My Season of Hope

Seasons of life can come and go as quickly as a Texas spring and linger as long as a Chicago winter.  I know both well.   Now in my early 20’s, I have had 9 seasons of life ranging from childhood bliss in East Texas, identity crisis  at Wheaton College (located outside of Chicago)  and now I find myself in a Season of Hope in Houston, Texas.  I am thrilled to share this season of my life with you.

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Star of Hope Mission depends on you for everything including prayer. Our staff go through the joys of serving Houston's homeless as well as, the heartbreaks. Melissa Martinez does a beautiful job loving every child she encounters at Star of Hope and as she tells her story through blogs we mourn with her, rejoice with her, and always hope with her.

Today, she shared a "Hard Story to Tell."  Please, read it and keep Houston's homeless men, women, and children in your prayers, as well as, Star of Hope's dedicated loving staff, like Melissa.

Don't forget to read it: A Hard Story to Tell

Together let's provide a shelter where children can find love in Houston.
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I am sure we can all look back on our school experience a little grimily.  It was a time when we realized not everyone was our friend, we weren't perfect, our family might be a little and/or HUGELY awkward, sometimes we were downright ruthless, and most stressfully our pain was often mocked rather than nurtured. During this age the inward focus of self-happiness and self-preservation is so strong that we didn't recognize anyone else felt exactly the same way we did.

I believe adolescence is an ideal period to expose your kids, your students, your scouts to other's pain, other's suffering, other's joy, other's happiness, and other's differences. Volunteering at a homeless shelter gives you sympathy where there was otherwise none for the man on the street and gives you empathy when you had no idea you could vicariously  feel so deeply for someone who was so dissimilar to you. 

Second Baptist School recently volunteered with Star of Hope. They helped with chores and odd jobs.  They were the hands and feet of Christ and brought rest to the weak. I know without a doubt that we were blessed by their presence. I just pray their world view was stretched that day forcing them to be more confident in Christ, more humble in their weakness, more empathetic to one another, and more gracious to everyone including themselves.

If you volunteered with Star of Hope and it had a big impact on your life share your story!

Volunteer Jobs Houston
Star of Hope Mission

Before being homeless, a usual day for many of the women at Star of Hope started normally.  As the sun crept through the window curtains, they would rollover stretch, wash their face to help fight the sleepiness,make breakfast and send their kids to school with the best foot forward, rush to take off the mommy clothes and put on something professional, head to work 5 minutes late, work hard, but happily go home and greet the kids with a big hug from school. Together they would make dinner and wait for daddy to get home. When he did their would be a chill in the air and his wife would try her best to lovingly greet him with a kiss. As she walked away she would breath a small sigh of relief because this time he didn't hit her.

Many of the battered women who are fleeing for their lives have the most admirable qualities.  They are hardworking, loving, faithful, great listeners, and loyal.  They are just married to someone who reciprocates all of those amazing qualities with physical abuse. Honestly, they might think this is normal. It could have been the "father and mother" relationship their families have witnessed for generations.

Thank God, one day they realize there is something better, they load the kids on the midnight bus, head states away to a shelter they have only seen on the internet, and pray their husband never finds them.  Once they get to Star of Hope they are greeted lovingly and begin making a new life free of abusive relationships, breaking the generational bondage, all through much counseling and personal development programs. 

The fleeing parent isn't the only one who gets emotional counseling and life advice at Star of Hope. The children do as well. Showing and telling kids what is acceptable in relationship starts at a young age. After all, one in three women in this country are abused and it isn't a matter to take lightly or keep hidden from kids.

In closing, I do know that ending violence against women has much support in the Houston community, as well as in the nation.  The 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters this past week had several big names such as, Reese Witherspoon, speaking on the urgency of ending violence against women.  As well as, educating children on what constitutes as harassment not only in person, but on social media and different internet forums. 

