Being a vibrant mission is not just about caring for the homeless in our city, it's about serving our friends who support our ministry. One of the ways we do this is by sharing the wonderful things that are happening in our shelters to encourage and prepare our clients for re-entering society, with obtainable goals for self-sufficiency.
As you read the blogs written by our staff and guest bloggers, your heart will be touched by the stories about life in the shelters and the experiences of the men, women and children living in them. You will find ways to connect that meet your charitable ideals and many opportunities to deepen your involvement with Star of Hope Mission.
As I am writing this, we have just experienced a night of unprecedented need at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Last night, 141 families and single women were admitted to our already full family shelter.
The only place for them was on the floor on a mat, but they were grateful and came anyway. Thirty five families with their 55 children and 51 single women all came needing safety from the city streets and the heat. Can you imagine if the best thing in your day is finding a mat on the floor in a homeless shelter?
Well, they came to the right place! They are safe, loved, fed nutritious meals, had a bath and received new clothes (if they needed them)… even a toy or a book for their children. And today they will find a listening ear and a welcoming staff who will help them stabilize from their trauma, receive medical attention through the on-site Harris County Hospital Clinic… and as a private room opens up, a modest room for them and for their family.
Most importantly, we will help them to look UP and to hear once again something they haven’t heard or believed in many years… the truth that God loves them and has a very special plan for their lives. Only He can forgive their past, heal their heart’s wounds and bring light and joy back into their lives!
A former guest of Star of Hope posted on our Facebook Wall last week: “I am so grateful not to be sleeping on that floor tonight, but I am also so grateful that floor was there for me to sleep on at the beginning of my journey to recovery.” Watch this video from KHOU News 11 to see what inspired this comment.
Within the next few days of their stay with us each adult will be helped to evaluate their situation, develop a plan for this week… then next week, then for the month to come. They will be counseled for personal needs, their children will have a safe place to play and receive love and encouragement, and help with their own needs in the midst of family homelessness.
Star of Hope’s Women & Family Shelter is the largest emergency facility in Houston serving families and single women in our five county area who have become homeless. We try not to ever turn anyone away. For two years now, the shelter has functioned at near capacity every night, and has experienced significant winter and summer peak overflow needs. Last night was the highest night of need on record. We are working on broader solutions to the growing issue of homelessness in our city, and our vision is to grow from serving 1,000 homeless people per day as we do now, to serving 2,000 per day, by 2015.
Want to help? You’ll be glad you did!
The only place for them was on the floor on a mat, but they were grateful and came anyway. Thirty five families with their 55 children and 51 single women all came needing safety from the city streets and the heat. Can you imagine if the best thing in your day is finding a mat on the floor in a homeless shelter?
Well, they came to the right place! They are safe, loved, fed nutritious meals, had a bath and received new clothes (if they needed them)… even a toy or a book for their children. And today they will find a listening ear and a welcoming staff who will help them stabilize from their trauma, receive medical attention through the on-site Harris County Hospital Clinic… and as a private room opens up, a modest room for them and for their family.
Most importantly, we will help them to look UP and to hear once again something they haven’t heard or believed in many years… the truth that God loves them and has a very special plan for their lives. Only He can forgive their past, heal their heart’s wounds and bring light and joy back into their lives!
A former guest of Star of Hope posted on our Facebook Wall last week: “I am so grateful not to be sleeping on that floor tonight, but I am also so grateful that floor was there for me to sleep on at the beginning of my journey to recovery.” Watch this video from KHOU News 11 to see what inspired this comment.
Within the next few days of their stay with us each adult will be helped to evaluate their situation, develop a plan for this week… then next week, then for the month to come. They will be counseled for personal needs, their children will have a safe place to play and receive love and encouragement, and help with their own needs in the midst of family homelessness.
Star of Hope’s Women & Family Shelter is the largest emergency facility in Houston serving families and single women in our five county area who have become homeless. We try not to ever turn anyone away. For two years now, the shelter has functioned at near capacity every night, and has experienced significant winter and summer peak overflow needs. Last night was the highest night of need on record. We are working on broader solutions to the growing issue of homelessness in our city, and our vision is to grow from serving 1,000 homeless people per day as we do now, to serving 2,000 per day, by 2015.
Want to help? You’ll be glad you did!
Donate now to help with the extra summer time costs we’re incurring.
