Volunteer Programs Houston

I would like to cover some technology topics in this blog as it relates to charities and missions. Before an organization of any size can leverage technology successfully I believe first and foremost in today’s economy an organization has to promote a culture of innovation and change.  The traditional model of growth, especially in the not-for-profit world, addresses growing complexities of operations and increasing amount of activity by adding labor dollars to the budget and beginning the burdensome process of hiring and retaining employees. Now, employees are great, and most of us are in the “people helping” business so it requires dedicated staff to minister to the needs of your population.  The issues arise when we take these people and have them spend much of their time doing task that support processes that have not been looked at carefully with an eye for technology and innovation.

The first step to change is identifying what is happening now. When you ask for a report from one of your programs, how does it get produced? Do your case workers and counselors have to gather post-it notes , interpret a volunteers handwriting, and work all night to make something look pretty and hopefully close to accurate? Or do they click a button and send you a link to a report that’s easily read and customizable? Its important to identify how things get done.

It would be worth it, if you haven't done it in a while, to set aside 2011 to document what is going on. Start with the core departments like finance, development and work your way to the maintenance department. Once things are identified the proverbial low hanging fruit will stand out and you can make simple changes that have a high impact. Eventually you will want someone, be it a volunteer, a group of grad students that are working on a project or a hired professional to help you identify the innovative changes you need to make that will help you spend your precious payroll dollars wisely.

Here are some helpful links
Technology for non-profits www.techsoup.org
Documenting your processes http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/ar-procdoc/

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission at Volunteer Jobs Houston or Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston

“Volunteering at Star of Hope is a demonstration of my faith in the LORD,” is how Gregg Lattier explains his ongoing commitment to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children through his partnership with our mission. Gregg attended one of the first orientation classes I held for perspective new volunteers almost 13 years ago - and he enthusiastically continues to touch hundreds of lives by sharing his compassionate wisdom and love for Jesus Christ.

Most Friday mornings, Gregg teaches stress management to clients in the Personal Development program at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center.  Several clients describe his class this way:

·         “Dr. Gregg Lattier really inspired me when he taught the class on values.  He provide me with information that I have had never heard before.”

·         “Dr. Gregg Lattier has made me think, learn and laugh during his classes….I wish that more teachers were like him!”

·         “What a great stress management instructor!  Mr. Lattier gave us great methods on how to live life stress-less rather than stressful. He teaches people the true meaning of laughter out loud!  He showed me how to embrace what others might think is impossible.”

Although Gregg is at home in the classroom, he loves to travel around the globe.  Christmas break found him in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Cameroon and he plans to visit Asia during spring break.  While traveling, Gregg, who teaches business classes at Lee College and is a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves, has the opportunity to build relationships and share the Gospel while living off of the local economy. He travels light with only a backpack!

When the Houston Texans beat the Jaguars during their last home game on January 2^nd, Gregg was backpacking somewhere through Africa. However, during the game he was recognized as a recipient of the Houston Texans 2010 Community Quarterback Award and Star of Hope will receive a generous donation in his honor.

Congratulations on this prestigious award, Gregg, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to our mission! We are grateful to you and the many other faithful volunteers God sends through our doors.

Read more about Gregg and how you, too, can help the homeless in the Star of Hope's January Newsletter, The Light.

Community Service Houston

Merry Christmas from the Star of Hope Christmas Workshop! As volunteers get Christmas gifts ready for the many homeless men, women and children who come through our doors, it’s like having the North Pole right here in Houston, Texas!   Thanks to our good friends at ProLogis, we have an awesome space that has become Santa’s Workshop! Volunteers are busy sorting donated gifts, selecting something special for each client, wrapping the presents and grouping family gifts. When finished, several thousand Christmas gifts will be delivered to Star of Hope programs just in time for Christmas Day!

This is a huge undertaking that could never be accomplished without the help of many special volunteers:

 “It makes me feel thankful for what I have.”   Kylie

“It’s a good way for me to get into the spirit of Christmas.”   Kendall

“I like it because it’s faith- based.”   Allyn

“Giving and volunteering were traditions growing up in our house. We didn’t really know any different. There were always extra stockings and gifts for those less fortunate. So now, it’s a tradition my husband and I have tried to pass along to our kids.”   Joni

“It means a lot to help people who might not otherwise have a very nice Christmas.”    Taylor

“We’ve been doing this for about 10 years and it gives you the opportunity to see what God intended Christmas to be.”    Chuck

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, the gifts are a tangible reminder to our clients of their value and worth; that others really do care; and that better days are ahead. For what is wrapped in bright red and green paper and tied up with bows is the very best, most precious gift of all – and that is new hope through Jesus Christ!

