We all have our “wilderness” wanderings—much like the Israelites in the Old Testament. We have times in our lives when we have departed one place (Egypt) and are on to a new place (the Promised Land). Many who enter the Drug Rehab Centers Houston or Battered Womens Shelter Houston are doing just that--moving from one place in their lives to another. We hope and pray that there will not be a LONG wandering - 40 years - between our points of departure and arrival...but, truly, only God knows. Sandra has been "wandering" for some time now...and, I want to share a bit of her story.
I met Sandra nearly two years ago. She was a resident of our Transitional Living Center and getting ready to move out after being there for fourteen months. Sandra successfully completed the New Hope Program , Personal Development , and the WorkFaith Connection Program. Sandra had a job, money in savings and was paying her bills consistently for the first time in her life. She was ready for the next step.
Star of Hope's newest program (at the time), New Horizons, was exactly what Sandra needed. Living in her own apartment, with her children, and the supportive services the program offered, Sandra was certain she would be able to begin her new life as a sober, loving mother who wanted a brighter future.
Sandra hit the ground running! She searched for better-paying jobs and was soon rewarded for her hard work. Not too soon after moving into her new home, she got a job as a housekeeper for a local hotel. She was making a higher wage AND, even before she completed her probationary period, they targeted her for management...enrolling her into Manager Training classes. Sandra loved her work. Then...tragedy struck...
Sandra, on her way to the bus stop to go to work, was hit by a car. She was not injured badly, thank God. However, she was injured enough that she needed physical therapy and to be on "light duty." Her supervisor told her there was no "light duty" assignments...and asked her to call when she was released to return to work. But, they called her first--a month later, they called to tell her they were letting her go. They had to fill her open position. Sandra was hurt--physically from the car accident; and, now, emotionally from the loss of her job.
Thus began Sandra's "wilderness" walk. In the Bible, the Lord was with the Israelites--a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Sandra KNEW God was with her--because she had provision. God provided for her through the New Horizons program which was able to come alongside her for a time with HER portion of the rent; the program was able to help supplement her food pantry through Food Donation Houston; and, she gained support and encouragement from the staff and other residents in the program through prayer, cards, and hugs when needed.
Sandra's "wilderness" walk continues to this day (can you believe 15 months!!??)...she has searched and searched for jobs in Houston. She has applied in person, online and networked through several websites to find a position. She has not been idle, she has not complained (different from the children of Israel), and she has not given up!! During her time in the wilderness Sandra has accomplished the following:
*started her own cleaning business--SGH Cleaning Services (all that is left to do is obtain the bonding)
*served others by making sandwiches and cupcakes and taking them to Soup Kitchen Houston (at SEARCH Homeless Program)
*involved herself in the lives of her children (visiting their schools, attending counseling programs with them)
*attended Recovery Meetings, Bible Studies, and other meetings to offer HER testimony and provide encouragement to others
*helped several other families get into the Transitional Living Center when they found themselves homeless and in need of help
*recognized a desire to help others who are addicted to drugs and alcohol--she wants to be an LCDC
Sandra has been "wilderness" wandering--but, she has NOT been idle or lazy. She has times of depression--when rejection overwhelms her--but, the "manna" comes again in the morning (Exodus 16:14) and gives her the strength to continue. She has times when she wants to GIVE UP, but the water comes from the rock (Exodus 17:6) and refreshes her so she can fill out another application and go on another interview.
As I offer encouragement to Sandra, I keep telling her, "God has something GREAT coming to you." Sandra's Promised Land is out there...Sandra hears the Lord saying to her (just as he did Joshua) "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9b)
And, so we wait by the Jordan River for God's command to cross over (Joshua 3:14)...Sandra's Promised Land is waiting for her AND, while she is waiting--she finds "Hope in the Wilderness."
New Religious Enterprise on Franklin Avenue Will Be Launched Tonight
The Star of Hope Mission will open tonight in its quarters, 714 Franklin Avenue at 8 o’clock and all are invited to attend and take part in the services. Dr. D. R. Pevoto, in charge of the mission, stated yesterday that no formal program had been arranged or would be arranged. “We want it to be a spontaneous meeting and we hope that the Christian men of the city who want to see some help extended the unfortunate class who are down and out, we hope that these men will come out and help us in our efforts.”
Services will be held in the mission every night this week. On the first floor of the two-story building occupied by the institution a comfortable meeting room has been fitted up, and here the daily religious exercises will be held. It is proposed to make the mission serve the unfortunate of all classes and as soon as the work can be fully organized, lodging rooms will be fitted up in the second story, a lunch room will be added, a reading room will be installed, an employment bureau will be maintained, and every agency contributing to the physical, mental and spiritual elevation of man will be employed.