Give today at Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters
Give today at Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters
Find other ways to serve at Volunteer Opportunities Houston – Star of Hope Mission
Star of Hope’s July Interactive News is available online. We are still getting kids ready for Summer Camp, but soon the focus will be getting them ready for school. I hope the stories and pictures will inspire you to make this summer a Summer of Hope.
This issue of The Light includes:
• Alive with Hope: A summer update from Hank Rush, Star of Hope's President & CEO
• Against All Odds: One girl's victory against homelessness
• School Supplies for Success: Host a drive for needed school supplies
• Prayers and Praises of Star of Hope Children: Read what the kids are saying to God
• Local Lemonade Stand Make More Than a Profit: How Charlotte's compassion is giving the homeless in our community a better life.
•Aye Aye Matey! What A Party!: Key Energy Services makes a splash with Summer of Hope
To get The Light in your email in-box, sign-up today!
• Subscribe to the Newsletter only. You will receive the newest edition of The Light every other month.
• Subscribe for more frequent updates by completing "New User Registration" on our website. Usually, you'll receive one email per week. In addition to our newsletter you will get updates from Hank Rush (Star of Hope’s President & CEO), special needs requests and event invitations.
Read stories, watch video and share it with your friends!
This issue of The Light includes:
• Alive with Hope: A summer update from Hank Rush, Star of Hope's President & CEO
• Against All Odds: One girl's victory against homelessness
• School Supplies for Success: Host a drive for needed school supplies
• Prayers and Praises of Star of Hope Children: Read what the kids are saying to God
• Local Lemonade Stand Make More Than a Profit: How Charlotte's compassion is giving the homeless in our community a better life.
•Aye Aye Matey! What A Party!: Key Energy Services makes a splash with Summer of Hope
To get The Light in your email in-box, sign-up today!
• Subscribe to the Newsletter only. You will receive the newest edition of The Light every other month.
• Subscribe for more frequent updates by completing "New User Registration" on our website. Usually, you'll receive one email per week. In addition to our newsletter you will get updates from Hank Rush (Star of Hope’s President & CEO), special needs requests and event invitations.
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org
Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston
Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston
As you listen to Houston's SUNNY 99.1 and Newstalk 740 KTRH over the next several weeks keep your ears open for our new Summer of Hope spots. Each features a Star of Hope resident sharing a quick story of how their lives have been transformed at Star of Hope through the support of donors, volunteers and other friends. Here are a few previews...
Thank you for caring for Houston's homeless and making this summer a Summer of Hope.
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org
Discover more ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston
Aleja, the talkative mom-like sweetheart, always has a lot to say. She is her mama’s girl and never lets me forget it. When I asked her what she liked about class she said, “Miss Kylee, I like to listen because my mommy taught me to.” I thought this was great and hoped it would rub off on some of the rambunctious fellows who seemed to think their agenda was more important than anything else. Aleja’s favorite activity recently was Water Day. Water Day consisted of the kids playing outside on the “beach” (two plastic kiddie pools filled with sand) and in other kiddie pools of water with additional water toys, such as a ball that sprayed water and a slip and slide.
During the summer my parents would always ship me out to summer camp. One of the most memorable times in our schedule was mail time, which was after lunch. When my parents, family and friends came through with notes they rejuvenated something in me.
Honestly, I believe getting a camp note was subconsciously empowering. If you knew someone cared and believed in you, you believed in yourself and all of a sudden courage welled up inside and you signed up for the across lake swim, introduced yourself to a new friend or was the first one to do the high ropes course BLIND FOLDED. Empower Houston's Homeless kids this summer by writing them an encouraging note!
If you believe in them-- they will believe in themselves and can conquer their fears, meet new friends and find hope that last a lifetime this summer!
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org
Send a child to camp. Give today at
Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston.
God works in fantastic, wonderful, enigmatic ways. That is really the only way I can fathom how and why I ended up working in the preschool class at the Transitional Living Center of Star of Hope. At the beginning of May I was supposed to be working at Camp Ozark, a Christian sports camp in the hills of Arkansas, for the summer; but when I decided to play soccer for my school, that plan flew out of the window and in came the opportunity to work at Star of Hope. I have always had a heart for the homeless, making many homeless friends in the town my school is located seemed completely normal to me. When one of the options for jobs for the summer became Star of Hope, it was the perfect fit.
