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.
“That’s the kind of volunteer I like to have on my team,” he said pointing to a young man installing hardware from which he was going to hang a canopy over the Toddler’s playground. “He told me, ‘We are going to buy stainless steel parts for this project, aren’t we? We want it to last forever!’ That’s how the people are who volunteer for these projects. They care about the quality of the work they are doing on behalf of the people in this facility. Even financially, people who are usually very Budget conscious are quite generous when it comes to volunteer efforts like this one.”
The setting for this conversation was the playground/patio area at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Exxon Mobil and Marriott volunteers were working diligently to install a drain pipe and fill the large playground with mulch, install canopies over the two small playgrounds to shade the young ones from the Texas heat, weather-proof the wooden fences, build additional storage racks for Children’s toys, write notes of encouragement for the adult guests and work in our kitchen preparing and serving food to our Guests.
Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for our many volunteers. Without them Star of Hope could not provide the level of service that we do. Their labors of love put smiles on the faces of both children and adults struggling through the trials of homelessness, and their generosity and commitment to excellence in all they do ensure additional smiles for future guests. Amazing, the difference some green things and a little shade can make for a child accustomed to concrete, steel and glass under a hot Texas sun!
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!
On this "Leap Day" 2012...I want to share a leap of faith that two of the New Horizons clients have taken.
Pam and Sharon have both been dealing with this difficult job market. Both were laid off last Spring and have been searching endlessly for work--ANY work. As "mature" women, they are often disregarded in favor of a younger applicant. As individuals with "a past" that is not as promising as their future, they are denied employment based on an unfavorable backgroud check. I often encourage these women by saying,
"If any employer just gives you ONE chance to show your skills and work ethic...they would know what a valuable asset you will be to them!!"
But, they continue to forge ahead, undeterred by the constant disappointments...They have faith!
When trying to help them gain SOME SORT of success and accomplishment...I went to them and asked..."What about school?" When faced with a chance to CHANGE their circumstance, both said "Yes, I want to do that."
These women...who have not been in school since the 80's...took the leap and started classes at HCC to become Community Health Workers. They are so excited about what the future holds for them now. They are experiencing a "revival of hope" and it is a joy to witness their wide-eyed wonder of this uncharted territory.
This LEAP DAY, 2012...what will YOU do to take a leap of faith? Will you volunteer for a non-profit organization and give hope to someone who is lost and alone? Will you open your wallet and offer a donation that could feed a hungry child for a day...a week...a month? Will you open your heart and pray for these ladies...Pam and Sharon...and, other like them, who are taking a LEAP into God's arms...knowing He will NEVER LET THEM FALL?
What will you do this LEAP DAY?
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Ways to Give Houston - Star of Hope
I was living the American dream. I had a good job, a family, a home with a white picket fence and a dog. By the standards that I grew up around, I was supposed to be happy and complete. But that was not the case. I went from living the American dream to chasing it, making more money, getting larger homes, moving up the corporate ladder, needing more external things to make me feel whole.
By the time I reached my forties, material things were not working any more. I had thoughts like, “Is this all there is to life?” I had reached the annual salary that I thought would make me content, but it didn’t. I had the job title that I thought would bolster my self-esteem, but it didn’t. And I had a big home and the right kind of cars that I thought would increase my self-worth, but they didn’t.
I became increasingly unhappy, and there seemed to be nothing that would fill the emptiness within me. Medication helped my symptoms but didn’t take care of the root problem. I soon became more reliant on the drugs to numb the way I felt and, of course, they, too, quit working.
My American dream was crumbling. Depression had taken hold and was affecting me as a husband, father, employee, and so on. Then my father passed away and a close cousin committed suicide.
I began a downward spiral into deep depression and heavy use of prescription medication. I lost my job, got divorced, and my family moved away. Finally, I lost my home and, along with it, my will to go on.
A friend of my sister suggested the Star of Hope. I arrived at the Men’s Development Center a beaten man. I felt like a failure. I could not forgive myself, and from my limited knowledge of God, I believed He would not forgive me either.
But at Star of Hope, I had Christian role models around me teaching me about the Bible. I came to understand that God promises to care for all my needs, and I have seen that God keeps His Word. He gave me food, water, shelter and an opportunity to develop a relationship with Him.
