans who become homeless.  Way back in 1945-1946, Star of Hope was serving hundreds of Veterans each month, coming through Houston with no place to stay. Ever since then, Star of Hope has proudly served Vets who have become homeless and need help in re-establishing their lives, after their service to our country. 
 
Today, we are serving 100-150 Veterans per day, from the Vietnam, Korean, Desert Storm, and Afghanistan wars, with recovery programs and life changing help for a better life.  In our VIP Program, we serve 150-200 per year, in partnership with Houston’s Veteran’s Administration to help with their physical and mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and addiction recovery needs.  Our men in the PTSD group meet twice each week, offered at Star of Hope in partnership with Military Ministries, an arm of PTSD Foundation of America.

When I attend any Veteran’s program at church or in our community, my eyes well up with tears, as I think of the many men I’ve met here, who, without the Star of Hope, would be on the streets of Houston today.  They are not forgotten!  And they feel God’s love everyday they are with us.  Star of Hope is “Home to the Brave”…and my hat is off to the great staff of men and women at our Men’s Development Center in Downtown Houston who faithfully serve these who have sacrificially served all of us in defending our country.

If you’ve never been to any of Star of Hope’s mission locations, I invite you to come and tour, get involved and volunteer!  You can help Veterans and many others with your talents to have a better life, renew their faith and strength, and once again, stand tall as Americans.  Come and join us, you’ll be glad you did!

Learn more about star of Hope at Mens Shelter Donation Houston and Houston Volunteer Opportunities.
 

Each year at the NBTA trade show, Joe Carino, owner of CARINO Hotels & Resorts, raises money for a charity by holding a raffle. The prizes are awesome – weekend stays at one of his breathtaking resorts and destination airline tickets – and the raffle tickets are modestly priced.   This year, Mr. Carino joined forces with NBTA and selected Star of Hope as his beneficiary.

Several staff members and volunteers were invited to the exposition during peak traffic hours over several days to talk about Star of Hope, answer questions and sell tickets. Not only did we have another opportunity to visit with NBTA members who participated in the volunteer project, we were able to share our mission with people from around the world. 

As the convention & exposition ended Wednesday noon, NBTA further blessed us with a large financial gift. The check presentation was made on the trade show floor as Star of Hope President & CEO, Hank Rush, formally thanked NBTA members for their overwhelming generosity. 

But it doesn’t end there. After the convention, Preferred Corporate Housing made a sizable donation of urgently needed items such as sheets, towels and flatware. UPS and FedEx continued to deliver boxes filled with school supplies and toiletry care packs. And NBTA members continue to use social networks to share Star of Hope with an even broader audience. 

National Business Travel Association project day finally arrived. However, before a single NBTA volunteer reached Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center, another group of volunteers was already onsite making final preparations. These special folks are Volunteer Hosts.

No two of our Volunteer Hosts are exactly alike – they come from many different backgrounds and career paths. But they definitely have several traits in common. Their positive, winning personalities are infectious and bubble over to all those around them. They are high energy, display exceptional professionalism and their hearts are filled with compassion. Most important, they love Star of Hope and want to share this passion with all those who come through our doors.

Volunteer Hosts are a vital extension of the Volunteer Services team and often create a new volunteer’s first impression of our mission. After special training, they help welcome volunteers, give tours, solve problems, provide valuable feedback and ensure those who give the gift of time know what a blessing their service is to our mission. 

When NBTA volunteers boarded the buses at the George R. Brown Convention Center for their trip to Star of Hope, Volunteer Hosts were on each bus to give an overview and streamline the sign-in process. 

Once NBTA volunteers arrived, Volunteer Hosts directed them to the bag check area, which was also staffed by Volunteer Hosts, and the various project areas.  Volunteer Hosts stayed with the NBTA volunteers at each work site to answer questions, keep volunteers hydrated and check-on supply levels. Thanks to the tremendous support of our Volunteer Hosts, we were able to maximize the time and NBTA volunteers accomplished even more than anticipated.

We are grateful for our Volunteer Hosts and the important role they play in ministering to other volunteers throughout the year. Volunteer Hosts allow us to do more, better so that our clients, staff, volunteers and community are blessed and God gets the glory.

Learn more about Community Volunteer Opportunities Houston

It’s been a year since I received the first e-mail from Jeannie Eisenhart.  Jeannie works for Crowley Maritime in Florida and is on the Board of the National Business Travel Association. 

