Volunteer Programs Houston

• Donation Drive Coordinator: Organize a drive for needed items at your work, school, church, organization or in your neighborhood.
• Team for Hope: Be a friend on Social Media and help us share stories and needs.
• Prayer Partners: Pray, pray, pray. Enough said!

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Please partner with Star of Hope Alumni (ACTS) and give to a worthy cause. ACTS is hosting their 2^nd Annual

Last year’s successful fundraiser was an indication that we were in God’s will. In the last twelve months ACTS Mobile Outreach Ministry has brought the Good News to thousands through music, bible studies, servant Saturday, testimonies, job search aid, transportation funds, education assistance, skills training, furniture for those in need, groceries, clothing and in many other ways. ACTS even supported an Alumnus’ mission trip to Nicaragua.

In order to continue to impact God’s Kingdom we need your help through your prayer, your time and your treasure.

Click Below to Give on Star of Hope Website: Supporting Houston Ministries with ACTS

There are 7 Ways to Give Support. May God Speak to Your Heart!
1. Pray for us
2. Volunteer your time to serve with us
3. Sponsor as many bowlers as you like for $20.00 per frame
4. Sponsor 2 bowlers for one bowler $100.00
5. Sponsor a team of 5 bowlers for one game for $250.00
6. Sponsor a team of 5 bowlers for two games for $500.00
7. Sponsor a team of 10 bowlers for two games for $1500.00

For Example:

• A $1500 gift can cover the cost of our metro bus pass program for one year, which allows men to search for work and attend major ministry events for life change.
• A $500 gift can purchase 20 Furniture Bank vouchers, which furnishes an efficiency apartment for four single alumni.
• A $250 gift can sponsor books, supplies, and transportation cost to conduct a twelve weeks small group satellite Bible Study for twelve people.

The personal and career development programs at our Transitional Living Center help clients learn to shine when they interview for jobs. We want our clients to be so polished, poised and professional that they have a variety of job offers from which to pick. But for many clients, job interviews are very difficult and create enormous anxiety. Baggage from the past - such as an unstable work history, gaps in employment, a felony conviction or poor references – can cause wary potential employers to ask tough questions.   Through lots of practice and role playing, clients learn what to expect in interview situations and how to honestly present themselves in the best possible light. This helps calm the jitters and reduce stress.

Although it’s helpful for clients to practice interview situations with the Star of Hope staff, it is even more helpful when they can practice and receive feedback from the corporate community. Last week, a group of caring, dynamic volunteers from the finance and accounting departments of BMC Software were onsite to work with clients who are beginning their job searches. Teams from BMC conducted mock interviews and provided each client with individual feedback; discussed job search skills and time management; and helped clients hone their computer skills. Our clients took this opportunity seriously by dressing and acting as if they were interviewing for “real” jobs. 

The BMC Software team was only onsite for a few hours, but the impact they made will be far-reaching as our clients do well in interviews and begin successful new careers. Here are just a few comments made by clients about the time they spent with the BMC volunteers:

• -"BMC Software, thank you for coming to the Star of Hope. I learned new tools for interviewing and how to approach people when networking for employment."
• -"I really enjoyed the career workshop.  It was very knowledgeable and I would recommend it to others."
• -"Titus was very professional.  He showed interest in his topic and was very helpful in teaching me how to succeed in the interview."
• -"I learned some exceptional new ideas, which I plan to implement into my new career. The workshop was very refreshing and uplifting. I feel empowered after the information I have received."

Learn how your corporate group can get involved and like BMC Software help our clients achieve success at Community Volunteer Opportunities 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.

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. 
 

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.

Easter always brings back the memory of a time when I was a little girl, sitting in the church pew with my parents, listening to the choir perform songs about the risen Christ. But one man in particular, always had me riveted to my seat. His voice was so deep and rich that the lyrics seemed to swell over the organ, especially when he sang, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? Something about that song always went right through my small frame. It was my first recognition of the awful beauty of His gift.

