2011 – 2012 - Northwest Assistance Ministries

Assistance Program / Food Pantry
281-583-5600
Children’s Clinic
281-885-4630
Treasures of the Heart
Kuykendahl Store
281-885-4544
Jones Rd Store
281-897-8952
Family Violence Center
281-885-4673 | 1-888-750-4673
FM 1960 Store
281-880-9000
Fifty Plus
281-885-4600
Interfaith Hospitality Network
281-885-4567
Meals on Wheels
281-885-4623
Learning Center
281-885-4616
Shelter & Energy Assistance
281-885-4526
© Marzanna Syncerz | Dreamstime.com
Northwest Assistance Ministries
15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, Texas 77090
www.namonline.org
281-885-4555
Northwest Assistance Ministries
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
2011-2012 Annual Report
Our History
In the early 1980s, the oil industry in Houston was
booming and predictions were that it would only
get better. But by 1982, oil prices began to drop —
a trend that would continue for the next four years.
Thousands of people lost their jobs, and in January
1983 unemployment in the Houston metropolitan area
rose to 9.1 percent.
People turned to their faith communities for help, but
congregations were overwhelmed by the need. So in
April of 1983, an idea for a united effort was presented
to the Northwest Clergy Association.
Our Mission
NAM’s mission is to strive to meet
basic human needs through Neighbors
Helping Neighbors.
Our Vision
NAM’s vision, grounded in our mission
and true to our values, is a community
in which Neighbors care for Neighbors
through our collaborative efforts with
area congregations, community partners,
donors and volunteers. Resources are
Since then, NAM has grown from a small assistance
pooled and leveraged to meet basic
office, food pantry and resale shop, to a multi-faceted
social service agency that is one of the largest in needs and to help individuals regain
the Houston area. Today NAM offers Assistance, a their self-sufficiency, thereby creating a
Children’s Clinic, the Family Violence Center for victims safer and more stable community for all.
Six months later, Northwest Assistance Ministries
was born. Ten founding congregations set aside their
theological differences, pooled their resources, and
joined together in order to better serve their Neighbors
in Need.
of domestic violence, Fifty Plus Senior Center, a Food
Pantry, the Interfaith Hospitality Network for homeless
families, Meals on Wheels, the Learning Center for
adult education and job readiness, Shelter & Energy
Assistance, and three Treasures of the Heart community
stores.
As our services have grown, so has the number of
people we can help. In this fiscal year, NAM touched the
lives of nearly 130,000 people which was possible only
because of the generous support of local congregations,
civic organizations, foundations, business partners,
individual donors and over 2,000 volunteers. People
like you.
Throughout our history, one thing has remained
constant: our commitment to Neighbors Helping
Neighbors. And with your continued support, we’ll be
here to help whenever a neighbor has a need.
2 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
Our Values
NAM values: maintaining a strong
commitment to our mission of meeting
basic human needs through Neighbors
helping Neighbors; fostering a spirit
of respect and charity; striving for
excellence in all we do; and strengthening
connections with our spiritual, funding,
and volunteer partnerships.
Here at NAM we give thanks for you…because we see the way that you give so
generously all year long.
You lead with excellence and amazing generosity. Other people follow your example,
and because of you NAM is healthy, strong, and ready to bless thousands of our
Neighbors in Need.
Thank you. Again and again we say thank you, on behalf of the staff, the volunteers,
and most importantly, the Neighbors in Need served by NAM every day of the year.
Thank you for giving so much of yourself for the benefit of those in need. May your
lives be filled with all the love you so graciously shower on those around you.
NAM Unaudited Financials
Proceeds
Individuals
Congregations
Corporations
Community & Civic Groups
Foundations
Fundraisers
Fee Income
Volunteer Hours
In-Kind Contributions
Government Grants
Sales
Rent & Miscellaneous Income
Nam Endowment Distribution
Total Proceeds
Expenses
Salaries & Wages
Volunteer Hours
Fringe Benefits
Employee Related Expenses
In-Kind Contributions
Assistance - Food
Assistance - Shelter
Assistance - Clothing
Assistance - Medical
Assistance - Transportation
Assistance - Legal & Identification
Assistance - Education Services
Assistance - Miscellaneous
Office Equipment & Supplies
Vehicle Operating Expenses
Repair & Maintenance
Postage & Freight
Utilities & Building Cost
Rental Expense
Purchase Services
Taxes & Licenses
Communications
Depreciation & Amortization
Public Relations
Insurance
Interest Expense
Miscellaneous Expense
Total Expenses
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
Total Net Assets at 9/30/2012
22 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
|
10/1/11 - 9/30/12
Year to Date
Budget
Variance
1,385,073
195,494
324,303
79,698
1,293,863
6,071
515,540
1,039,723
1,333,928
1,739,775
1,209,437
44,941
52,773
9,220,619
1,079,148
191,319
256,852
72,659
1,278,950
10,736
464,500
906,685
1,221,103
1,506,242
1,365,373
33,696
45,000
8,432,263
305,925
4,175
67,451
7,039
14,913
(4,665)
51,040
133,038
112,825
233,533
(155,936)
11,245
7,773
788,356
2,735,499
1,039,723
556,278
38,134
1,343,968
222,892
935,506
40,837
222,200
48,212
779
44,261
0
85,206
41,378
57,388
22,474
275,623
425,686
441,033
4,395
47,448
171,971
184,072
67,026
53,715
49,092
9,154,792
65,827
2,627,476
906,685
570,698
38,145
1,221,103
187,856
729,333
13,338
231,396
50,640
464
52,150
0
52,129
44,910
70,000
28,559
360,489
426,881
383,421
3,684
54,714
183,356
194,113
78,145
61,056
44,878
8,615,619
(183,356)
(108,023)
(133,038)
14,420
11
(122,865)
(35,036)
(206,173)
(27,499)
9,196
2,428
(315)
7,889
0
(33,077)
3,532
12,612
6,085
84,866
1,195
(57,612)
(711)
7,266
11,385
10,041
11,119
7,341
(4,214)
(539,177)
249,183
Actual
$2,431,272
Dear Friends,
When you’re in the midst of difficult times, sometimes it takes everything you
have just to keep going. But as you begin to emerge from those struggles,
you can look back over the journey and see all that you have learned. Often
the hardest times bring out the best in us — new ideas, new partnerships,
and new levels of generosity.