I thank those who are willing to speak on the issue, as well as, praise the ladies who have gotten out of those relationships.  In adding, to their admirable qualities they have courage the size of a tree.

Star of Hope serves as a shelter for battered women. Interested in volunteering?

Domestic Violence Shelters Houston
Star of Hope Mission

The Lent season is one I cherish.  I feel that during this period of sacrifice and intentionality we acknowledge God more often and therefore become more intimate with him.  Just as the Israelites, I am a forgetful person and every day I forget who provides for me.  I not only forget who provides for me, but how well I am provided for, which is one reason I love having my Church family participate in this holiday season. They act as a pillar to remind me of God's faithfulness during this season of sacrifice.I also begin to recognize it isn't just about me... that  we all suffer.  And amazingly, we have all been redeemed by the same sacrifice and therefore even in life after death we are STILL taken care of by our provider!

There are those in your backyard that are suffering, that can't provide for themselves or their family. As a family of Christians in Houston, I pray that God creates a passion within the community to not only acknowledge the poverty and suffering in our city, but to seek out opportunities that Star of Hope offers to help those in need. Two wonderful ways to get involved with helping Houston's homeless are volunteer or donate!

Homeless Shelters Houston - Star of Hope Mission

Recently, you may have seen on our Facebook Fan Page a picture of Hank Rush, with a big old check from Yellowstone Academy 8th graders. They raised money, made a check and presented it to Mr. Rush, proudly. 

I find this story extremly moving for several reasons.  One being that many of Yellowstone Acadamy kids have lived at Star of Hope before or are currently living here. Another, staggering fact is that 87% of Yellowstone Acadmey kids are currently living in poverty or extreme poverty. In fact the average family income is $8,088.

The final number that strikes me is in total $178.98 was given to Star of Hope from Yellowstone Acadmey kids, which is about 2.2% total of a Yellowstone Academy's average family YEARLY income.

That makes me ask myself does at least 2% of my yearly income go to helping Houston's homeless? A group of 8th graders gave and about 95 people will be able to eat a hot meal in our soup kitchen this Christmas. 

Stories like these always remind me of this passage:

Through Star of Hope, Houston’s community, has many opportunities to give Hope to Houston’s homeless every day. Recently, “Little Couple” a show on TLC featuring Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold took time to share their hope with several of Star of Hope’s families. Despite their small stature they have really big hearts --- with beautiful stories to share.

With successful careers, Bill as a businessman and Jen as a doctor, they have much wisdom in overcoming uncontrollable obstacles while having an excellent attitude towards life! They are an inspiration and it is an honor to have had them serve a Thanksgiving meal to Houston’s homeless! Thank you, Bill and Jen for having big hearts that give back to Houston's needy. 

We are looking forward to a very heartfelt episode!

Recently, a 3 year old named Evan, found out many kids didn't have toys of their own.  He immediately began finding the ones he wanted to share with his friends at Star of Hope.  When Evan and his mom, Sheldon dropped the toys off he was eager to demonstrate how his friends could play with them and gave them away with a smile.

It was interesting to compare Evan to myself.  For instance, I know there are people who are going to be cold this winter and I know I have 5 coats. Reluctantly, I pack 2 coats to give away.  Even as I drive to the donation center I decide I can't live without the red coat I previously packed. I take it out of the bag and keep it.

I, irrationally, imagine my life without another accessory, rather than their life without a necessity. Am I really this selfish?

The answer is yes, which is why Evan's story speaks to me so well. Evan heard there were kids in need and happily gave. A great lesson of sharing taught by a 3 year old.

September is a month of celebration! Recovery from addiction is possible! At Star of Hope we have testimony after testimony that shows prevention, treatment, and support WORKS! Take a look at Fredrick's story of hope and celebrate RECOVERY with us!

Recently, Hank Rush, Star of Hope's President & CEO announced that so far this year we have had a 32% increase of men, women and children in comparison to last year. So, what exactly does that mean?