All these years later, I recognize that beauty which comes from agony, again, in the faces of our clients, at Star of Hope, whether the Men's Development Center, the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, or the Transitional Living Center. They have endured painful—often terrible times, their losses are acute, and the harsh realities of their circumstances can be seen in their eyes. They have had to be courageous in ways most of us cannot imagine. But Easter comes for them just as it came for Jesus. In this Christ-centered community, the Lord extends His nail-pierced hands to help homeless men, women, and children rise up from the pain, the past and fear of the future, and walk in the hope that is blood-bought, indelible, and available. Through our wonderful donors, volunteers, and advocates, the gift of Christ is at work at Star of Hope in the programs offered and the extraordinary staff who love our clients unconditionally.  And it is beautiful to behold. 
 

Learn more about Star of Hope's life-changing ministries by visiting Supporting Houston Ministries

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!

A great way to help the homeless is by donating needed items to an emergency shelter or long-term program. Also, consider organizing a collection drive with your friends, church, colleagues, school or organization.

Star of Hope Mission's urgent needs for this week include:

• Women’s Deodorant
• Shaving Cream
• Razors
• Blue Label Similac
• Flashlights & Batteries
• Pull Ups (2t, 3t, 4t).

Thank you for helping!

Coordinate a drive for needed items: Volunteering Houston. View our current needs list: Donating To Charitable Organizations
 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in….” Matthew 25:35

Assisting in the kitchen is one of our most requested volunteer jobs and a favorite of both long-term and one-time volunteers. Kitchen volunteers do everything from assist with food preparation and set-up to serving the meals and clean-up. There are always plenty of other jobs that need volunteer attention, such as keeping the pantry, coolers and freezers organized. 

Last Saturday, Chevron’s Black Employee Network kicked off their partnership with Star of Hope by assisting with lunch at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Volunteers were busy peeling potatoes and cutting up fries, assembling veggie stacks for the burgers and cooking a very special treat – homemade fudge.  A few volunteers even brought their heavy jackets and gloves to help get the freezer ready for the large grocery order that would arrive Monday morning. At lunchtime, these volunteers waited tables and served the shelter’s guests restaurant-style. What a blessing it was for moms and dads with little ones not to worry about balancing serving trays!

Thursday, the University of Houston’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Susan Bush, was behind the serving line at our Transitional Living Center to assist with dinner. Susan brought Assistant Coach Eric Quill, her dad and sister along to help. A group of our teens got very excited when they realized they were talking with coaches from a collegiate athletic program. Not only was dinner served with welcoming smiles and encouraging words, Coach Bush and Coach Quill were excellent role models and made college seem a little more real for our teens.

Volunteers who assist in the kitchens each week are a special blessing, like students from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart.  For about the last 10 years, high school seniors from Duchesne have faithfully served lunch each week, September through May, at both our Men’s Development Center and our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. These young women are a breath of fresh air with their high energy and enthusiasm for helping those who struggling through difficult times.

We serve 3 meals a day, 365 days a year, at all three facilities, and are always grateful for volunteers with a heart for our mission! Check out this and other exciting Star of Hope volunteer opportunities at Community Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

I met Wendi and her daughters in June 2008. This was around the time they first arrived at Star of Hope’s Women and Family Emergency Shelter. On this particular day volunteers from Westin Hotels catered a meal and threw a big party for the families at the shelter.

Wendi and her family soon moved from the Emergency Center and into the Star of Hope Transitional Living Center for Women and Families. Wendi received help for substance abuse and through our other programs learned to build a stronger family. Read Wendi’s story and watch a short video in our January Interactive Newsletter.

Offer support and hope to moms like Wendi. Donate Online at Donation Opportunities Houston.

I remember when my daughter, Meredith, was a little girl, playing dress-up with her friends.  They would get into my make-up and nail polish and transform themselves into beautiful little princesses.  Pink and purple, lace and tiaras, giggles and laughter filled the room!

Many of the little girls who come to Star of Hope with their moms have never had the opportunity for those precious childhood moments.  Instead, their lives have been filled with questions about where and when they will eat and sleep, and sometimes, images of violence.  Saturday, all that changed as the little girls at our Transitional Living Center attended their first Princess Party.