Ed Tyrrell
Chairman, 2011-2012
Board of Trustees
Carole Little
President & CEO
We started to see those benefits at NAM this year. Things began to stabilize,
both in terms of community need and community support.
Overall, the number of families who came to us for help was consistent with
the previous year, although we did see more new families than returning
families this year. Most of the Neighbors we served were children and the
elderly — the most vulnerable among us.
New ideas and collaborations came in many forms. For example, to maximize
resources for the greatest benefit of our community, we formed strategic
partnerships with other social service providers. By utilizing their expertise,
we can offer more resources to our clients, without duplicating services. New
funding, focused on helping families earn a living wage, will help us teach life
skills and job readiness that can move families out of poverty. And we were
especially pleased to start a new program for veterans, to assist them with
jobs and housing as they return to civilian life.
Our community is always generous, and as neighbors saw the needs around
them they responded with open hearts. Thanks to that generosity, we
experienced a strong year financially and revenues exceeded our budgeted
projections. We also saw a surge in the number of new volunteers and in
volunteer hours given; a testament to this community’s desire to give of
themselves as well as their finances.
The last few years have been challenging for our Neighbors in Need, and for
NAM as well. But you have stood with us every step of the way. The support
of this community — individuals and businesses, congregations and civic
groups, donors and volunteers — is truly amazing, and humbling too. Thank
you for giving of your time, your resources, and your heart. Together, as we
all give our best, NAM will continue to be here whenever a neighbor has a
need.
Sincerely,
Ed Tyrrell
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Carole Little
President & CEO
2012 NAM Annual Report | 3
2011-2012 Board of Trustees
Lee Labrada
Edward L. Tyrrell, Chair
Senior Vice President of
Corporate Financial Services
Methodist Hospital System
President/CEO
Labrada Nutrition
Carole Little
John D. Carson, Vice Chair
President
Brookstone Construction Managers
Rev. Kathleen Coble
Lawrence J. Cronin
• 3,730 people volunteered their time to help NAM.
Douglas W. Lyons, Jr., Secretary
Non-Voting Members
• 479 new volunteers found a place to serve.
Vice President, Midstream
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Regina Curry
Assoc. Superintendent of
Public Relations and Technology
Spring ISD
Stan F. Curtis
STM Consulting
Judy Rimato
Assistant Superintendent
of Facilities
Klein ISD
Community Volunteer
Rev. Stephen Sohns
Past Chairperson
Pastor
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Denese Hammon
CFO
Northwest Assistance Ministries
Vice President, Operations
Methodist Hospital System
President & CEO
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners
2011-2012 Endowment Board
Buddy Bolt, Chairman
President
Continental Land & Fur Co., Inc.
Beryl Ramsey
CEO & Sr. Vice President
Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Non-Voting Members
Bill Farrell, Director Emeritus
Retired, Union Pacific
Mack Elbert Coker, DDS, MS
Pat Riley
Denese Hammon, Treasurer
Periodontics
Stan Curtis, Secretary
Retired, Shell Oil Co.
Pam Hughes
Realtor
Charles G. Manley
Mventures, Family Partnership Investments
Mark S. Rigo, MD
Family Practice
4 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
Retired, Dominion Exploration
& Production
CFO, NAM
Lionel Sirois
Retired, Exxon Chemical
Eddie Harrell, Director Emeritus
Chairman
Citation Oil & Gas Corp.
Valerie vonBerg
Carole Little
Community Volunteer
• Volunteers gave 121,572 hours of service —
an increase of 17,000 hours over last year.
• Those volunteer hours are valued by the federal government at more than
1 million dollars.
Jill
Bays group up in Ponderosa, and her family would
often donate things to NAM’s resale shop. That was all
she knew about the organization — until she asked about
volunteer opportunities, and was given a tour of NAM.
Volunteers
“I was just completely blown away by the services NAM
provides,” she says.
NAM could not do what it does without volunteers.
It’s as simple as that.
Clare L. Rose, Treasurer
Stanley C. Horton
In 2011-2012:
Valerie vonBerg
Danny J. Rea
Marketing and Sales
Director of Public Relations
& Community Outreach
Lone Star College – North Harris
|
Neighbors helping through Volunteering
President/CEO
Northwest Assistance Ministries
Attorney
Lyons & Marek
Klein United Methodist Church
Cecelia Sutphen
President/CEO, NAM
Rusty Schlattman, DDS
Director Emeritus
General Cosmetic Dentistry
More than 3,000 people serve NAM on a regular
basis. They are young and old, Girl Scouts and
engineers, young moms and great-grandfathers.
They bring experiences and expertise as varied as
the world around us — with skills in administration,
counseling, finance, medical care, leadership and
so much more. And they put those skills to work in
hundreds of roles, from stocking our Food Pantry
to delivering Meals on Wheels, working directly
with clients, organizing the Jeans & Jewels gala, or
serving on our Board of Trustees or Endowment
Board.
They do it for one reason: to help Neighbors in
Need.
There’s a place for you at NAM as well. You have
a unique contribution to make, because no one
else has your same blend of experiences, skills, and
personality. No one else is you.
As a marketing manager for Whataburger, Jill was looking
for a way that she and other employees could volunteer
together. After looking at various options, they ended up
right where Jill had started — at NAM’s Treasures of the
Heart Community Store.
On the first Thursday of every month in 2012, Whataburger
provided 10 volunteers to help sort, price, and display
merchandise at the resale shop on FM 1960. The
Whataburger volunteers were managers as well as hourly
workers, and all were serving on their day off — without
pay. By the end of the year, Whataburger employees had
contributed 505 hours of service to NAM.
“That was very humbling to me,” says Jill. “One of
Whataburger’s ideals is to give back to the communities
we serve, and this is absolutely the best way to do that.”