I will never forget the night in Chapel, when I decided to submit my life and will to God, by asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. It was the start of a new beginning for me. I experienced the most peaceful moment of my life, and I felt whole, again. But this time I didn’t have money, the job, the family or any of the things of the world. All I had were the things God provided for me: a few articles of clothing, food and water, a bed, His love and His promises—promises like, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” And “I know the plans I have for you; plans for your welfare and not calamity; to give you a future and a hope,”
At Star of Hope, I was always encouraged by the staff. I have learned to do the same for others. I can give back to Star of Hope by helping those coming through the program and encourage them to finish it. I am involved in the alumni group whose purpose is to continue to build our community, be spiritually transformed, and to give back through service work.
Today, my family is being restored, I am employed, again, and I have my own place. I am a new man, complete, lacking in nothing. Today I am the father, son, brother and christian man God designed me to be! I give back to the Star of Hope by being a volunteer in ACTS Ministry which is the alumni program. I am eternally grateful to the Star of Hope for being a part of my recovery, and making it possible for me to be where I am, living the great American dream through Jesus Christ.
Vance Letbetter
Are you a Houston area chef and would like to help the homeless in our city? Be a guest chef with Star of Hope Mission. Contact Star of Hope to get started today.
Thanks Kevin King of Riverbend Country Club and Ben E. Keith for providing a wonder meal for the residents of Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center for Women & Families.
Check out this amazing video of Michael W. Smith, who gave this talk at Star of Hope’s annual gathering just two weeks ago. It was an incredible night! Michael spoke about “The Message for the World Today” and what the solution to our life Identity Crisis truly is.
Join us at Star of Hope in serving those in our community who have lost their way, and need to solve their Identity Crisis once and for all. We’d love to have you!
I wanted to tell you about one of our volunteers, Peggy*. On three separate occasions she has baked over 400 cup cakes and brought them to Star of Hope. We served over 600,000 meals last year; one of the things that many times gets over looked is the “dessert.”
Our clients have so many homeless service needs, we are always looking for ways to help make them feel at home. These cupcakes have been so awesome! I watched the little children eat the cupcakes. Of course they are messy but they are so good and they add so much to our client’s lives here at the shelters.
We have such an active volunteer program at Star of Hope… everything from sorting clothes to serving meals to tutoring children is included…even making cupcakes! Thank you, Houston, for being such a giving community. When we volunteer to help others, we really make a difference for our community! Thank you, Peggy, for taking time to provide such wonderful cupcakes for our clients and their children, right here at Star of Hope!
*Peggy wishes to be anonymous and we have changed her name.
Volunteer Jobs Houston
Homeless Shelters Houston - Star of Hope Mission
I came to Star of Hope 4 years ago fresh out of college, naïve, and inexperienced. I was a recent college graduate looking to serve. I had always heard about Star of Hope, but had never volunteered and knew very little about the mission and all that it does. I sent in my application to Star of Hope and several other organizations. After my first interview at Star of Hope, I knew God had called me here.
On my drive home from that first interview, I received a call from another organization offering a position. I took a leap of faith and turned down that position stating I had another offer. I did not have another offer, and I was still several interviews away from being hired at Star of Hope. However, I knew where the Lord wanted me to be, and I wanted to be obedient to Him.
I continued the interview process at Star of Hope, and two months later my manager and director took a step of faith and added me to the children’s ministry team. I was eager to change the world! Little did I know that Star of Hope would change me.
As I reflect on my time at Star of Hope, I see over and over evidences of the Lord’s grace in my life. The Lord has used Star of Hope to grow, change, and mold me more into the image of Christ than I could ever imagine. We do not seek to meet only the physical needs of our guests, but to share the gospel of Jesus Christ so that they experience true life change. And as scripture tells us, the more we share the love of Christ, the more opposition we will meet from the enemy. Our days are filled with hardship, stress, brokenness, and pain.
Every day, however, I see more clearly the work God is doing in this sanctuary to rescue the homeless and bring them into communion with Him. Sharing scripture with two children fighting over a toy, encouraging a young mom who is struggling in sin, and leading class Bible studies gives me more joy than any other job. The Lord is at work in this place, and I am humbled to be a small part of it!