Thanks to a fabulous group of high school volunteers and a few moms, led by Katherine Ann Rush, our little girls were served finger-sandwiches, pink sugar cookies and pink punch.  They played with make-up, had their nails polished and made their own colorful tiaras.  But the fun and pampering were only part of the transformation.  Guest speaker, Kelly Chapman, author of Princess With A Purpose, then shared about the plan and purpose God has for each of their lives.  She described a loving heavenly Father who is the King of Kings, and as His daughters, we become true, forever princesses.   Afterwards, Mrs. Chapman generously autographed a copy of her book for each one of our little princesses.  Of course, she used a purple pen!

Just like Katherine Ann and her friends, Star of Hope needs your help to make those special, life-changing memories for our clients.  Get involved at Volunteer Programs Houston.

Looking back on 2009 probably makes us all a little jittery, as we remember the uncertainty we have experienced individually and collectively, due to the economic downturn.  But I hope you feel the same satisfaction and excitement that I feel, knowing that, in spite of the difficulties, God moved in dramatic ways to touch and change the lives of thousands of homeless men, women, and children, living at Star of Hope.  It was a year of abundant blessing for our Clients, with new records of service being given through our ministries around town, resulting in many great outcomes.

Did you know we served a record 6,319 individual clients during 2009?  Among other new records are total meals served…668,385, up 24% from 2008, night stays at 295,921, up 9%, clients finding independent housing up 17%, adults enrolled off-site in school or job training at 815, up 19%, clients graduating from a Star of Hope program up 44%, and the list goes on!

THANK YOU HOUSTON, for your generous support: for volunteering and contributing your time, resources, and monetary gifts, on behalf of our brothers and sisters who were suffering.  THANK YOU for letting God use you to work in the lives of those whom He has brought our way.
 
Most importantly, that 6,319 number is not just a statistic, it’s people of all ages in our community who were in crisis and needed an intervention, immediate needs met, and a loving environment in which to plan a new future.  And along the way, Star of Hope saw a total of 5,332 of these precious ones surrender their lives to Christ, and commit to live for Him.

Every client has his or her own story, but I thought you might want to take a look at this one, because it is representative of so many stories, that sum up 2009….what it’s like to be homeless unexpectedly, and how it feels:


   
So as we begin 2010, please remember, whatever our own struggles, that God is doing great things at the Star of Hope, and YOU are needed to partner with us in His service here!
 

Learn more about giving your time by visiting Community Service Volunteers Houston or give an online gift today at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

I love Christmas time! And I love seeing live Nativity scenes in local church front lawns, during the week just before Christmas. It always brings my thoughts back to God’s incredible plan for us. Do you see it? God’s profound message to me every time I see a manger is that He loves us without any of our pretenses, things or earthly treasures. He loves us as He loves His Son, Jesus, whom He sent to be born without a home, things or earthly treasures — or even a bed to rest in on His first night on this earth! Such a little Manger, but God used it to change the world, reveal His Plan for Mankind and change history forever.

Well, when Star of Hope began over 100 years ago, it was like that little manger: a small, unpretentious place where men in our city who had lost their way in life and were struggling with addictions, sin, and bad choices -- or just hard luck, could come and find healing, refuge and Hope. Such a little Mission, and look at what God has done with this Ministry over the past century! Star of Hope now serves nearly 1,000 homeless men, women and children every day. Our focus is still the same as God’s focus was 2000 years ago, in that Bethlehem manger... to shine the Light of The World, Jesus Christ, into the lives of those He came to seek and to save.

You can go by the live Nativity scenes around town and be reminded of the Baby Jesus’ birth this Christmas. You can also come and be a shepherd in the Star of Hope “Manger”, and help bring His Life and Light into the lives of many who desperately need Him today! Come and join us during this season or in the New Year with your heart, time, talents and gifts… and be a part of the work that God is doing for the least and lost in Houston!

Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, Peace, Goodwill toward Men!

Get involved and share your time and talents at Volunteer Programs Houston.
Visit Supporting Houston Ministries to donate online, provide current needs and prepare us for another strong year of ministry in 2010.