So here I am, working Monday through Thursday in the preschool class with Ms. Radonna at TLC. Talking to the preschoolers about what they like about class and such is much more difficult than you would think. While you are hoping to get answers about school, they are busy asking what is for lunch and when we will go play outside.
Donald Driver, well known superstar wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, held a football camp at Houston’s Delmar Stadium, for underprivileged youth which included several kids from Star of Hope this past Tuesday. This was a great treat for our kids, as part of our SUMMER OF HOPE program activities here at the Mission.Donald led a challenged life on the streets of Houston as a teenager, but was changed by God’s grace, and ever since he has shown his heart for homeless kids and families. During their workout on Tuesday, they took a break and Donald talked to the kids about what’s important in his life, and encouraged them as they face their future. He told them to “always put God #1 in their life, everything they need to know comes out of books so their education is #2, and then sports are #3.” The next day, Donald attended activity classes at our Transitional Living Center, and the kids and parents here showed him some of their love and made him feel very special.
Thank you, Donald, for helping our kids! And thanks for caring about a better life for the youth of our city. Investments in these young lives pay dividends for many generations to come!
Take a look at how you can help us by being a part of SUMMER OF HOPE this summer!
Give Today at Star of Hope - Donation Opportunities Houston
You can quote me on this: I’m a huge fan of Donald Driver, not just because of the amazing win he helped to capture for the Green Bay Packers -–that was impressive, for sure. But what impresses me most is the character o f the man. So often, we hear our field and screen heroes rejecting the importance of their influence on the public as role models, whether for good or bad. But if you could have seen the excitement and admiration poured out on Donald by the children at Star of Hope when he visited our Transitional Living Center—and the adults as well, there would be no question in your mind that public figures of his stature are, indeed, role models. The children wanted to be like him and the adults wanted to be near him, if only for a minute, a handshake, a smile, or a single glance that said, “I see you, I understand your struggle, and I care.”Donald has been a generous supporter of Star of Hope for years. So it was a real thrill for me, too, to shake his hand and thank him for the commitment he continues to show, on behalf of all the people we serve. He is a gentleman. He loves the Lord. And he remembers his beginnings. His presence and the manner in which he engaged the folks, both young and not-so-young, enveloping them in his ever so welcoming smile was indelible. He made a mark on them that will remain in their memories forever. And it’s good.
Help make this a Summer of Hope. Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org
Give Today at Star of Hope - Donation Opportunities Houston
Give Today at Star of Hope - Donation Opportunities Houston
I didn't go to summer camp until I was 16 and honestly, I was excited about getting away from home. I remember some of the younger kids, though. A few were crying or clinging to mom... afraid of being away from home for the first time.Kids from Star of Hope will be heading to camp later this summer. For many of them this will be their time to be away from mom. They will have a great time making new friends, riding horses, canoeing, fishing, blobbing and other fun camp stuff. You can add to this wonderful opportunity by sending a child a Note of Hope to let them know how special they are.
To send your own Note of Hope to Star of Hope campers, visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org.
Thanks for making this summer a Summer of Hope!
Help a kid at Star of Hope go to camp.
Give today at Star of Hope – Donation Opportunities Houston
Give today at Star of Hope – Donation Opportunities Houston
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to work on a video with Michael Chabala, Houston Dynamo #17. Mike took some time to hangout with some great Star of Hope kids and help them kick off Summer of Hope. Thanks Mike!
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org and discover how you can make this summer a Summer Of Hope for Houston's homeless men, women and children.
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org and discover how you can make this summer a Summer Of Hope for Houston's homeless men, women and children.
Give Today at Star of Hope Mission - Houston Non Profit Donations
Hey, do you want to read a really great, meaningful testimony from a Star of Hope Mission former Client? This testimony was given at the 2011 Annual Star of Hope Banquet (in February), before 1,700 persons. When a person comes from domestic violence or homelessness, to be able to reclaim their life, we celebrate the miracle. If you ever wanted to know what we attempt to do here at Star of Hope, please read this brief testimony. Thank you for caring enough to read this person’s personal story:
If it weren’t for Star of Hope, I would not have a story worth sharing. Anyone who has ever lived with domestic violence can tell you that it is a kind of misery that chips away at the core of who you are and everything you thought you would be. That’s how it was for me. At first it was about control. I was told what I could wear, where I could go. I completely lost track of myself. Eventually things escalated. Living in a constant state of fear became normal for me. On one occasion, I was hospitalized, because I was struck so hard that I fell into a coma.