The gentlemen already interested in the mission undertaking are earnest and active in their support and are determined to make it accomplish the work that they believe […unreadable…] Houston for it to accomplish.
As was reported in The Post last Monday, Mr. Richard Dowling, who was converted during the preaching of Evangelist Ham here last December, has been secured as superintendent of the mission and will arrive shortly.
Visit Star of Hope at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston for a summary of the many programs and ministries offered today and join the Legacy.
Star of Hope's Men's Development Center Alumni (ACTS) are “Bowling for Souls” again on August 7th at Emerald Bowl at 9307 Boone Road Houston, TX 77099. This is the second year that ACTS is hosting a bowling tournament. Last year the event raised roughly $8,000, which included a 100% matching donation, which was used to meet the needs of individuals who are less fortunate in the city of Houston.
Below are a few ways ACTS have served over the last several months. During the first quarter 2010 alone, ACTS impacted over 6000 people. Members of ACTS have lead worship services, which includes preaching, praising, praying, and sharing personal testimony. They have ministered on the streets in the Montrose area, in Herman Park, at the Salvation Army, at Open Door Mission, and several other places. Their aim is always to do their part in saving souls for Christ and encouraging others to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dozens have come to Christ over the last year.
As stated above, ACTS partner with several other Houston ministries and shelters to facilitate life change in Christ. Last week ACTS ministered at the “Church in the Park” in the court yard of Palmer Episcopal Church in the museum district where hundreds of homeless migrate. Many homeless individuals struggle with some kind of barrier that prevents them from living productive lives. These issues range from a lack of social skills to mental illness. Some have multiple felons and cannot obtain gainful employment. Whatever the barrier may be, ACTS is willing to do their part to assist them along the way.
Last Saturday, Farren, a 40 year old man from Nacogdoches, confided in one of the alumni. Farren needed a change of clothes because he had been wearing the same clothes for weeks. One of the alumni took him to SOH and helped him get a change of clothes, a hot meal, and a preached Word from God. While this may seem like a small feat for some, Farren was living “high on the hog” so to speak with clean clothes, a cool bed, and a freshly preach Word. As they journeyed to the Star of Hope together, the Alumni shared how he was once homeless and hopeless but now he is working, on his feet, and helping others. Farren asked for a change of clothes and God used a willing vessel to provide so much more.
One of the issues with homelessness is that most people know what they want but don’t know what they need and where and how to get what they really need. I know that was a tongue twisted but life can get twisted sometimes too. Farren now can see just a little more Jesus at the end of the tunnel.
ACTS also work closely with graduates as they finish the programs. ACTS provides alumni movers to help graduates purchase furniture through the Furniture Bank and provide one day Metro bus passes so that men in the program and graduates can attend church services on the weekend.
Because many “friends of ACTS” gave to the ACTS Ministry last year, they are able to win more soul for Christ and help somebody along the way. Thanks for your generosity, prayers, and your participation to make ACTS what it is in Christ.
Learn more about ACTS (Alumni in Community, Transformation and Service) at Christian Ministries 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.
Supporting Houston Ministries Volunteering Houston
We started this program in 2008--the economy had taken a drastic downturn--many Houston Non Profits were considering CLOSING their doors, while Star of Hope was creating, developing and introducing a NEW aspect of its service to the homeless.
Our FIRST FOUR units were filled on June 6, 2008. One of those gentlemen still lives in the apartment complex New Horizons calls "home." He has "graduated" from the program, but still keeps in touch with the New Horizons staff and encourages those in the program today.
One of our ORIGINAL residents is still in the program. Entering her third and final year, Sandra D. is still striving for her goals. She created a goal early on to conduct a job search and start working in the field as a Pharmacy Technician. Her credentials are sound, she has put in hours of searching, but the economic downturn has prevented her from changing jobs. She is still working for a gas station and she does not know what the future holds for her family. She has a spirit of gratitude for Star of Hope and all we have done to help her become stable again. Though she is not certain of her future in the healthcare industry, she is certain that her family is the most important thing in her world--she will do what it takes to make a way for them--and that does not include a return to homelessness!!
With the money management tools Sandra received while in the New Horizons program (Crown Financial Ministries) Sandra continues to make ends meet. She is praying for God's favor as she continues to search for Pharmacy Tech positions in area hospitals and pharmacies. Please join us in praying for her!!
Sandra and her children--Christmas, 2008!!
(Photo by: Gary Matthews of Ensource Photography)
Summer has officially arrived for the families at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Living Center! Thanks to our amazing friends at Key Energy Services, Star of Hope families kicked off a “Summer of Hope” with a fun-packed fajita fiesta! This was the 4th year Key Energy has hosted the end-of-school celebration and no detail was overlooked!