Jill says she and her team members have enjoyed the
experience. “Our favorite was sorting,” she says with a
laugh. “We found lots of fun treasures.”
She recommends the experience to other organizations
as well. “It always starts from the top,” she says. “If our
leaders are encouraging and involved in the community,
that trickles down. It was very rewarding to be able to help
an organization that in turn helps so many.”
If you feel the tug and would like to get involved,
please give us a call. We would love to explore the
unique ways that you can help a Neighbor in Need.
2012 NAM Annual Report | 21
Neighbors helping through
| Events
2011-2012 nam Executive team
Joanne & Michael Watford
2011 Gala Honorees
The 2011 Jeans & Jewels Gala was a spectacular night, raising
more than $500,000 for NAM!
The event was held on October 22 at
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott,
and honored Joanne and Michael
Watford. All past Jeans & Jewels
chairs came together to organize
the event, which featured a theme
of “Cowboy Nights, Houston
Lights.”
Carole Little
President & CEO
Denese Hammon
CFO
Rebecca Landes
VP of Program
Services
Maria Magee
VP of Fund
Development
Randy Boyer
Director of
Operations
2011-2012 program & Department Directors
More than 500 guests were
in
attendance
and
enjoyed
entertainment by Fred Astaire Studio
dancers, dinner, and dancing to the sounds of The Green
Onions. The live auction set a new record for donations to a
NAM program by raising $81,000 for the Children’s Clinic.
Endowment Dinner
David Cook, author of Golf’s Sacred Journey:
Seven Days at the Links of Utopia, was the featured
speaker at the 2012 Endowment Dinner.
More than 200 people attended the
event at Champions Golf Club, raising
over $100,000 for the NAM Endowment
Fund.
20 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
Debbie Peterson
Assistance &
Food Pantry
Karen Weakly
Interfaith
Hospitality Network
Tuesday Coffman
Children’s Clinic
Mary Silbert
Learning Center
Donna Amtsberg, LCSW
Family Violence
Center
Grace Jackson
Senior Services
Pampi McGuire
Information
Technology
Debbie Crum
Shelter & Energy
Assistance
Sean Hughes
Treasures of the
Heart Stores
2012 NAM Annual Report | 5
Community Partners
Guarantors
($250,000-999,999)
The Methodist Hospital
Partners ($5,000-9,999)
The Alcon Foundation, Inc.
AMPCO Services, L.L.C.
Apache Corporation
Guardians
Barton Creek Operating Co.
($100,000-249,999)
Boy Scout Troop #49
The Hamill Foundation
CGGVeritas, Inc.
Houston Endowment Inc.
ConocoPhillips
Ultra Petroleum Corp.
Cypress-Woodlands Junior
Forum
Presidential Directors
Defenbaugh Family ($50,000-99,999)
Foundation
Wal-Mart
Enterprise Products Partners
EPCO, Inc.
Executive Directors
ExxonMobil Foundation
($35,000-49,999)
Fred Fincher Motors
Isla Carroll Turner Harry S. & Isabel C. Friendship Trust
Cameron Foundation
Houston Golf Association
Directors ($25,000Kinder Morgan Foundation
34,999)
Knights of Columbus The Brown Foundation, #10861
Inc.
Kujawa Elementary School
The Congregation of the
Labrada Nutrition
Sisters of Charity of the
LSF Foundation
Incarnate Word
Lulu Bryan Rambaud
Healthcare & Nursing
Charitable Trust
Education Foundation
The Lyons Foundation
John P. McGovern Medallion Foundation, Inc.
Foundation
National Charity League Newfield Exploration Co.
Cypress Creek Chapter
The Simmons Foundation Randalls
Shirley Acres
Presidential Partners
Strake Foundation
($15,000-24,999)
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Boy Scouts/Phoenix Company
District
Union Pacific
Looper Foundation
Spindletop Charities, Inc.
Friends ($1,000-4,999)
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Alvin A. & Roberta T. Klein
Charities
Trust
Target
Baker Hughes Foundation
The Lanier Law Firm, P.C.
Bank of America, N.A.
Bentley & Associates, P.C.
Executive Partners
Blackshear Elementary
($10,000-14,999)
Boy Scout Troop #626
Citation Oil & Gas Corp
BP America
J.A. & Isabel M. Elkins
Brookstone Corporation
Foundation
Burlington Northern Santa Texas Welders Supply Co.
Fe Foundation
Valero Energy Foundation
6 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
|
Businesses, foundations and organizations
that contribute $1,000 or more annually.
Carmichael Elementary School
CenterPoint Energy
Champions Breakfast Club
Chevron
Cub Scout Pack #866 - DEM 8
Cub Scout Pack #1324
Cypress Ranch High School
Data Retrieval Corporation
Davita
Del Barto Tramonte
Foundation Inc.
Edith & Robert Zinn
Foundation
Ehrhardt Elementary School
El Paso Corporation
Energy Alloys LLC
EOG Resources, Inc.
Frank Elementary School
Friends and Neighbors of FM 1960
Grant Thornton LLP
Harriet and Joe Foster
Foundation
HEB
Herrod & Associates, LP
Hildebrand Foundation
Hildebrandt Intermediate
School
Houston Northwest Medical Center
HP
John T. Shea Charitable
Foundation
KSF Orthopaedic Center
Klein Forest High School International Business
Academy
Klein ISD
Klein Memorial Park
Kohrville Elementary School
Krahn Elementary School
Kroger
Lewis Elementary School
Lone Star College System
Longhorn Rod & Custom Car Club
Macy’s
Memorial Hermann Hospital System
Methodist Willowbrook
Hospital
Mirror Lake Landscapes,
Pools, & Waterfalls
Moore Elementary School
Mueller Elementary School
Noble Energy, Inc.
The Edward & Helen
Oppenheimer Foundation
R.H. & A.Q. Lawe Foundation
Robert W. & Pearl Wallis
Knox Charitable
Foundation
Rose Imaging Specialists
Sempra Energy Foundation
Spring ISD
Strack Intermediate School
Tanner Properties
Tejas Pathology Associates
The Texas Jackrabbit
League, Inc.
