Holy Comforter helps to support the local charity work of NAM, otherwise known as Northwest Assistance Ministries, in the Spring area. Following is an article by a NAM volunteer which clearly shows the mission of this Christian organization. After that, you will find NAM's EZine with loads of information regarding their many services.
By Sarah Fisk
Once a week, I volunteer at Northwest Assistance Ministry (NAM). I give bags of food to clients who can't feed their families, distribute clothing to others who can't afford a warm coat, and occasionally, when money is available, help clients who can't pay their rent. One early Tuesday morning, a young married couple sat opposite my office desk, his dark eyes turned down; her thin hands folded in her lap. Her voice sounded anxious but hopeful as she explained that they could not pay their rent and asked if NAM would help them. It has been over ten years, but I will never forget that day. The day I learned that luck is not always a random act.
I knew that NAM's assistance office had just received a few hundred dollars to pay the rent of two clients that day. And so, I asked the couple why their rent was delinquent that particular month. The young man glanced up to meet my eyes as he began to detail a distressing history of drug abuse. Fidgeting in his seat, he explained that he and his wife were ashamed of their past drug use, but with God's help, he assured me that they had been leading moral lives for themselves and their two small children. They had had a difficult time finding jobs, but in the past month the couple had started working, he in construction, she as a waitress. Soon, they would be earning enough money to pay their rent, buy food, and maintain a stable home-life. Unfortunately, they would not receive their first paychecks for another week. He confessed that he had only ten dollars in his wallet. Their rent had to be paid immediately to prevent eviction.
As I listened to their story, I felt compelled to help them. The couple met the criteria to receive rent assistance: they had an emergency and they could prove that they would be able to pay their rent in the months to come. After their employers were called to confirm their new jobs and the apartment manager had agreed to accept NAM's check, the couple rose to leave my office.
Pleased to be able to solve their crisis, I shook the young woman's hand as I explained their good fortune to have asked for help on that particular day. I said, "We received the grant money for rent this morning. If you had come to the ministry yesterday, we would not have had the money to help you. If you had waited until tomorrow, the money would have been spent. You are so lucky to be here today so that NAM could pay your rent."
The young woman sheepishly admitted that she did not believe that they received the rent money because of luck. She explained that she had prayed that morning, asking God to pay their rent. I looked at her with a sympathetic smile of caution and said, "Well, you know, sometimes that doesn't work." She looked back with a confident smile of faith and said, "And sometimes it does."
"Yes," I nodded as I suddenly realized NAM's part in God's plan, "Sometimes it does."
20th Anniversary Celebration
Many thanks to everyone who made NAM’s 20th anniversary celebration a success. The service was wonderful, the music was outstanding and seeing many old and new friends was rewarding. We look forward to many years of community service thanks to your support.
Resale Shop needs volunteers
NAM’s Resale Shop needs volunteers. Volunteers who perform a variety of activities are always needed and appreciated. Now, the Resale Shop has a great need for volunteers willing to commit to a few hours on a regular, ongoing basis to sort and price donations. For information or to volunteer, call Paul Peterson, NAM Resale Shop manager, or Anne Marton at the Resale Shop at 281-880-9000.
Back to School wrap-up
Thank you!!!!
The final totals are in and NAM’s Covenant Congregations, area residents and businesses contributed $66,270 to help fund the Back-to-School drive. The program provided school supplies and clothing vouchers to 2,010 needy children. The effort also provided school supplies only to 29 youngsters.
Randall’s Community Bucks
Note that Randall's now has its Annual Community Bucks distribution until Oct. 8. Please save them for NAM’s Food Pantry. For each redeemed Community Buck, the Pantry receives a dollar which is used to purchase food with them. With the Holidays coming up so fast, every dollar helps! Please bring Community Bucks to the Food Pantry. For information call Isabel Martinez, NAM’s Food Pantry coordinator, at 281-885-4589.
Rape Aggression Defense class
Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Sixty Plus program and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department are offering a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 6, 7, 8, 13 and 15 in NAM’s Sixty Plus area, 15555 Kuykendahl Road.
The course is appropriate for women of all ages. The sessions are free, but women must pre-register and commit to taking the full five-day course. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman said. Call Charla Hannibal, NAM’s Sixty Plus program coordinator, at 281-885-4601 to register.
Occupational therapy program
Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Sixty Plus program will host an informational presentation, “Occupational Therapy: What Can It Do for You,” at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in NAM’s Sixty Plus area, 15555 Kuykendahl Road.
Caren Forester, a registered/ licensed Occupational Therapist will present the program. Participants will learn the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy and what adaptive devices are and where to find them. Forester also will discuss the types of situations where patients are most likely to benefit from an occupational therapist. The $3 daily Sixty Plus user fee applies. Sign up at NAM or call 281-885-4600 to register for this program
NAM’s Sixty Plus art class features landscape painting
The Sixty Plus Program of Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) will host a Bob Ross Method painting class from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Sixty Plus area of NAM, 15555 Kuykendahl Road.