This morning, both courtyards at the Transitional Living Center
were filled with sombrero-topped smiles, giggles and laughter as our families played carnival games, posed at the photo booth, scored points at the huge, inflatable basketball throw and jumped in the always-popular moonwalk. Popsicles of every flavor, buttered popcorn and luscious paper cones of pink and blue cotton candy were just a few of the delectable treats. Face painters created custom works of art as they created tigers, butterflies and superheros. Not only were there pony rides, but our families also visited the petting zoo with sheep, billygoats, a brown baby llama and a 45-year-old, 80+ pound box turtle.
There was even a very special time of pampering and relaxation for our moms, including manicures and chair massages. Make-up artists from Macy’s at Baybrook Mall generously volunteered their time again this year to delight our moms with professional makeovers and goodie bags.
While everyone enjoyed the festivities, a team of Key Energy volunteers took charge of the kitchen to prepare a spectacular feast! At noon, volunteers served fajitas with all the trimmings along with ice cream bars for dessert. Muy delicioso!
We are grateful for the incredible generosity of Key Energy Services and the many hours of creative planning their volunteers spent to make this morning such a whopping success. It gave our families a time to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the past school year as they shared some south-of-the-border fun. However, the importance and significance of this event reaches far beyond the few hours of today. Many families at Star of Hope don’t have those special, happy memories that bond your family and mine together. Often their lives are filled only with the memories of abuse, addiction, poverty and bad choices. But today that changed. Key Energy volunteers created fabulous memories that will forever bond Star of Hope families together, touch their hearts and give them hope for a better tomorrow! Today was truly a fiesta de esperanza – a Fiesta of Hope!
Give Houston's homeless families hope for a better tomorrow.
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Charity Work Houston
I have met MANY hurting and lost people during my years with Star of Hope. One of the first individuals I encountered when I transferred to the Women and Family Shelter in 1994 was Aurora. Aurora told us that she was alone--she had no one. Star of Hope was one of the only Houston Homeless Shelters which would allow Aurora to stay...actually, THE ONLY shelter at the time!! You see, Aurora had been diagnosed with ACTIVE tuberculosis!!
Our first priority when there is any communicable disease is to contain it, care for those infected as best we can, and to prevent any further spread of the disease. Aurora was scared, scarred from former relationships where her family and others had pushed her away, and running from a past that was too overwhelming to consider. And, when she received her diagnosis, she did what she knew best--she ran away.
It was our intent to help her with all the Homeless Services Houston we could arrange...we had prepared a quarentine room, arranged to have her meals brought to her, AND discussed with the Harris County Hospital District on-site clinic how she was going to receive her medications (the City of Houston Health Department would visit EACH day to ensure she took her medication as prescribed). Well, all that concern and planning had been for nothing. Aurora was gone.
We, the staff, prayed for Aurora each time we met--lunch, meetings, ANY chance we got. We wanted Aurora to be safe and know she was loved. Aurora had never in her life known anyone who loved her unconditionally--love always came with a price. We began to understand that she was probably brought to the United States in a "human trafficking" scheme. She had been hurt, abused, and taken advantage of her whole life--why was she to expect any different from us??!!
Well, our prayers were answered when Aurora returned to the Women and Family Shelter a week after leaving. She was dirty, crying and broken. She said she "missed us." What a HUGE leap for her to show feelings!! We were honored.
Aurora returned to the shelter under the conditions that she would stay in her room until a doctor released her from her quarantine (about 6-7 days), take her medications, and wear a protective mask if/when she was leaving the shelter. She agreed to all the terms--she said that there was nowhere else for her to go and that she felt "safe" at the shelter.
In the next few weeks--miracles happened...Aurora abided by the rules and completed her quarantine time and her medication therapy. She started coming to chapel services and bible studies. She asked many questions about angels, Jesus Christ and God. She started reading the bible and prayed with staff. Aurora celebrated her 19th birthday with what she called--"the only family I've ever known"--the staff of the Women and Family Shelter. Three days later, Aurora accepted Christ as her Savior at a chapel service. She was baptized in a local church the following Sunday.
I don't know where Aurora is today--I have not seen her for over TEN years...I often think of her--childlike at 19 years old--where is she? what is she doing? does she have children of her own? The one thing I do know for sure...that she is not alone. Since accepting Christ as her Savior, she is assured that she will NEVER be alone again.