Theiss Farm Market
Thompson Elementary
School
Time Out For Women
Tom Stewart State Farm
Insurance
TPG Global LLC
Trustmark Bank
United Casing Inc.
Wednesday Morning
Delights Bowling League
Wells Fargo
The Williams Companies
Willowbrook Mall
Willowbrook Rotary
Willowbrook Terrace
Zoyto
Neighbors in Need of
|
Treasure
Treasures of the Heart Shops
NAM operates Treasures of the Heart Community Stores in three locations throughout northwest
Houston. And just as the name implies, there are treasures to be found in each one.
Bargain hunters can find jeans, dresses, and children’s clothing at amazingly low prices. Treasure
hunters can unearth designer items, name brand home décor, and artwork for a fraction of their true
value. Inventory changes weekly, so there is always something new to see.
As shoppers find these gems, they are also providing a treasure for NAM. Funds generated by the
resale shops brought in over $1.2 million for NAM this year.
But there’s one more treasure these shops provide. As Neighbors in Need come to NAM seeking
help, their needs may include clothing or basic household items. Through a voucher system they
can gather up just what they’re looking for, in styles as varied as each individual.
Your donations to the resale shops help keep this cycle flowing. So the next time you’re cleaning out
your closets, think of NAM. Those unwanted items are just waiting to be transformed into treasure.
Locations
15555 Kuykendahl, 1st floor
3645 F.M. 1960 West (between Walters and T.C. Jester)
10505 Jones Rd. (at Fallbrook)
2012 NAM Annual Report | 19
|
Neighbors in Need of Rent or Utilities
In 2011-2012:
Shelter & Energy Assistance
• 1,636 people received funds to The Shelter & Energy Assistance program at NAM
help prevent homelessness, or to has two goals: to prevent homelessness by providing
emergency funds for housing or utility bills, and to provide
provide stable housing.
comprehensive services to help the homeless become selfsufficient.
• Nearly $1.2 million in government grants was
The clients who come to SEA receive so much more than a
distributed by the SEA program gift to pay the rent or keep the lights on. They also receive
individual counseling on money management, job skills,
at NAM.
and affordable housing, as well as referrals to programs at
• 80 veterans and their families NAM or in the community to help address other needs they
may have.
received help with rent, mortgage, utilities, deposits, moving costs or Asking for help can be hard, and people often don’t come
transportation.
to NAM until they are on the brink of homelessness. SEA
pulls them back from that brink, and sets them on the path
to independence.
• 315 seniors or disabled adults received $150,000 to help pay
their energy bills.
Isabel (not her real name) had been in an abusive relationship for seven years, and had
two young sons. After leaving him for good, she and her sons ended up in a women’s
shelter, where someone told her about NAM.
Isabel was accepted into the Shelter & Energy Assistance program in January 2011.
NAM helped her find an apartment in a safe neighborhood and paid her rent while she
worked to stabilize her life. In return she was required to meet certain goals, including
finding a job and receiving counseling.
Today, Isabel is a lead teller at Chase Bank. Her boys are now 6 and 7 years old, and
enjoying their new school. Isabel herself worked hard and has earned her high school
diploma. She graduated from SEA in December, 2012, a confident young woman with a
bright future ahead.
“When I came to NAM, I was broken, I was just a mess,” says Isabel. “Now, it’s like day and
night. I felt like a raincloud — dark, gloomy, sad, depressed. I didn’t know what my future
was going to be, for me or my boys. If you see me now, I feel like a rainbow! A rainbow is so
cheerful, and that’s me.”
2011-2012 Supporting Congregations
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Advent Presbyterian Church
Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist*
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Northchase Community Church*
Bammel Church of Christ*
The Brook Church
North Oaks Baptist Church*
Northwest Bible Church*
Champions Ward, Klein Texas Stake, The Church
Northwest Community Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*
Northwoods Presbyterian Church*
Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community*
Plymouth United Church (U.C.C.)*
Congregation Jewish Community North*
Prince of Peace Catholic Community*
Cy-Fair Christian Church*
Resurrection Lutheran Church*
Cypress Creek Christian Church*
Spring Creek Seventh-Day Adventist Church*
Faithbridge United Methodist Church*
Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church
Fallbrook Church
Harvest Time Church*
Spring Woods United Methodist Church*
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church*
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church*
St. Edward Catholic Community*
Hope Community Evangelical Covenant Church
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Community*
Hosanna Lutheran Church*
St. Timothy Lutheran Church*
Immanuel United Church (U.C.C.)*
Trinity Lutheran Church*
Intercontinental Airport Interfaith Chapel
Unity Church of North Houston*
John Wesley United Methodist Church*
Victory Christian Center
Kinsmen Lutheran Church*
Wildewood Baptist Church*
Klein United Methodist Church*
Windwood Presbyterian Church*
Lakewood United Methodist Church*
*Covenant Congregations are congregations that pledge a certain amount of financial, in-kind and
volunteer support annually.
Service Affiliates
|
Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum
Enrichment Brotherhood Organization of Northwest Youth (E.B.O.N.Y.)
Houston Intercontinental Kiwanis Club
Houston NW Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae
Junior Guild
Junior League of North Harris &
South Montgomery Counties
Civic organizations that select NAM as one of their
primary beneficiaries for financial, in-kind and
volunteer support.