People often wonder why anyone stays in an abusive relationship. I stayed because i didn’t know how to get out or where I would go. I just wanted to keep a roof over my children’s heads and provide for them.
When I couldn’t take it any longer, I made a plan to leave, quietly, without raising suspicion. I moved around living with friends and family, and for a while, in a hotel. It was difficult, but better than being beaten.
Then someone told me about Star of Hope, a homeless shelter. When I arrived at the Transitional Living Center in January of 2007, all I had in the world was two bags of clothes and my two children . I had no money, no job, no home, no self-esteem, and no hope. I committed myself to the program and let the process do its transforming work. The classes opened my mind to the world of possibilities, and the staff was always there supporting me, building me up, and surrounding me with the word of god. They genuinely wanted me to realize my heart’s desire. Who knew that i was on my way to accomplishing a thirteen-year old dream of going to college to become a chef?
For me, cooking is a way of expressing love. When I was a child, my family would demonstrate how much they loved one another by gathering around the table over a great meal. So when I was in high school, I took a course in Hospitality Management. It included engineering, cooking, housekeeping, and front desk. But it was working in the kitchen that fascinated me. When I learned how to make flowers out of fruit, I thought, “This is it!” The dream was planted. But a dream needs an opportunity.
The Lord led me to Star of Hope where I got the tools, skills, and confidence I needed to pursue my dream and be ready when opportunity knocked. I stepped out in faith, in honor of God, and His purpose for my life and enrolled at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year, I was invited to go to Dublin, Ireland, to do my externship in event planning. In May of this year (2011), I will go back to Scottsdale to walk with my class, making me the first person in my family to graduate from college.
I have experienced an amazing journey. I have taught my children a valuable lesson in motivation, perseverance, and faith in God. Star of Hope is where dreams transition into reality.
--- Marquette
I COULD ADD SOME WORDS HERE, BUT I THINK THAT MARQUETTE HAS SAID IT ALL!... And anyone who prays for Star of Hope, or volunteers or donates clothing or funding, can share in this AMAZING MIRACLE of a reclaimed life! God Bless.
Learn how you can get help or give help at Domestic Violence Shelters Houston
I am very confident in saying that 90% of the world’s most passionate and hopeful people are 25 years and younger. Look at college campuses during a presidential election year or the energy of a high school pep-rally. Revolutions are started by young people who have heard their parents talk about tyranny for a life time and have the hope and courage to start change. Here, at Star of Hope young adults are leading the way in fighting against poverty, abuse, addiction and homelessness with Star of Hope.
If your cynical side is throwing thoughts around your brain like young adults haven’t become jaded from world experiences or they are too naïve to realize the world is unchangeable, silence it. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa. Wake up Houston and do a small thing with great love. Follow the example of the teens across Houston.
Here are a couple of examples:
Boy Scout Troop 924’s David Reeves delivered with his father, Rick Reeves, 11 well crafted, handmade benches. David had independently contacted a representative at Star of Hope about a service project, he then independently arranged for a group of Boy Scouts to construct the benches and he then personally delivered them. These benches will serve as a great resting spot for mothers and fathers to sit as their kids take advantage of the spring sunshine.
Every Wednesday from 11:30 – 12:45 Heidi Hartung, Chloe Espenan, Anna Buvens, Sahar Yazdanfard and Katy Wefelmeyer from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart walk into Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter as if they are employees. They go straight to the kitchen was their hands, put on their apron and hairnets, and start serving lunch to the Star of Hope clients. After volunteering once a week for almost 8 months they practically are employees.
These young adults are doing what they can passionately and are making a difference by helping non profit organizations in Houston. On behalf of Star of Hope I would like to thank them for their passion and hope that blesses and inspires their community!
If you are interested in donating time or money to charitable organizations Houston, Star of Hope Mission has many opportunities!