Learn how your group or company can get involved with Star of Hope and help Houston's homeless. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Imagine what it must be like to be out on the streets with no place to call home. Frantically, you search for shelter and a safe place to fall asleep. That’s when you remember that someone told you about Star of Hope. In desperation, you put your last two quarters in the payphone, hoping with everything you have left inside that you can talk with someone, that you don't get a recording.

Although most of us are used to automated telephone systems, navigating menus can be a frustrating process. And if this is the only call you can make, it’s even worse. 

At Star of Hope, our goal is for every caller to reach a “live” voice – to get the help and answers each caller needs and deserves. To accomplish this goal, we opened a call center that is staffed entirely by volunteers. 

No one has taken a more active role in the call center than our friends from Willis of Texas, Inc. About 30 Willis employees staff both the morning and afternoon shifts every Wednesday. Thanks to Willis and other call center volunteers, each call is promptly answered by a friendly voice that’s filled with compassion. Once calls are answered, volunteers remain on the line until callers receive the help they need - even praying with callers. Volunteers are not interested in the number of calls they answer, but in delivering the best possible service.  It is far more than simply answering the phone, it is a ministry! 

Our friends at Willis have been very generous with their time, and yet, found a way to do even more during the holidays. In addition to volunteering in our kitchens and at the Christmas Workshop, they also raised $5,550 to purchase gifts for moms and dads at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and men in the recovery programs at the Men’s Development Center. Not only will there be gifts for the children, but for the adults, too. No one has been forgotten!

During my eight years working for Star of Hope Mission, I have watched over and over as homeless clients move from virtually “no hope” with total dependence, to beginning their independent walk in a new life.  Star of Hope is not just a Soup Kitchen in Houston!  We offer Christian Ministries with such services as drug rehabilitation, emergency homeless services, parenting classes, career building classes, for homeless persons and for battered women, men and for families.  We offer care for men, single women and for families at our three homeless shelters and transitional living centers.

Last week I got to meet a young woman who lived here at Star of Hope twelve years ago.  When she came here, she was 4 years old, and she got into a ballet dance program offered by a volunteer.  Her family got back on their feet and now she is married and has three beautiful children.  She was present at the opening of our newly decorated Intake area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter.  It was a real blessing to visit and to see how well she is doing now.  She and her family had received a chance to get back on their feet, and they had taken it! 

I hope that you weren’t ever homeless!  But if you had been, wouldn’t it be great to know that there was a place, where people would listen to you, pray with you, cry with you, and try to meet your every need!  Star of Hope is such a place!

Would you consider partnering with us, through offering a prayer for the less fortunate, and through making a contribution?  You can go to Charitable Donations Houston to make a contribution.

 

Homeless Vets celebrated everyday at Star of Hope Men’s Development Center

Today is Veteran’s Day, and as I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded of the long heritage Star of Hope Mission has had in serving our Veterans who become homeless.  Way back in 1945-1946, Star of Hope was serving hundreds of Veterans each month, coming through Houston with no place to stay. Ever since then, Star of Hope has proudly served Vets who have become homeless and need help in re-establishing their lives, after their service to our country. 
 
Today, we are serving 100-150 Veterans per day, from the Vietnam, Korean, Desert Storm, and Afghanistan wars, with recovery programs and life changing help for a better life.  In our VIP Program, we serve 150-200 per year, in partnership with Houston’s Veteran’s Administration to help with their physical and mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and addiction recovery needs.  Our men in the PTSD group meet twice each week, offered at Star of Hope in partnership with Military Ministries, an arm of PTSD Foundation of America.

When I attend any Veteran’s program at church or in our community, my eyes well up with tears, as I think of the many men I’ve met here, who, without the Star of Hope, would be on the streets of Houston today.  They are not forgotten!  And they feel God’s love everyday they are with us.  Star of Hope is “Home to the Brave”…and my hat is off to the great staff of men and women at our Men’s Development Center in Downtown Houston who faithfully serve these who have sacrificially served all of us in defending our country.

If you’ve never been to any of Star of Hope’s mission locations, I invite you to come and tour, get involved and volunteer!  You can help Veterans and many others with your talents to have a better life, renew their faith and strength, and once again, stand tall as Americans.  Come and join us, you’ll be glad you did!

Learn more about star of Hope at Mens Shelter Donation Houston and Houston Volunteer Opportunities.
 