Metropolitan Business Alliance
National Charity League - Champions Chapter
National Charity League - Cypress Belles
National Charity League - Cypress Creek Chapter
National Charity League - Wildflower Chapter
National Charity League - Yellow Rose Chapter
Rotary Club of Willowbrook
photo by fotolia.com
18 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
2012 NAM Annual Report | 7
Individual Donors
Deah Alfano
Laura and James Addison
Nichole and Benny Agosto
Shirley and Ralph Alexander
Teri and Ronnie Andrews
Donna Asbill
Loretta and Marshall Ault
Gloria and Gerald Avant
James C. Baron
Laura and Howard Barousse
Eli Barron and Martha Mata
Carol and Randall Barta
Carolyn Benoit
Evelyn and Edmond Bentley
Richelle and James Birdsall
Carol and Bill Bischoff
Julia and John Blum
Denise and Charles Bolt
Donna and John Borland
Randy Boyer
Trish and Hubert Brinkmann
Susan and Scott Brodie
Lea and Raymond Brown
Diane and Craig Brown
Myra and Rodney Burke
Kathy and John Carson
Kenneth Castlebury
Robbie and Donald Champion
Kathleen W. Coble
Susan J. Cofran
Peggy Jo and M. Elbert Coker
Courtney and David Cook
Dorothy and Tom Cotman
Margie and Rick Crump
Patricia and Stanley Curtis
Ann and Ralph Daigle
Johnnie and Thomas Dever
Susan and David Diehl
Betty and David Dodd
Ralph H. Draper
Kathy and Walter Drover
Lisa and Paul Dubey
Margaret and Charles Dunagan
Rae Eckhart
Chris Melton and and Sheryl Edmonds-Vega
Patricia and William Edwards
Ron Edwards
Julianne and Richard Eichler
Carol and William Farrell
Elizabeth and Eric Fidler
Sarah and Doug Fisk
Lola & Robert Fleming, Jr.
|
Cynthia and Richard Foley
Linda and Joe Fowler
Darla and Stewart Fox
Vicki and Terry Freeman
Wendy and James Fryfogle
Patricia M. Gallagher
Minnie and Roy Gerard
Anthony T. Gibbon
June and Gerald Gibson
Judy and Jon Goodale
Deborah and Michael Griffith
Rick A. Hall
Judy and Don Hand
Sandra and Eddie Harrell
Anne and Jamal Hazzan
Ginny and Robert Hester
Sue and David Hiatt
Jacquelyn and Manuel High
Valerie and Steven Hills
Susan Holley
Jackie and Matthew Holman
Dorothy and John Hopper
Debbie and Stan Horton
Elizabeth A. Hosick
Ingrid and Andrew Hoyle
Pamela and Robert Hughes
Jennifer and Jeff Jackowski
Gwen and Bob Jackson
LeAnn and Bobby Johnston
Jack Kauffman
John Keffer
Jackie and Ted Keuthan
Pam and Kim Kinne
Roberta and Alvin Klein
James R. Kosloskey
Sharon and Michael Krenek
Laurie and Charles Kruse
Robin and Lee Labrada
Sandra and Julian Lamborn
Becky and Mark Lanier
Jeannie and Nolan Lehmann
Glenna and Robert Leonard
Pam and James Liles
Tony & Jon Lindsay
Diane and Lawrence Lipton
Carole and Keith Little
Kay Love
Carol and Don Lucas
Sue Ann Lurcott
Douglas W. Lyons, Jr.
Christine M. MacPherson
Maria and Joseph Magee
Dorria and Samir Malaty
8 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
$1,000 or more annual giving
Jan and Douglas Manchee
Linda and Charles Manley
Kortni and Drew Mann
Linda and Harlan Martens
Thomas A. Martin
Patricia H. Mayo
Betty and Carl McElroy
Leslie and Eric McGaha
Colleen and Jim McKee
Ronald McKinley
Julie and Robert McLaren
Lois and Raymond McLendon
Patricia and James Meek
Jane and Bill Mehrens
Frances I. Meyer
Lynn and Osama Mikhail
Beverly Mitchell
Amy P. Mohan
Janet and Marvin Moos
Janet and Francis Mury
Sara Nainzedeh
Terry and Chris Noellert
Linda and Ronald Nutt
Jacqueline and Douglas Nyman
Dawn and Charles Oliphant
George A. Ozuna
Marcia and George Patterson
Ada and Sam Petro
Stacey and Steve Phillips
Sara and Merwyn Pittman
Diane and Jay Porter
Donna and Robert Pryor
Liz and Kevin Quisenberry
Kimberly and Duane Radtke
Donna and Ronald Ratliff
Joy and Mike Rayburn
Renee and Danny Rea
Blair and Richard Read
Mary Lou and Tony Reidy
Michele and Kevin Renfro
Candace and Mark Rigo
Jackie and Pat Riley
Claudette and James Rodgers
Catherine and Timothy Rodgers
Diana and Antonio Rodriguez
Jacqueline and Gerald Rome
Clare Lee Rose
John Russell
Sharon and Iain Russell
Ralph Salier-Hellendag
Alison and James Sandefur
Julie and Stuart Scandridge
Ramona and Dan Scarlett
Tiffany L. Schaupp
Barbara and Russell Schlattman
Sue Ann and Leonard Schwantes
Jo Anne and Raul Sepulveda
Yvonne and Francis Shamp
Carol and Richard Silliman
Don Sinclair
Irene and Arnold Skor
Louise and Stephen Slater
Roxie and Randy Smith
Judy and Glenn Smith
Linda and Thomas Sparks
Elsie M. Stanko
Sue and Tom Stewart
Memie Stewart
Nancy and Bill Strange
Betsy and Kerry Stuckey
Callie and Patrick Styer
Harriet and Carson Summerville
Cecelia and James Sutphen
Kristen Taylor
Kathryn and Patrick Thibeaux
Sarah and Roger Thiltgen
Shawn and Guy Thomas, Jr.
Marilyn K. Tubbs
Marilyn and Pete Turner
Candice and Edward Tyrrell
Jane and Joe Untermeyer
Shirley and Charles Varsel
Michele and Tor Vatne
Valerie and John vonBerg
Mary Z. Waldman
Sharlet and Dudley Warner
Kathleen and Norman Warpinski
Michael Watford
Kathy Williams
Bonnie and Douglas Wilson
Diann and Thomas Windham
Carol and Michael Winkler
Annette and Ronald Young
|
Neighbors in Need of Education
In 2011-2012:
• More than 35,000 hours of instruction were provided to adult learners.
• An average of 130 students were served each month through ongoing classes.
Learning Center
Finding a job in today’s market can be tough for anyone. But for those without a high school diploma
or fluent English skills, it can be nearly impossible.