My first experience with the Star of Hope Men's Shelter (or with any shelter, for that matter) occurred when I was 17 years old. Without knowing what a rescue mission was, one Sunday evening I joined several older men from my church who regularly made their way to an old brick building in the bowels of downtown Houston. Having recently been brought to faith in Jesus I was hungry for the witness of life-changing ministry. I was assured that I would not be disappointed at Star of Hope. I wasn't.Our little band of missionaries arrived at 7:15PM for a season of worship with the men. It was an oppressively muggy August evening and, as was the habit at the time, showers were subsequent to the chapel service. 350 homeless men were packed into a relatively small space, the resulting odor unlike anything I had ever before encountered. I immediately fell in love with it. To this day, 42 years later, I can still pull up the fragrance. It was the aroma of despair and hopelessness. It was the scent of wasted lives and unbelief. It was the smell for which He died.
Each and every day at the Men's Development Center we are given front row seats to the Gospel drama as the stench of the world rises up like incense to our Great High Priest. He draws the lowest to Himself, bathes them in forgiving grace, sets them up as a chosen generation, and then prepares them to be world-changers for His glory.
“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.
In the past, when people were homeless, or in an emergency situation such as domestic violence they would find their way to the doors of our shelters where they would be received by open arms and the services that would help improve their circumstances. Our staff were geared towards working those front doors, tending to the crowds in the intake centers and having face to face time with the people who have so many critical needs. These days, with the online world growing rapidly and electronic communication exploding, it seems that more people are calling in for help and/or using our web site to find services. In December of 2009 Star of Hope received 32,000 inbound phone calls. Many of these calls were volunteers and donors who were looking for information on how they could help but most were people seeking services for themselves or desperately seeking help for a loved one. We receive an increasing number emails daily from people who are trying to find help or seeking help for a family or friend.
Exciting news for us. We have been planning a Call Center for the past several months that will help us connect people seeking services with a live voice when they call. A voice that can get them the help they are seeking, someone who can minister to the needy, someone who will pray and guide.
Perhaps the most exciting news about this Call Center project is it will be staffed with volunteers! These volunteers will be trained thoroughly on how to connect our callers to the services they need.
Please pray for this effort since it will take tremendous resources to be the high impact unit we expect it to be and if you would like to volunteer be on the look out for the posting at High Impact Volunteer Jobs Houston or email me at aholmes@sohmission.org.
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.
Hank made us all proud as he quickly summed up the Bayou City's homeless situation for the the national audience: "Over the last year we've seen a major increase in the number of people in the Houston area who have become homeless. And about 10 percent of the number that we've seen are folks who you would've never expected to become homeless. Neighbors down the street, people in the suburbs, folks who have good jobs, a couple of cars in the garage and who end up, for various reasons, out of work and unable to maintain their housing. And so it's a very interesting and difficult and traumatic experience for so many people in our community who would never have expected that before. "
You can read or hear the entire interview for yourself on NPR.
Star of Hope reaches out to over 1,000 homeless men, women and children every day. These days - one of those individuals or one of those families may be familiar to you. Like they say - we're all only a few pay checks away.
Find out how you can assist those in need at Shelters Houston Texas or Homeless Services Houston. Take a few moments to explore our website and donate online at Comprehensive Homeless Services and listen to the testimonies of those you have already helped.
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!
Last year we set up a web page for men and women who have been helped by the ministry of Star of Hope to “write home” and let us know how they are doing. Recently, two children who had lived at our Transitional Living Center with their mother caught up with us. This is a part of their story:
“I would like to say a big THANK YOU, for the help that was given to my family. When my mother went into recovery I felt that it was a big joke, because she has so many times let us down. When we saw that she was really serious about getting clean and staying clean, that's when me and my brother decided that we would give her another chance to be our Mother again. So we came over to the Star of Hope with her...”
“…Since she gave it over to God, she has become the Mother I can look up to. Thanks to the Star of Hope and her being willing to do what she had to do. Now we are on that road that never ends, it just keeps getting longer and we will keep riding it as long as it's a road to success.”
You can read the rest of their story and others as well by visiting My Story at Houston Homeless Services.
Have you been helped by Star of Hope? Let us know how you are doing.There’s a lot to be said for the expression, “Home is where the heart is.”
The other day, as I was walking through the courtyard at the Transitional Living Center for Women and Families, I came upon a young woman sitting on a bench. It was a perfect afternoon for being outdoors. The sun was bright and warm, and the air seemed to move slowly, more like a sigh than a breeze. But this woman was a new mom, and in her arms was a tiny blue bundle which she held close to her body, in a protective cuddle that offered her baby the kind of warmth that only a mother can give.
Mom is homeless but baby is not. Yes, he lives in a shelter with his mom, but with only eight weeks on his calendar, what does he know about homelessness? He was at home in his mother’s embrace, right under her heart where he could hear each beat, feel secure and sleep in peace, just like he did when he was even closer to her, in the secret place where God was forming him. It was the sweetest reminder of the power of love.
Learn more about Star of Hope's services for women and families at Houston Women's Shelter.
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