Jill Rowan
Children's Services Supervisor
Visit Careers at Star of Hope Mission
Homeless Shelters Houston
We had the Star of Hope Annual Banquet last week and it was amazing to see just some of Star of Hope’s donors attend. It was held at the Hilton Americas. As we learned more about Houston’s homeless needs, we found that:
• There are 13,500 homeless right here in Houston.
• Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter prepared and fed over 620,000 meals during the 2011.
• The number of homeless families in our city increased by 25% from 2010.
The economy is really impacting our lives!
The high point in the evening is always the testimonies from those who has been homeless in our city and have been able to experience “life change.” One such testimony was offered by a 17 year old high school student, Courtney. His mom had been taken ill and with a long term illness, she ultimately lost her job, and they were evicted. They came to Star of Hope and after a time were able to regain their stability, individually and as a family.
Through a community service volunteer group who came to Star of Hope, Courtney was able to visit the University of Houston campus, met with several top level administrators, and he was able to get a scholarship offer (he wants to be an aeronautical engineer)!
He has a ways to go (he is just now completing high school, but he looked so special as he stood there in front of 2,300 attendees and told his (and his family’s) story. It was so special to see young man in his ROTC uniform to stand and talk about the “life change” that he has experienced and the blessing that Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter in Houston, has offered to he and his family.
Star of Hope is not just a men’s shelter or an emergency family shelter but we also have a longer term program for homeless who need assistance. I hope that possibly you were able to attend the annual banquet, but if not…please be sure that you don’t miss it next year!
• There are 13,500 homeless right here in Houston.
• Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter prepared and fed over 620,000 meals during the 2011.
• The number of homeless families in our city increased by 25% from 2010.
The economy is really impacting our lives!
The high point in the evening is always the testimonies from those who has been homeless in our city and have been able to experience “life change.” One such testimony was offered by a 17 year old high school student, Courtney. His mom had been taken ill and with a long term illness, she ultimately lost her job, and they were evicted. They came to Star of Hope and after a time were able to regain their stability, individually and as a family.
Through a community service volunteer group who came to Star of Hope, Courtney was able to visit the University of Houston campus, met with several top level administrators, and he was able to get a scholarship offer (he wants to be an aeronautical engineer)!
He has a ways to go (he is just now completing high school, but he looked so special as he stood there in front of 2,300 attendees and told his (and his family’s) story. It was so special to see young man in his ROTC uniform to stand and talk about the “life change” that he has experienced and the blessing that Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter in Houston, has offered to he and his family.
Star of Hope is not just a men’s shelter or an emergency family shelter but we also have a longer term program for homeless who need assistance. I hope that possibly you were able to attend the annual banquet, but if not…please be sure that you don’t miss it next year!
Help Houston's Homeless with Star of Hope Mission:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
A few days before Christmas I was walking through the lobby at Star of Hope and saw three boxes. They looked like they contained musical instruments…I got really excited when I realized someone had donated three guitars!
Rachel Haverkorn, a Volunteer Liaison at Star of Hope, told me this story:
The teen department let us know that the some of the kids had expressed interest in learning to play the guitar. Shortly thereafter Alex Thomas came to us wishing to volunteer. His email address referred to his love for guitar, so we asked if he might be interested in teaching the teens. He was thrilled. The only problem was we did not have guitars for the teens to use. He offered to bring some, but we would still need guitars available for the teens to practice on between lessons.
I told the teen department I could mention the need to in-kind donors and see what happened. I made myself a note to request guitars the next time a donor called asking about our needs. Then Alex Lozano stopped by and said he had 3 brand new guitars and had been trying to decide where to donate them. I told him he was answering our exact need before we had even asked.
Thanks Alex Thomas and Alex Lozano/United Music Alliance for making this happen!
Volunteer Jobs Houston
Homeless Shelters Houston - Star of Hope Mission
That’s the question we are all asking, isn’t it? And when we consider that for our homeless men, women and children in Houston, we know that “2012 will be a year of significantly more needs to be met.”
Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:
2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.
One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!
This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.
Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!
Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.
Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:
- Serving men-only for our first 80 years.
- Serving women and families beginning in the mid-80‘s.