Last year total we were able to:

• Serve 406,140 well nourished meals
• Have 170,642 stay with Star of Hope at night
• Have 730 served by our outreach van
• Help 192 find jobs
• Help 397 get permanent housing

This year alone we have:

• Severed 362,209 well nourished meals
• Have 176,069 stay with Star of Hope at night.
• Served 4,918 with our outreach van
• Helped 187 find jobs
• Helped 362 get permanent housing

The most important statistic is that there are 32% more people who are down on their luck and are searching for hope. The need is greater than it has ever been! Star of Hope is partnering with the Houston community to become the outreach that improves Houston's homeless economical situation and provide a healthy environment to build a better future for the guest and their kids.  We need your help to make sure the need is met...we couldn't serve Houston without you.

Together we did it!  We made this a Summer of Hope for 150 kids and absolutely no doubt couldn't have done it without you! All summer long you made smiles either from the time you dedicate, the camp flip-flops you gave, or the money you donated.  You made 2011 summer, a summer full of Hope up until the very end...the "Back Pack Extravaganza Day."

Being my first "Back Pack Extravaganza Day" I expected something low key like kids forming a line according to age and picking up a back pack.  I was completely wrong.  It felt like a sacred ceremony including prayers, songs, a motivational speech, and many blessings. The kids were called individually on stage to get their back pack and as soon as they received it you could see joy, pride, and curiosity. They wanted to look inside and see what the heck was in their new present a stranger gave them! Star of Hope, on behalf of all the donors and EIS Office Solutions, was able to present all kids with pride in the form of new school supplies and uniforms. We are deeply grateful!                          

                                   

Any of you who have gone to Summer Camp know their is a Summer Camp courage that rushes through your veins. It starts brewing on the van ride there and then begins to erupt for a solid week once your foot takes a step on the soil you will call your camp land! 

I went to visit the Star of Hope kids for a day and it was beautiful. There was a freedom, a child-like courage, pride and FUN spewing from the children.  Of course, there was fear and when any child expressed it there was a support group of friends and counselors who told them they were fully loved and believed in --- all they had to do was believe in themselves.

Having the home life many of the children have they are more susceptible to failure and never get a chance to believe in themselves....but camp is just the right environment to allow them to see they are brave, they are loved, they are believed in, and they are fully worthy!


 

Discover how you can get involved and help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope Mission. Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

As you can well imagine Star of Hope kids have witnessed many things children, nor adults, should ever experience.  Many of them have become early adults who have had to take care of their siblings and even their parents, which is why I am so thankful for corporations who create environments where the kid in the children is awakened…at least for a little while.

Best Buy recently had a Splash Party at Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter with slip-n-slides as well as a HUGE blow-up water slide! Every kid had a smile on their face that made their whole little demeanor glow.  They were so happy – they were so childish --- and so perfect, exactly how God made them! Take a look at the following picture and you will totally see joy, silliness, and adventure!  God is so good!

Star of Hope kids are having a great end to a not so perfect summer.  When you ask some of the kids around here to describe their home they think of the yard they always wanted or left behind, the couch they fell asleep on, and the Mom and Dad that may or may not have been around. For some kids this is the happiest time of their life.  Despite the fact Star of Hope is a huge blessing it is not a permanent home -- it does an amazing job at creating a healthy home environment of love, support, and fun for kids.

It is because of donors and volunteers that the shelter is able to facilitate homegrown emotional healthiness. Recently Donna, an amazing donor, wanted to share with the kids a glimpse of her life on the golf course. Donna provided golf lessons with pros a Royal Oaks Country Club through Star of Hope's annual golf tournament, Swing for the Star. The kids left learning something new and gaining a homegrown lesson of self-confidence and the courage to try.  It would not have been made possible unless someone like Donna created a safe environment for this to happen. Thank you so much Donna!