As we close out the month of April, the National Month of Volunteerism, we at Star of Hope Mission want to recognize the immense contribution that volunteers make at Star of Hope. Here we use volunteers for almost everything: to paint walls and fences, tutor classes, change-out light fixtures, plant plants, and serve meals and a number of other things. Sometimes they just conduct a drive for really important items like diapers, towels, and hygiene items. They help Houston’s homeless population by helping Star of Hope! It is amazing what can be done, with willing hearts that are available, ready to help; whether our client is fleeing domestic violence, or just homeless, it doesn’t matter, the work still needs to get done, the needs must be provided! Last year, Star of Hope received assistance from over 8,000 volunteers! These are people just like you and me, who understand how difficult life can be and are willing to “stand up” to help someone else. It is the most amazing thing to watch. It is so encouraging to watch members from our community, Houston, come and partner with us to help others…
Last week, a man and his wife drove his car in to our offices and stated that he had attended our annual banquet and he was now ready to get a new car and he wanted to donate his older car to help the Star of Hope provide food and shelter necessary to help someone else! Just to shake his hand and see the smile on his face was encouraging to me! He knew that the proceeds from his donation would be used to help someone. WOW! What a blessing he was to all of us! I encourage you to look for opportunities when you can bless someone else! It will do your heart GOOD!
Discover how you can help at Community Service Volunteers Houston
Easter is just a week away, and everyone at Star of Hope is already rejoicing!We see the transformational power of Easter at work in lives every single day, as God brings forgiveness, healing and restoration to thousands in our community each year through the ministries of Star of Hope.
This past Sunday, 2,000 members of Second Baptist Church danced at Discovery Green in downtown Houston, joyfully celebrating Easter and singing a special song commemorating the resurrection of Christ. And at the conclusion, they “danced their shoes off” and donated hundreds of them to the Star of Hope Mission. We are so grateful for this new supply of new shoes for those in our community who are recovering from homelessness at Star of Hope’s four facilities around town.
Thank you, Second Baptist Family, and all of the churches in Houston who volunteer their time, provide worship services, do donations drives, and welcome Star of Hope Clients into their church activities. All of the body of Christ in Houston celebrates new life this Easter!
If you want to volunteer or get involved in Star of Hope’s ministries to homeless men, women and children in Houston, please visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
Sometimes, I get a chance to get out of my normal day to day IT world and get to help out on video. A few months back one of our wonderful donors/volunteers, Cookie Joe, and her business partner, Tran Pham Rich , (owners of Cookie Joe's School of Dancin' located in Sugar Land, Texas) donated the money to rebuild and equip our intake center at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. The name of the intake center is Place of Grace and one of the new features is a large flat screen television that families and homeless ladies, who are seeking services can sit and watch. The television is there to show the potential guests all the many programs and services that Star of Hope Mission offers to help them understand who we are and how much we want to help them.
Yesterday, after completing a video compilation of various elements I took the DVD over to test and play it for the first time at Place of Grace. I was joined by a homeless lady who I did not think was paying any attention to the video. She, like countless others, was just looking for a place that would take her in and give her some relief from the Houston streets. As the video progressed through all the various ministries of Star of Hope , she looked over at me and said that she had no idea that Star of Hope did so many things. I sat and explained a few details to her about what she had seen, all the while hoping she was inspired to become a part of the Star of Hope family and be a life changed, a life restored.
Learn more about Star of Hope and Philanthropy Opportunities Houston.
Excitement is building as we head toward March Madness and Houston prepares to host the NCAA Final Four Tournament! Not only will there be lots of memorable, action-filled college basketball, but also special outreaches to those in our community who are less fortunate…..and the kick-off is at Star of Hope!
Feed the Hungry will distribute food to 1,750 Houston-area families during tournament week and donate 250 boxes of food to Star of Hope Mission. A tractor trailer will roll into our Storehouse on March 14th, loaded down with boxes and pallets of food. We need 20 volunteers, age 18 or older, each day on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 15th & 16th, from 9 AM – 3 PM for to assemble and fill 750 boxes.
Through a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, the tournament will give away 2011 pairs of shoes…..and the first 300 pairs will be given to clients at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. What an awesome experience as volunteers wash and put a clean pair of socks on the feet of each client before they are fitted with new shoes and receive a care pack filled with toiletry items. Through these gestures of kindness and compassion, our clients will learn about their value and worth as individuals; that others care about them; and that better days are ahead. We need more than 80 volunteers, age 21 or older, working shifts from Noon – 7 PM on Monday, March 28th, to unload and set-up, wash feet, change water, greet, clean-up, and be runners.
Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to participate in the 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament! All volunteers will receive a commemorative 2011 NCAA Final Four t-shirt.
Sign-up today by contacting Elizabeth Hatler at ehatler@sohmission.org or 713-440-5322.
Find other ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope today at Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
It doesn’t come often, but we’re all finding ourselves in 25 degree weather and on our own “Cold Weather Alert” this week! Heavy coats, covered plants, rolling power outages…and rain and snow on the way before the weekend. Just a short walk from our car to the door for us...but can you imagine what it’s like for those who are on the streets?
Star of Hope is here for the homeless of Houston, and despite our own rolling power outages, our staff is working hard to accommodate and help the overflow crowds who are coming in for help. This is a great opportunity for us to introduce them to the many programs and services that can help them turn their lives around, and begin again. Take a look at some of the efforts that are underway!
Star of Hope is here for the homeless of Houston, and despite our own rolling power outages, our staff is working hard to accommodate and help the overflow crowds who are coming in for help. This is a great opportunity for us to introduce them to the many programs and services that can help them turn their lives around, and begin again. Take a look at some of the efforts that are underway!
We are grateful for the men and women who have made the decision to seek shelter and hope in our facilities, but our hearts are still with the ones on the streets tonight who have not yet reached out to Star of Hope.
Learn more about how you can help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope Mission. Visit:
- Donation Opportunities Houston
- Volunteer Opportunities Houston
- Urgent and Ongoing Needs
During the unusually cold weather we had in Houston last week, Channel 39 did a news story on a homeless man named Anthony and his decision to come in from the cold on Star of Hope’s “Love in Action” Van. Anthony is why the Star of Hope is here...to give men, women and children who become homeless - for whatever reason - warmth, safety, a good meal, and most of all a place to begin once again the journey to wholeness and independent living.
Is Anthony worth your volunteering and donations, and all of our time? You bet he is! Click on the Video to watch Anthony’s story:
Is Anthony worth your volunteering and donations, and all of our time? You bet he is! Click on the Video to watch Anthony’s story:
“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 2nd, 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, I had a chance to visit with one of our volunteers. He and a team from his employer have been involved in our new volunteer Call Center which started in November.
For several years our executive staff at Star of Hope, one of Houston’s Emergency Shelters, has been concerned about how we can shorten access time for homeless men, women and their families in need. So we started a phone bank! The Call Center is staffed in part by volunteers, providing a new volunteer opportunity in Houston.
This gentleman shared with me that he and the other team members were excited that serving in this volunteer role has required that they learn much more about all the services that we provide. Star of Hope is not just a soup kitchen in Houston…we offer emergency services such as a safe dry bed, a change of clothing, a warm meal, and even offer a transitional program if that is what is needed.
The major item that interested me was that he stated that the employees serving in this phone bank project have really come together, and they understand more about the needs of the homeless and what is being done here at Star of Hope! It touched my heart and reminded me that when we give something of our selves, we often receive a benefit!
I also wanted to report to you that, because many of you responded to the opportunity to make a financial donation, WE MADE OUR DECEMBER AND YTD BUDGET! I wanted to thank each of you who recognized the donation opportunity and followed through (like the volunteer mentioned above). I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed throughout 2011!
For several years our executive staff at Star of Hope, one of Houston’s Emergency Shelters, has been concerned about how we can shorten access time for homeless men, women and their families in need. So we started a phone bank! The Call Center is staffed in part by volunteers, providing a new volunteer opportunity in Houston.
This gentleman shared with me that he and the other team members were excited that serving in this volunteer role has required that they learn much more about all the services that we provide. Star of Hope is not just a soup kitchen in Houston…we offer emergency services such as a safe dry bed, a change of clothing, a warm meal, and even offer a transitional program if that is what is needed.
The major item that interested me was that he stated that the employees serving in this phone bank project have really come together, and they understand more about the needs of the homeless and what is being done here at Star of Hope! It touched my heart and reminded me that when we give something of our selves, we often receive a benefit!
I also wanted to report to you that, because many of you responded to the opportunity to make a financial donation, WE MADE OUR DECEMBER AND YTD BUDGET! I wanted to thank each of you who recognized the donation opportunity and followed through (like the volunteer mentioned above). I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed throughout 2011!
Visit Star of Hope Mission to learn more about Volunteer Jobs Houston and how you can
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.
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