A few weeks ago I saw a sight that strengthened my belief in God and renewed my pride in Star of Hope. I watched as homeless men pitched in and helped build a house for a homeless family.

Houston Habitat for Humanity constructs simple, affordable houses for qualified families in need of shelter. On October 12^th, this volunteer driven organization invited Star of Hope clients from our Men at Work Program to join their effort in the Fifth Ward for a few days. About a half dozen of our men took part in the project as part of their program’s work therapy.

The men were primarily involved in the construction of the exterior shell of the house which included raising the wall frame, installing sheathing, bracing the structure, vinyl siding, installing insulation and roof trusses. The work was hard and the days were long and hot. The project foreman remarked that Habitat would have been behind schedule if they didn’t have the help from the Star of Hope Men’s Development Center.  

During a break, I asked one of the Mission’s workers about the irony of building a house that he wasn’t going to live in. As he answered, he held up a hammer and nails – like another wise Carpenter from centuries ago. He said “This is what I’m supposed to be doing right now. My time will come when He knows I’m ready … and I’m trying to be worthy of that chance.”

As the sun set and the house took shape around me, I realized that these men weren’t just constructing a home for a grateful family – they were building a bridge to their own future using Hope and Faith as their blueprint.

To find out more about Star of Hope visit  Non Profit Organizations Houston.

In Houston, it’s usually difficult to tell exactly when summer ends and fall begins.  The arrival of fall isn’t signaled by green leaves turning into spectacular shades of red, gold, yellow and orange. Nor do we break out our jackets, turtleneck sweaters and plaid wool blankets for Friday night football. For most Houstonians, the arrival of fall is little more than a note on the kitchen calendar.

But the staff and clients at Star of Hope know exactly when fall begins. It begins with the arrival of outstanding volunteers wearing bright red and white ExxonMobil t-shirts. Our partnership with ExxonMobil spans more than a decade and their volunteers share in each client success.

I am happy to report that Fall 2010 has definitely arrived! Red and white shirted ExxonMobil Global Services volunteers spent two days helping out at all three Star of Hope campuses. 

Volunteers assisted the kitchen staff with chopping veggies, making sack lunches, cleaning and serving lunch. A few volunteers even braved arctic temperatures in the freezers to ensure they were clean and well organized. 

The entrance of our Transitional Living Center got a facelift as volunteers spruced up the landscaping in several areas. While one group worked outdoors, another group of volunteers taught computer skills and conducted mock interviews with clients in the Personal Development program. Not only did the ExxonMobil volunteers help clients sharpen their skills, but they also gave clients the confidence they need for successful interviews.

As we work for national accreditation of our childcare program, ExxonMobil volunteers helped ready the childcare center at our Transitional Living Center for inspection. They painted both the infant and pre-k classrooms a lovely pastel shade of creamy yellow and installed new cabinets. They even built special scaffolding to reach the high ceilings. As if that weren’t enough, they custom-built child-size picnic tables so our little ones can enjoy lunchtime outdoors.

Over the years, ExxonMobil volunteers have worked to make our facilities more inviting and comfortable for Houston’s homeless men, women and children, as well as providing for the direct needs of our clients. Thank you, ExxonMobil, for the many ways you continue to bless our mission!

When volunteers from GE Energy hosted Family Fun Time at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center, it was quite an adventure for Sylvia, a client in our New Hope program. “I’ve been around the world in the last hour!” she exclaimed with a broad grin. “I’ve met all of these wonderful volunteers from all over the world!”

While in Houston, this international GE Energy group asked to include a volunteer project in their plans.  We were delighted when they selected Star of Hope!  The fun started with a hamburger dinner and all the trimmings. And then, laughter, bright smiles and giggles spread out across the cool fall evening.
 

A volleyball game in one courtyard grew bigger and bigger as more and more clients joined energetic volunteers. Sack races, golf, bowling and badminton filled the other courtyard. Clients and volunteers gathered around tables in the chapel for board games, dominoes, face painting and crafts.

One little boy, perhaps 6 and very bashful, looked around the chapel in wide-eyed wonder. When a volunteer asked if he would like to play a game, he nodded, “Yes.” Although he followed the volunteer to pick out a game, it was the volunteer who had to make the choice. The little boy would not say a word. But the volunteer did not give up, and finally, broke the ice. Moments later, both the little boy and the volunteer were doubled over in laughter and talking with each other 90 miles an hour.

I don’t know who had the most fun – the kids or adults, the clients or the volunteers. But I doubt anyone will soon forget this special time together.
 

Learn more about Community Service Volunteers Houston at Star of Hope!

• 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.