   

Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center former guests all seem to have a raw story and most are willing to tell it. They are willing to share how they became homeless, no matter how humiliating, and then they tell you how God worked in their life at Star of Hope. They are proud of their story of redemption.   I have a story of redemption too…and so many times I neglect to tell people. I leave it at the fact that I am a sinner, I have a Savior, and then I allow whoever the audience is to fill in the blanks.

Censoring my story to make it seem I am “not-all-that-bad” is negating the fact that I was so bad that Christ had to die on a cross for me. The Truth is I am ashamed that I am actively still a sinner despite trying to live for my Redeemer. I often forget what Star of Hope's guest do remember; accepting Christ makes me and the story I bring with me worthy.  How is not telling my story helping the Christian community? I think we should all take a cue from Wendi, who stood before Pearland and told her story of redemption. 

How many times have we prayed for God to use us…to send us. Now we are just waiting…waiting. Still, 5 years later we are waiting for God to tell us where we are needed, patiently waiting for God to buy a plane ticket to where we need to go to be of help. I have been told that unless God is specifically telling you no he undoubtedly is telling you yes: go, make the bed, help by cleaning the floors, forgive, call the long lost friend, bring the lonely a lunch, look the man on the corner in his eyes, and share your story to your friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and family. I think that just maybe, God has given us the wisdom to know where and how we are needed and he started waiting 5 years  ago for us to say, yes.

Since we are expecting some rain this weekend and we could be couped in the house all day I thought I could share some rainy day Saturday ideas that could bring hope to the homeless in your community!

1. Write Camp Notes to Star of Hope teens who will be going to camp, so that they can experience a week of being a carefree kid! You will absolutely make their day. 

2. Clean out your couch, collect your change, and on a dry day drop it by one of our missions. (Or give the exact amount online).  After-all, it only takes $1.60 to provide a meal for the hungry at one of our shelters! 

3. Get together all your clothes you haven't worn in a year+, put them in a bag, and drop them off at any of our locations!

4. Share information like this post on your favorite social media site like Facebook, Twitter or google plus -- to spread the news on how to help the homeless from your home!

5. Of course, shelters like ours  rely on prayers! So, please keep Houston's Homeless in your prayers. Pray they will find the financial and emotional help they need at shelter's like ours! 

Recently, you might have seen Star of Hope on the news for having 141 people, 55 of which were kids, sleeping on the floor in our overflow room. Because of the deep need this Summer we have had many people feel called to take action and be HOPE! Many have volunteered in our soup kitchen, given food and clothing donations, and provided long term hope by becoming a Circle of Hope Member. We deeply thank you for being concerned about your city's homeless!

Even business like, Chick-fil-A Pearland, have  decided they were called to be HOPE and therefore, hosted a toiletry donation drive. Cookie Joe, the owner of Cookie Joe's Dance Studio, also felt called to be HOPE,  so at the donation drive she sponsored a free concert from Newberry of Second Baptist Pearland, Krush of New Hope, and Nash 3.

Many people this Summer have been HOPE. At Star of Hope I am able to see how many people answered the call to action and have actively been HOPE this summer. It has made me want to know more....like how are you HOPE...where-ever you are? Please e-mail your I AM HOPE story to koliver@sohmission.org (feel free to send videos) or just post it on the comments below!

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!

It is always a powerful to watch Star of Hope volunteers interact with guests.  Many have a sense of urgency to love much and love well. Some desire to give a few smiles and make a lot of laughs. Others are there to be present and really listen. And all of these volunteers make our guests who often feel, unimportant, gain glimpses to the fact they are very valued. The guests are reminded by the volunteers they are very important and loved deeply.  It truly is a glimpse of hope.  

The El Paso Corporation Revenue Accounts Team did a great job in being love, showing value and providing lots of laughs to our teens! They played fun and thought provoking games. Star of Hope is so thankful to have amazing corporations like El Paso to take part in caring for Houston’s Homeless. Thanks for making this a Summer of Hope with Star of Hope!