- Now, the third transition…serving a growing percentage of our city’s AT RISK and ON THE BRINK of Homelessness population.
2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.
One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!
This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.
Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!
Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.
Discover ways you can help with Star of Hope today. Visit:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
In all of our lives, there have been times when we have felt like no one cares about us. We can all remember changing schools and not knowing anyone, and feeling daunted as we were surrounded by strangers. Or changing jobs, and wondering how we would fit in and who would be our friends. Or enduring a difficult family situation that left us alone.For those who come to Star of Hope, the feeling that no one cares about them is not just focused on a new workplace or school, however. For most, there is absolutely no one they can turn to for help. Most who come to Star of Hope facilities have absolutely no other option. They are truly alone.
So what do you think JOB ONE is at Star of Hope? It is to love and to care for each one who enters, no matter what their condition or need or situation. And that love, combined with a safe place, good food, clean beds and new clothing, helps them feel like someone DOES care!
I’d like to share a short story from one of our recent adult clients at Star of Hope. Her name is Cassandra, and she found here a caring atmosphere that put her on the path to a new life!
Cassandra said recently, “I came to Star of Hope because I was on my last leg and I needed help, but I had no idea the help that I was going to get. They are awesome. There’s so much that’s here for you, and all you have to do is apply yourself a little and ask. The people really, really care. I love it. I feel God’s presence throughout the shelter and throughout me. To the donors, I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Your continuing support is a vital as we provide meals, shelter, counseling, education and long-term solutions to more Houstonians than ever before. They come because they have no other options…but you provide, through your gifts and volunteer help, a new and wonderful second chance…and a way back into a fulfilling life once again.
Thank you for being one of the people who “really, really cares”, as we minister and serve daily here at Star of Hope!
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -- Psalm 147:3
Discover ways to Give and Volunteer at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston!
Discover ways to Give and Volunteer at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston!
Elisabeth Rush planned to spend her morning volunteering in the Spiritual Life department at the Star of Hope Men’s Development Center. As she prepared for the day, she looked forward to a special time of prayer, ministry and fellowship with the homeless men God sends through our doors. She prayed that each man with whom she interacted would understand a little more about Jesus and the amazing plan He has for each of our lives.
On this morning, God had a different plan for Elisabeth! When she arrived at the Men’s Center, spiritual life coordinator Troy Williams whisked her away to his car and off they drove to Baytown. Just imagine Elisabeth’s surprise when they arrived at radio station 1360 KWWJ - Keep Walking With Jesus – for a live, on-air interview!
When asked how the station and its listeners could pray for Star of Hope, Elisabeth requested everyone pray that the Holy Spirit change, impact, transform and rejuvenate each man, woman and child who seeks refuge at Star of Hope. “Pray they will be so on fire for the Lord that they will spread the Good News throughout the Houston community,” she said.
Later, laughing about the unexpected twist in her morning, Elisabeth said, “I hope I did okay!” You did an awesome job, Elisabeth! We are grateful for you and each volunteer who is willing to go wherever God leads to meet the needs of those less fortunate!
Discover ways to help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston today!
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!
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!
Send Summer of Hope eCards and tell your friends why helping the homeless in our community with Star of Hope is important to you.If you live in or around Houston, you have probably seen our Summer of Hope banners on the back of a Yellow Cab. Now you can send eCards to your friends and family with this same design and a few others. Follow the instructions, include a personal note and hit send. It's as simple as that!
Thanks for making this summer a Summer of Hope.
Discover other ways to get involved at Volunteer Jobs Houston
Learn more about Summer of Hope at SummerOfHopeHouston.org
You may have seen the story "Homeless Population Keeps Increasing" in the Houston Chronicle this week, the results of the 2011 Homeless Count for our city. It's no surprise to me that the number of homeless people in Houston has risen by 25% in just one year.If you've been following my blog the past two years, you know that Star of Hope has served record crowds since 2009, with the greatest overflow occurring at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown. We have averaged 50 per night on the floor, with peaks of up to 118 for the past two calendar years. It's clear that the economy and all the disasters around us are displacing more and more families.
I must say, the most troubling number released yesterday, however, is the 10,933 school age CHILDREN in Houston, who are documented by our Houston area public school systems to be living homeless.