NBTA members include airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agents and corporate travel departments, food service companies and temporary corporate apartment homes – just to name a few. Their 2010 international convention & exposition was scheduled for Houston, and for the first time ever, NBTA wanted the agenda to include a community service project. After the Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau recommended Star of Hope and NBTA executives from Washington, D.C. toured our facilities, an amazing partnership was born!

NBTA featured Star of Hope on their website and urged each member’s support. Without a track record, NBTA did not know what the response would be. But they wanted to provide members with a variety of ways to help Houston’s homeless men, women and children:

·         * As members completed the convention registration form, they were asked to make a $10 donation to Star of Hope.

·         * NBTA members were given a list of needed items – such as toiletries, towels, sheets, clothing and canned goods – and asked to make an in-kind donation.

·         * And members were asked to sign-up for a project at our Transitional Living Center – painting client apartments and other living areas, writing notes of encouragement for client mailboxes and assisting in the kitchen.

Deliveries arrived from across the country – large and small boxes of donated items. As our Women & Family Emergency Shelter slept a growing number of adults and children in overflow during the dangerous summer heat, these donations were a special blessing.

We worked with the incredible NBTA staff for almost a year, planning for every detail. And there was a lot of work happening behind the scenes. NBTA secured cash donations from ADTRAV and Continental Airlines. Someone from Lowe’s contacted Werner & Co. on behalf of NBTA. Werner generously donated more than 50 ladders for the painting project. And Aramark donated drinks and snacks for NBTA volunteers. 

After such a tremendous team effort, I was eager to meet all of the people from across the country who worked so tirelessly to bless Star of Hope. I wanted to put faces with the names and personally thank each one of our new friends. Project day could not arrive soon enough!

Make plans to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Call 713-440-5322 or 713-440-5301 to discuss volunteer project options for your group.
Community Volunteer Opportunities Houston

When volunteers from GE Energy hosted Family Fun Time at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center, it was quite an adventure for Sylvia, a client in our New Hope program. “I’ve been around the world in the last hour!” she exclaimed with a broad grin. “I’ve met all of these wonderful volunteers from all over the world!”

While in Houston, this international GE Energy group asked to include a volunteer project in their plans.  We were delighted when they selected Star of Hope!  The fun started with a hamburger dinner and all the trimmings. And then, laughter, bright smiles and giggles spread out across the cool fall evening.
 

A volleyball game in one courtyard grew bigger and bigger as more and more clients joined energetic volunteers. Sack races, golf, bowling and badminton filled the other courtyard. Clients and volunteers gathered around tables in the chapel for board games, dominoes, face painting and crafts.

One little boy, perhaps 6 and very bashful, looked around the chapel in wide-eyed wonder. When a volunteer asked if he would like to play a game, he nodded, “Yes.” Although he followed the volunteer to pick out a game, it was the volunteer who had to make the choice. The little boy would not say a word. But the volunteer did not give up, and finally, broke the ice. Moments later, both the little boy and the volunteer were doubled over in laughter and talking with each other 90 miles an hour.

I don’t know who had the most fun – the kids or adults, the clients or the volunteers. But I doubt anyone will soon forget this special time together.
 

Learn more about Community Service Volunteers Houston at Star of Hope!

The Coalition for the Homeless in Houston recently published its 2010 Enumeration of those in our city who are homeless.  Over 40,000 have experienced homelessness in the past year in our city, up 20% from 2009.  With all the Star of Hope has been seeing since spring, it's not surprising that the number of homeless families has doubled since 2009. Now families make up 21% of Houston's homeless population.  The economic downturn has filled Houston's network of emergency bed providers and most transitional living facilities are at or near capacity.  We therefore are finding it much more difficult to find agencies to which to refer families from our emergency shelters.  The system is in gridlock.

I wrote a few weeks ago, wondering if Summer, 2010 would ever end.  I guess you could say the weather is moderating, but we are still sleeping 80 to 100 a night in overflow on the floor of our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown, even in mid-September!  This is an extraordinary pattern for this time of year and with the economy still ailing it may be a while until things return to "normal."

As we gear up for the Holidays, please keep us in mind if you'd like to volunteer, do a kids' toy drive or make a special financial gift for our men, women and children at Star of Hope this Thanksgiving and Christmas.  And, most of all, please pray for those who are starting over in the safety of Star of Hope.  God is "At Work" here every day, changing lives, one by one. Come and serve with us, and you will see and be blessed yourself!  I guarantee you'll leave here counting your blessings and will have helped someone through your service!

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!