Last Thursday we gave thanks and today, Nov. 29 — Giving Tuesday — we are encouraged to give back. The Spring Branch Management District is home to several nonprofit organizations that could use community support — now or any time throughout the year.
Just as the District encourages everyone to “shop local” and “eat local,” we want to help you “give local.” So, check out some of the worthy Spring Branch District-based nonprofits:
MAM
Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM)
During the 1980s, a sudden local economic downturn resulted in the loss of more than 100,000 jobs in the Houston area. Houses of worship were faced with unprecedented requests for food, rent, utility assistance and clothing. The congregations decided to pool their resources and create centralized service centers and, in 1983, Memorial Assistance Ministries opened its doors.
In addition to a resale shop open to the public at 1625 Blalock Road, MAM offers a variety of services to area families in need.
Call 713-491-4330, e-mail [email protected] or visit https://www.maministries.org/donate to support.
Spring Branch Family Development Center
Serving more than 12,000 Houstonians each year, the Spring Branch Family Development Center (SBFDC) exists to enhance the well-being and development of the families of Spring Branch. The center provides educational, recreational, health and social services in English and Spanish.
By making a gift to Spring Branch Family Development Center, you enable families to access resources that improve lives. Donate here: https://sbfdc.org/donate/
Newspring
Newspring is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to making positive social and economic impacts in the Spring Branch area.
Newspring Visual Arts programs support academic achievement and career opportunities for high school and college students from Spring Branch, and Newspring’s Business Plan Competition supports social entrepreneurship and economic development in the Spring Branch area.
Donations help to provide summer and after school art classes for under-resourced students, help launch young adults to college and beyond, and develop businesses in our area that lead to longterm sustainability and success.
Learn more: https://www.newspringcenter.org/donate-main/
Urban Outreach
Urban Outreach, Inc., invests in the growth and development of at-risk youth and their families by providing quality after-school and summer enrichment programs.
Through its Apartment Ministry, Urban Outreach operates after-school Kids Clubs in 22 apartment communities across the Greater Houston area.
Donate money and supplies at 1425 Blalock, Ste. 201 Houston, TX 77055 or online at http://urbanoutreachinc.org/donating/
Spring Branch Education Foundation
The Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting students and educators. It partners with Spring Branch ISD and the community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. SBEF raises funds exclusively for Spring Branch ISD programs.
Support the scholarship program, school supply drive and more here: https://sbef.springbranchisd.com/ways-to-donate
East Spring Branch Food Pantry
East Spring Branch Food Pantry
The food pantry at 7901 Westview Dr. relies on volunteers and donations — cash, food, and personal care items. Learn what is needed and/or make a donation here: https://eastspringbranchfoodpantry.com/donate/
Houston’s First Baptist Church
Houston’s First Baptist Church members and friends feed and clothe more than 400 families and 1,400 individuals monthly. Volunteers are always needed for computer check-in, organizing, distribution and assisting guests at the food pantry and clothes closet at 8244 Long Point Rd.
Learn more about how you can help: https://houstonsfirst.org/the-loop/opportunity/faith-center-spring-branch
Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The Spring Branch District-based TWRC is seeking to raise $100,000+ for a larger, permanent building, and a generous donor is matching donations, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
Your donation will make a lasting difference for the wildlife throughout the Greater Houston area. Donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/V1749A?vid=vwfhs
SpringSpirit
SpringSpirit was founded in 2009 by Kenny Baldwin. Baseball was Kenny’s ticket out of poverty; he won a sports scholarship to Rice University, then went on to briefly play minor league ball before going to work as a business consultant at Accenture. After retiring early, Baldwin wanted to provide more kids the opportunities he had, so he created an organization that would use sports to teach character and keep kids out of trouble.
SpringSpirit is always seeking mentors and volunteers but also could use monetary assistance. Learn more and give: https://www.springspirit.org/donate.html
Vita Living
A Houston pioneer in the group home model for individuals with disabilities, Vita Living owns and operates 20 group homes for over 70 residents in Houston’s Spring Branch and Sharpstown neighborhoods.
Vita Living clients receive services through the state’s Medicaid waiver programs. Unfortunately, they fall short of providing full funding for the services. To bridge this gap, Vita Living must raise $220 per client each week.
Learn more about how to donate, including shopping for much-needed supplies here: https://www.vitaliving.org/donate/
Santa Maria Hostel
With facilities on Jacquelyn Drive in the Spring Branch District and at other locations, Santa Maria Hostel provides critical and life-changing services for low-income, indigent women ages 18 and above and their children.
The women served by the hostel face many challenges to their recovery, including histories of trauma, criminal justice and Children’s Protective Services involvement, and homelessness or housing instability. Many also have mental and physical health issues.
Learn how you can help: https://www.santamariahostel.org/give/
SocialMotion Skills
SocialMotion Skills, 10694 Haddington Dr., is a program of The Center for Pursuit providing services for children, teens, and young adults challenged by autism, ADD, social anxiety and similar challenges. Your donations help each individual realize their full potential and diminish the worry of what happens when parents are no longer available to care for their child.
Services include social skills training, parent training, job skills training, driver’s education programs, family support and more. Learn how you can help: https://socialmotionskills.org/support-us/
Kidz Grub
Kidz Grub, 1827 Bingle Rd., aims to provide a nutritious dinner, ongoing educational assistance, caring support and mentorship in a safe after-school environment for “at risk” children.
Summerhouse Houston
Summerhouse Houston
Summerhouse offers community-based day services and supported employment services for students with intellectual disabilities at 1424 Waseca St.
You may have heard about their document destruction company where young adults with intellectual disabilities learn to work and grow within the community. Utilizing “Shred for Independence” is one way local businesses and individuals can support Summerhouse Houston. The organization also welcomes monetary support: https://summerhousehouston.org/give/
The Source
The Source nonprofit health clinic at 8153 Long Point Road provides Texas women with accessible care that empowers them to make informed choices for their health. Learn more: https://give.thesource.org/give/386065/#!/donation/checkout
Gracewood
Gracewood offers a home-like environment where family well-being is restored while single moms work toward specific, individual goals.
Gracewood’s campus located in the Spring Branch area can serve up to 15 single mothers and their children, and they are looking to expand to ultimately serve up to 31 families.
Learn more: https://www.gracewood.org/Site/Ways-You-Can-Help/donate.aspx
— by Dorothy Puch Lillig