It's clear we need to do more. For some families, housing and job assistance will help get them back on their feet and living independently again. For most however, the causes of their homelessness run much deeper, and they need more comprehensive services to recover.
Star of Hope has been serving Houston's homeless continuously for 103 years now...it is Houston's oldest and largest ministry for our most needy Houstonians. We have learned so much about how to lead our guests into a new and fulfilling life. And we are working harder than ever in our history to expand our services and partnerships to reach the growing numbers of those in need.
The good news is that Today Is A Day Of Hope for thousands of these in our community, as Star of Hope and over 100 other service partners in our community reach out to help them!
Want to help? Go to our website and check out Volunteer Opportunities, or make a financial gift today. Summer is here and the numbers needing help are extremely high.
Houston, we have a problem. But together, with God's help and blessing, we can make a major, and for many, an eternal difference!
Get involved with Star of Hope Mission in helping Houston's homeless men, women and children today!
Visit Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.
Visit Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.
The spot lights are out, the stage is down, and the audience has gone the way of all audiences, when the show is over. It will be a year before the Star of Hope Haute for Hope luncheon and fashion show comes around again. But, hey, it’s only time, and time flies when you’re having fun, right? Well, guess what? We’ve had a ball over the past 13 years since the show first opened, and we have the wonderful memories of Houston’s top news and broadcast personalities strutting their stuff on the catwalk, to bring the gift of hope to thousands of homeless children.
So we do not lament the end of this year’s show. We celebrate what’s been accomplished and look forward to next year, when we will do it all over again, for the children, absolutely, and for the fun that comes in the doing.We are grateful to Dana Tyson, SUNNY 99.1 Morning Show host and Jose’ Grinan, Morning News Anchor for Fox 26. They were the dynamic duo at the mikes, as their media colleagues took over the runway to the music of famed vibraharpist, Harry Sheppard.
Many thanks to all of you who supported the show, whether you bought a table or a seat, contributed auction items or ambiance, as did A Touch of Elegance and River Oaks Flower House. We are forever thankful. TribeDesign, you make the most gorgeous invitations.To Todd Ramos, who always does a bang-up job producing the show, muchas gracias amigo! To the media models who make Haute for Hope hot, we are grateful beyond words. And what’s a fashion show without fashions? Thank you BB1 Classic, Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf, and Lucho. Also, a special shout out to Solution for volunteering every year to put the final, beautifying touches on our models. Speaking of volunteers—Star of Hope staff, you are AWESOME! Thank you. See you next year.
Discover ways to help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donating to Charitable Organizations Houston.
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
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.
Many of us are familiar with the beautiful Ray Boltz song, Thank You For Giving To The Lord. But here in my office, the song’s meaning becomes far more profound as the lyrics are brought to life by those who were formerly homeless.
My phone rings and I am greeted by a strong, confident voice on the other end. The caller explains that she was once a client at Star of Hope. Perhaps she was homeless as a child and lived at Star of Hope with her family. Or maybe it’s been only a few short years since she was a homeless adult. But life has dramatically changed since leaving our mission. There is now a home. A job. A steady income. Stability. The pain and bondage of homelessness have been broken, and what was once tragic, is now a life filled with joy, hope, peace and happiness. So on this day, she is calling to volunteer, to find a way to give back for the help she received. But what strikes me most is the end of her story. The reason she wants to give back as a volunteer is because it was a Star of Hope volunteer who touched her heart and inspired her to change!
In the years I have worked at Star of Hope, I have received similar phone calls from a number of former clients. Each time, I am reminded of the impact our volunteers make on the lives of those who are struggling through dark, difficult times. Regardless of the specific jobs with which volunteers assist, their presence brings new hope to our clients and is a tangible demonstration of Christ’s love. Volunteers remind our clients that they have real worth and value as people; that they are important to others; and that better days are indeed ahead. As I hear over and over from former clients, the investment of time and energy, love and compassion made by our volunteers can have powerful, life-changing results!
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, on behalf of each client whose life has been touched and forever changed by a Star of Hope volunteer, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, we are the lives that were changed! Thank you for giving to the Lord, we are so glad you gave!”
Discover how you can get involved with Star of Hope Mission to touch hearts and change lives. Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston today!
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