Since 1992, the Learning Center at NAM has offered adults the opportunity to improve their education,
language proficiency, and job skills. Today it offers classes in English as a Second Language, GED test
preparation, reading and writing literacy, and money management.
The Learning Center has adapted to the changing job market, and offers leading-edge employment
counseling and seminars to help people from any field of work find their next job. Specialized assistance
for veterans is also available. Through a partnership with the United Way THRIVE program, the Learning
Center provides grants and mentorship to participants throughout their job training until they are
employed in a sponsored career track. Participants complete certification at Lone Star College and, with
the help of LC staff, seek employment in their new field.
“Many adults think they can get a job the same way they always have — by filling out an application,”
says Mary Silbert, Director of the Learning Center. “They need to understand that a lot has changed in
the last 10 years. Networking and knowing how to create a resume that will make it through the initial
screening and electronic scanners are key. So is working with a career counselor. Only about 20 percent
of job openings are posted, so working with a career counselor is really beneficial.”
Paul had served our country well in the military. But at 69 years of age, he was having
trouble finding work.
He came to NAM’s Learning Center and met with Daniel, an employment specialist who
is dedicated to helping veterans find jobs. The first thing Paul said
when he walked into the office was that no one would hire him
because of his age. So Daniel went to work to try to change that.
Together they refined his resume, talked about possible options
based on his skills and experience, and put together a plan.
Two weeks later, Paul had a job—making $19 an
hour.
2012 NAM Annual Report | 17
|
Neighbors in Need of Meals
In 2011-2012:
• 121,841 meals were delivered through NAM’s Meals on Wheels program.
• 550 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities received hot, nutritious meals each weekday.
• 76 individuals also received a meal each Saturday.
• 96 low-income seniors received groceries once a month, delivered to their door.
• 1,000 volunteer drivers delivered
meals to seniors from Tomball
to North Houston, Spring to Cypress,
and everywhere in between.
Meals on Wheels
With a knock at the door and a friendly hello, NAM’s
Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot lunches to
550 seniors or disabled adults every weekday.
“I love to drive and I love people,” says Judy LaFargue,
a volunteer driver for the program. “When I bought
my car I told the Lord, ‘It’s your car. What do you
want me to do with it?’ Then I saw an ad in the
paper that NAM needed volunteer drivers.”
Judy is one of approximately 1,000 volunteers who
make Meals on Wheels possible. In doing so, she
makes sure that Neighbors in Need receive a hot
nutritious meal… which helps them maintain their
health, their independence, and their connection to
the community.
“It’s so rewarding, the people are so wonderful,”
Judy says. “It’s a wonderful way to help out.”
After high school, John lived with his aunt and uncle in north Louisiana. His uncle was ill, and John
was beginning to struggle with depression and anxiety. So they took care of each other.
“Being sick and taking care of them, I never did marry,” John says. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want
a family, it was just the circumstances.”
John later moved to Houston where his mom and step-dad had retired. He was a maintenance
worker for Harris County Toll Road, but had to retire about six years ago because of a knee
injury.
“When I retired, finances weren’t what they were when I was working,” he explains. “So
getting the meals, it really helps a lot.”
Each weekday, John receives a hot, nutritious lunch from NAM’s Meals on Wheels program. He
also receives groceries once a month, to help supplement his budget.
NAM Collaborations
|
Organizations that supplement NAM’s
services and work with NAM clients.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
Aldine ISD
Community Health Choice - Outreach
Christian Legal Society - Cathedral Justice Project
Coalition for the Homeless - Houston & Harris County
Cy Fair ISD
Dress a Girl Around the World
Family Protective Services (Child Protective Services/Adult Protective Services)
Gateway to Care
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
Harris County Sheriff’s Department
Harris County Social Services
Houston Community College
Houston Food Bank
Houston Northwest Medical Center
Houston Center for Literacy
Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston
Klein ISD
Literacy Advance
Lone Star Community College System
Methodist Healthcare System
Money Management International
Reach Out & Read - Texas
Sam Houston State University, LPC Program
Spring ISD
Texas A & M University - College Station
Texas Council on Family Violence
Texas Domestic Violence Shelters
The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston
Tomball ISD
University of Houston, Law Center & Graduate
College of Social Work
United Way of Greater Houston
University of Texas Health & Science Center
Visual Compassion
“It’s helped me financially and I’m not a real good cook anyhow, so it
helps in that way too,” he says. “The drivers are real friendly. Just to
say a few words to somebody each day, it helps.”
“For everyone that supports NAM I would say thank you,” he
adds. “I would tell anybody that can to support it, because
it’s really a good organization.”
16 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
2012 NAM Annual Report | 9
|
Neighbors in Need of Assistance
Assistance
It doesn’t take much to find yourself in need. A job loss,
medical emergency, or even a costly car repair can throw
off a carefully planned budget. And if savings are limited,
the consequences can be severe.
As one of the first programs offered by NAM, Assistance
is at the very root of our organization. It offers
emergency help for basic needs such as shelter, clothing,
transportation and prescription medicines.
This short-term assistance is designed to help people
bridge difficult times, but is not a long-term solution.
NAM interviewers carefully evaluate each client’s
circumstances to determine additional resources that will
help the individual get back on solid footing. Perhaps job
training or money management skills are needed. Maybe
they need to improve English skills or earn a GED. Or an
employment specialist may be required to help navigate
the challenges of finding a job in today’s market.
This comprehensive approach seeks to find real solutions
that address the person’s whole story, and put them on
the path to a more stable future. In doing so, it strengthens
the entire family… and our community as a whole.
In 2011-2012:
• 16,648 people received emergency assistance for basic needs including shelter, clothing, transportation and prescription medicines.
• 290 clients were interviewed for SNAP benefits (food stamps) through collaborative efforts.
• 2,326 children went back to school with all the necessary supplies, thanks to the Back to School Project.
• 2,355 families received groceries to prepare their own holiday meals.
• 2,453 children and teens woke up to gifts under the Christmas tree, through generous
community support of the 2011 Holiday Project.