Certified instructor Mary McLaughlin will conduct the class and participants will work on a floral painting titled, “Pink Peonies and Lilacs.” Participants will complete their paintings during class. The cost is $35 with all supplies provided or $20 if participants have their own Bob Ross paints and bring a 12-inch x 16-inch canvas. A supply list is available at the Sixty Plus sign-in desk, second floor. To learn this easy method, no drawing or previous art experience is necessary.
Tai Chi demonstration class
Join Gwen Corolla, certified Tai Chi instructor, for a demonstration class at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Sixty Plus program, 15555 Kuykendahl Road.
Tai Chi is an ancient form of slow-movement exercise and is an excellent way for seniors to improve their balance, strength and flexibility. Tai Chi classes are offered twice a week in 10-week sessions. The new session begins Tuesday, Sept. 23. Class costs will be explained at the demonstration. There is no fee to attend the demonstration class. Anyone over the age of 55 is welcome. For information, call Charla Hannibal at 281-885-4601.
NAM seniors launch new company
While most seniors are thinking retirement, some of Northwest Assistance Ministries’ Sixty Plus volunteers have started a new social venture, Majestic Truffles & Fine Candies, to benefit the senior center.
“Truffles take people to a new level of chocolate appreciation,” said Carole Little, NAM Executive Director, “For chocolate lovers, a truffle is a delightful experience. It’s not an everyday thing. When someone gives you a truffle, it’s a statement that they think you are special.”
Majestic Truffles & Fine Candies with the slogan “Because You Deserve a Royal Treat” was officially launched during NAM’s 20th anniversary celebration Sept. 14. The company has already started selling to individuals via word-of-mouth advertising, and some parties and weddings are already on the schedule. “In our first 3 weeks we sold more than 50 dozen!” said Little.
The idea grew from the Helping Hands group which makes craft items to sell in the thrift shop. Helping Hands’ goal is to generate revenue for the Sixty Plus program. Some members had an interest in making the truffles and candies so Little, who has enjoyed candy making as a hobby for years, taught a class.
Class members got excited about making the truffles and were very interested in selling them to raise funds. Call 281-885-4577 for information.
Truffle project needs volunteers
NAM’s new truffle venture needs more volunteers to help make truffles. We will train anyone who is interested in making a minimum of commitment of four hours a week. We currently need 16 people.
NAM receives grants for Meals on Wheels program
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) recently received $2,000 in grant awards from the James R. Dougherty Foundation Inc. and the John T. Shea Charitable Foundation to support NAM’s Meals on Wheels program.
“Our Meals on Wheels program provides food and personal contact for many seniors and homebound individuals throughout the year,” said Carole Little, NAM Executive Director. “These foundation donations will enable us to continue helping our neighbors in need.”
The John T. Shea Charitable Foundation is providing $1,000 which will be used to purchase liquid nutritional supplements for seniors having special nutritional needs.
The James R. Dougherty Foundation is providing $1,000 which will help fund hot, nutritious meals for seniors and disabled individuals. The foundation makes awards to organizations involved in charitable activities primarily in Texas.
NAM’s Meals on Wheels program has an annual budget of $400,000 and serves nearly 85,000 meals each year to more than 330 clients. A volunteer staff of more than 600 drivers deliver meals. NAM’s program was started in 1985.
Jeans & Jewels Style Show benefits NAM
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is hosting the Jeans & Jewels Style Show and Luncheon with mistress of ceremonies, KHOU Channel 11’s Deborah Duncan and celebrity models, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Shirley Acres, 217 Woerner Road.
The Western wear style show and luncheon kicks off a series of events leading up to NAM’s biggest annual fundraiser, Jeans & Jewels…A Texas Size Party, Nov. 1 at Sam Houston Race Park Pavilion Centre.
The Jeans & Jewels Style Show and Luncheon has gained broad community support over the last few years, thanks in particular to the participation of government and civic leaders modeling the latest in Western fashions, said Jan Harris, fashion show chair.
Among the models sporting clothing from Romancing the Range will be Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jerry Eversole and Constable Ron Hickman; Judge J. Kent Adams; Lauren Simmons, president of Centrum Arts League; Linn Smith and Patty Cooley, Heart Ball gala chairs; and Lynda Burke, president of the Northwest Forest Republican Women.
“In addition to the style show and fabulous luncheon, there will also be a Ranchero Raffle, which will feature approximately 30 wonderful items, including crystal vases, framed art, wine baskets, entertainment, jewelry, gift certificates from area restaurants, and much more,” Harris said. “I hope many people in our community take this opportunity to support NAM. We’ll have lots of fun while we raise money for a great cause!”
The Society for the Advancement of Floral Design created the centerpieces of boots and Texas flowers and those items can be purchased for $25.
Proceeds from Jeans & Jewels, which represents a collective effort of area neighbors, businesses, and entertainers will directly support the continuation and expansion of NAM’s programs, which assist, shelter and feed more than 100,000 individuals and families each year.