Lotiya was excited to start her new life in Houston. She moved from Denver to accept a promotion, and quickly settled into a rental house
in Jersey Village.
But a short time later she was the victim of a hit and run accident, exacerbating a previous back injury. Unable to fulfill
her new responsibilities, she lost her job.
The next few years were a roller coaster of ups and downs. Jobs were found…companies closed… another hit and run
accident … and an unforeseen pregnancy. When her savings ran out, she hit rock bottom and called United Way 211,
where she was referred to NAM.
The Assistance Program helped Lotiya sign up for food stamps. They gave her referrals to the NAM Food
Pantry, an obstetrician, low-cost apartment complexes, and provided help in finding a job.
Two months before her baby’s due date, Lotiya was hired as a bank teller. She had previous banking
experience, and a few months later was offered a position as Senior Loan Officer. Best of all, she gave
birth to a healthy baby girl.
Since getting back on her feet, Lotiya has referred another young woman, pregnant and alone, to
NAM. “To women who feel like there is nowhere to go, go to NAM,” she says. “Don’t give up. It
will take time, but things will get better.”
10 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
|
Neighbors in Need of a Home
Interfaith Hospitality Network
For families living paycheck to paycheck, it doesn’t take
much for everything to fall apart. Everyday troubles such
as illness or car repairs can lead to reduced earnings,
depleted savings, or even job loss. From there, it can be
an alarmingly rapid descent to missed rent…eviction…
and even homelessness.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network at NAM exists to
provide a safe haven for families who have lost their home.
Through the hospitality of 18 partner congregations,
families receive overnight shelter and meals. During the
day they come to NAM where they receive intensive
case management to address the issues that led to their
homelessness, and are expected to look for a job, work,
or go to school.
Typically, families are in the program for about three
months. IHN provides families the opportunity to take
time out in a safe environment, learn new skills, and
regain self-confidence. As the downward spiral is halted
and a hand of love extended, their lives are forever
changed.
In 2011-2012:
• 66 children and adults received 2,828 nights
of shelter.
• 100% of the families that exited this year
moved to stable housing within 90 days.
• Volunteers gave 18,503 hours to assist
families with shelter, meals, and activities
for children.
When Fannie lost her job, she tried valiantly to
hold onto her home, but the money ran out. She
took her four children and moved into a hotel.
Days turned into weeks as she looked for work
with no success.
After hearing about IHN from a friend, Fannie
called and was accepted into the program. The
accountability and structure she received was
eye-opening, as she was required to track her
spending, create a budget, and report on her job
search.
What touched her most, however, was how she
and her kids felt loved, not judged. Birthdays were
celebrated. Kids were happy. And her oldest son,
Joseph, was blessed beyond measure.
Joseph was a senior in high school, and IHN
congregations covered his prom expense, his
senior trip, and graduation. He had been accepted
to two colleges on scholarships, and an IHN
congregation even covered his dorm deposit. Staff
from the program also acted on Joseph’s behalf
to request an additional grant from Texas State
University, so that no student loans were required.
Today, Joseph is working toward a business
administration degree, with hopes of owning his
own business someday. Fannie is working and
has returned to school as well, studying to be a
nurse practitioner. And on September 6, 2012,
they graduated from IHN and moved into their
own townhome, with help from NAM’s Shelter &
Energy Assistance Program.
“What they did for my son — that really hit my
heart because I knew they didn’t have to go that
far,” says Fannie. “Words cannot express how
thankful I am for what they did. It’s a wonderful
program, it really is.”
2012 NAM Annual Report | 15
|
Neighbors in Need of Food
|
Neighbors in Need of Healthcare
In 2011-2012:
When Child Protective
Services gave Renate Teal
the choice of putting her
grandchildren in foster
care or keeping them
herself, she didn’t think
twice. She loved her
grandkids, and would
raise them on her own.
• 14,521 people received groceries for well-balanced meals.
• 91 low-income seniors received supplemental groceries every month.
So for nearly 18 years,
Renate has been doing
just that. It can be a
struggle at times, especially financially. But one thing that has helped
is the medical care her grandchildren receive from The Children’s
Clinic at NAM.
Food Pantry
It’s the most basic of needs. When your stomach rumbles —
or your child cries out — and you have nothing to eat, all
pride and thoughts of self-reliance come tumbling down. It’s
time to ask for help.
The Food Pantry has been operating since NAM’s earliest
days in 1983. Donations of food come from area markets,
congregations, businesses, schools, community groups,
and individuals. Cash donations are also a significant help,
allowing NAM to purchase bulk food at wholesale cost.
Asking for groceries is often the first step someone will take
when they need help. It serves as an entry point, and from
there NAM can often refer them to other services within our
agency or other collaborating organizations.
The Food Pantry is staffed primarily by volunteers who stock
shelves, fill grocery bags — and so much more. As they look
into the eyes of those who need help,
they do so with love … living,
compassionate examples of
Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
“We have been going to the Clinic for more than 18 years,” Renate
says. “All the doctors have been so caring. They never rush us and they
explain everything. I have never seen better care anywhere.”
Niambi never expected to need help from NAM.
Her husband of eight years was in car sales, and
she supplemented the family income by working
part-time in church daycares. They had three
children, ages 6, 4 and 3, and had just purchased
a home for their growing family. But in early 2011,
Kevin was laid off. Unable to make their January
payment, the mortgage company foreclosed on
their home. They stayed with friends for a week,
then moved into a motel.
In 2011-2012 the Children’s Clinic:
Niambi had heard of NAM, and requested help
from the Food Pantry. While there, she picked up
a brochure and realized for the first time the full
scope of NAM’s services.
• Conducted 8,549 patient visits.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network provided the
family with emergency shelter, meals, and case
management. Kevin found another sales job, and
Niambi continued her part-time work as they
scrambled to catch up financially. Two months
later, they moved into their own apartment with
help from the Shelter and Energy Assistance
program.
Niambi says they learned many lessons through
this experience, and are grateful for all who helped
them along the way. “Regardless of where you
come from, or your socio-economic status, or your
college education, things can change quickly,”
Niambi says. “Stay humble. Your family and faith
will keep you going on those days when you don’t
have any strength left. There is hope on the other
side; it just takes time to get there.”
14 | 2012 NAM Annual Report
The preventative care the kids receive has played a large role in
keeping them healthy through the years. And that has allowed Renate
to focus more on her greatest desire for the kids.
“I want them to grow up to be the best people they can be,” she says,
“to help others, and to be kind.”
• Provided case management for 4,816
children.
• Gave 1,128
immunizations to 246
children during its
annual Shot Blitz.
• Connected 544
children to health
insurance benefits.
• Distributed
1,300 books
during new wellchild visits, as part
of the Reach Out
and Read Program.
Children’s Clinic
Nichole Agosto took a tour of NAM and her heart
was touched — especially by the Children’s Clinic.
She and her husband, Benny, are both former
teachers and have four children of their own.
They love kids, and do whatever they can to help
children in need.
The Children’s Clinic is a unique partnership
between NAM and The University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston. The Clinic provides
quality medical care to children, from birth to age
18, who have Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health
Insurance Program) or who are uninsured. It also
serves as a training facility for The University of
Texas Health Science Center, offering a highly
sought-after rotation for doctors and nurses who
are going into pediatrics.
Nichole had remodeled her family’s homes, and
decided to put her skills to use at The Children’s
Clinic. She hired contractors to update the waiting
room, paint the halls and exam rooms in cheery
colors, update the lab and bathroom, and much
more. The Agosto family also donated a new
television, built storage shelves,
and replaced missing floor
and ceiling tiles.
“Every time I see Nichole,
I almost burst into
tears to think she
has such a giving
heart,” says Tuesday
Coffman, director of
the Children’s Clinic.
“There is no limit to
her generosity.”
2012 NAM Annual Report | 11
|
Neighbors in Need of Protection
In 2011-2012, NAM’s Family Violence Center served:
• 16,028 victims of domestic violence through crisis intervention, safety planning, adult and children’s counseling, emergency shelter, education, and legal advocacy.
• This includes 14,582 callers to the FVC hotline, who were in crisis or needed assistance.
• 13,314 students, who attended violence prevention and awareness programs at their middle school, high school, or youth group.
Family Violence Center
Regina Aguiar,
Case Manager
Serena (not her real name) came to the Family
Violence Center the day after leaving her husband.
They had been married for 13 years, and for 12 of
those years he had abused her verbally, physically,
and sexually.
Serena was tiny, about the size of a 13-year-old
girl, and her husband was over 6 feet tall and 20
years older. When he became enraged one day,
Serena’s oldest son made a stand and said he was
leaving. The younger two children said they were
too. Taking courage from her kids, Serena loaded
up her family and left.
At the FVC, Serena found a caring case manager in
Regina Aguiar, who listened to her story, provided
her with resources and referrals, and helped her
understand the dynamics of domestic violence.
Nearly a year after coming to FVC, Serena is a
completely different person. She and her kids are
doing great. She has rented a home for her family,
and is working toward permanent residency and
eventually her U.S. citizenship.
Home. It’s supposed to be a place of safety and security, a place
to build memories and confidence, a place to grow in laughter and
love.
But for too many families, home is a place of fear. In 2010, Harris
County led the state of Texas in the number of women who were
killed by their husband or intimate partner. Of the 142 Texas women
who died that year as a result of domestic violence, 35 were our
neighbors.
Domestic violence affects all ages, economic levels, religions and
ethnic groups. It can take many forms, but the common thread
is that one partner uses abusive behavior to maintain power and
control over the other. Threats, humiliation, isolation, domination
and blame are common tactics, whether the abuse is physical,
emotional, sexual, or economic.
Since 1991, the Family Violence Center (FVC) at Northwest Assistance
Ministries has provided shelter, counseling, and practical support
for those in abusive relationships. NAM also provides FVC clients
with food, clothing, transportation, medical assistance and more.
Children and teens can work through their trauma in play therapy
or art therapy. Peer advocates provide clients with encouragement
and support. And through a partnership with the Houston SPCA,
even pets are cared for while the family seeks a safe refuge.
12 | 2012 NAM Annual Report |
Neighbors in Need of Friendship
In 2011-2012:
• 186 seniors came to Fifty Plus on a regular basis.
• Those seniors participated in 6,322 activities.
• Volunteers provided 532 rides to medical appointments through the Senior Wheels program.
Fifty Plus
A good friend can always make you smile. As we
age, however, those connections can be lost —
perhaps due to retirement, relocation, or longtime friends moving away.
That’s where Fifty Plus comes in. The program is
designed to help anyone over the age of 50 meet
new friends, stay active, and have a fun outlet for
mental and physical activity.
Every month, Fifty Plus offers an exciting
calendar of activities for seniors to choose
from. There are cultural trips to the theater,
symphony or museums. Educational classes on
money management, nutrition, and safe driving.
Physical activities like yoga, line dancing, and
ballroom dancing. And games such as bingo,
bridge and Mah Jongg to stimulate the mind…
while bringing out the competitive streak in
some!
Retirees can also put their professional skills to
work at NAM, in volunteer positions as diverse as
their backgrounds.
Fifty Plus is open to active adults age 50 and
older. Transportation to medical appointments
or for other basic needs is also available in 11 zip
codes, through the Senior Wheels program.
Rita has been coming to Fifty Plus for 27 years.
She retired at age 60, and a neighbor invited her
to the program. So she gave it a try … and she’s
been coming ever since.
“You get to meet so many different people, and
they’re very nice,” she says. “It’s fun. I enjoy it
because we get to meet so many seniors.”
Rita originally came to the United States from Italy.
Her husband was in the military so they moved
around quite a bit. In 1982, after her husband
passed away, she left her home in New Jersey and
came to Houston to be closer to her son.
When asked if she has made a lot of friends at
Fifty Plus, Rita replied, “Oh my goodness, yes. It’s a
place you can go and have a good time.”
Rita encourages other seniors to check it out, just
as she did nearly three decades ago. “They should
come and see,” she says, “and they will like it.”
2012 NAM Annual Report | 13