CCSC Executive Director Michelle Shonbeck, far left, leads the panel discussion with CCSC Program Director - Basic Needs/Children Karen Holloman, left, Rice Temple Baptist Church Pastor Clint Reiff, middle, and CCSC Program Director - Employment Stefanie Lopez at the inaugural Fostering Hope Luncheon.
Fostering Hope Luncheon Lifts Spirits
More than 160 guests gathered to learn, celebrate, and renew their optimism at CCSC's inaugural Fostering Hope Luncheon earlier this month.

The luncheon featured a panel discussion with CCSC program staff Karen Holloman and Stefanie Lopez, and CCSC Board member Pastor Clint Reiff of Rice Temple Baptist Church. The panel shared information regarding CCSC’s service to the community during the pandemic and uplifted the gathering with messages of hope for now and the future.

Reflecting on the community event, Chairs Anne and Don Baronitis said, “It was very moving to hear the insights during the panel discussion and it reaffirmed that all who support CCSC are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. This demonstrates the powerful impact that CCSC has on our community.” 

“It was uplifting. I learned so much more about what CCSC does and all the ways they help people," guest Nancy Tennant said. "Their range of services is impressive. I was especially touched by the Martha’s Way training program story and how CCSC helps those graduates to launch themselves.” 

“The event was so nice, enjoyable and inspiring. I loved being there,” said Haley Edmiston, a CCSC JobNet volunteer.

CCSC is deeply grateful to you, our volunteers and donors, for making this first Fostering Hope Luncheon a great success. We could not do the work of serving Houstonians in need without committed and passionate friends like you, and we plan to make the Fostering Hope Luncheon an annual event. If you could not attend the luncheon but wish to support CCSC's mission, please visit our website by clicking here.

Our next event is the 25th annual Azalea Gala on September 21, 2022. This year’s gala will honor longtime CCSC supporter and St. Anne Catholic Community parishioner Joan O’Leary. The Azalea Gala sold out early last year, so be on the lookout for an email later this month with links to purchase tables and tickets.
Vision Care Program
Leads to Improved Learning

Many students mark Go Texans Day as a chance to dress in cowboy boots and hats and celebrate the start of the Houston Rodeo. This year, Franklin Elementary school students will remember the day they donned cowboy gear and took a field trip to the University of Houston for brand-new eyeglasses from the University Eye Institute.

CCSC organized several vision care field trips with partner schools this semester through its Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program. This collaborative program has many layers and one common goal: to improve student learning potential.

Often teachers are the first to notice a student may be having difficulty in school because of vision issues. But many families struggle to arrange vision care appointments due to limited financial resources, unreliable transportation or the inability to take time off work. By providing bus transportation and expert eye care, CCSC removes economic and logistical barriers for these students.

Teacher Specialist Anita Davilla, of Franklin Elementary School, sees firsthand how her students benefit from the vision care program. “As teachers, we intervene with students having trouble to detect the underlying issues. Some students struggled so much that we thought Special Education classes were the solution when, in fact, it was really because their vision was impaired. After six weeks with their new glasses, we see noticeable improvement and the students are beginning to thrive. As a Title 1 School, we are so appreciative of CCSC’s resources.”
Caregiver Program
Graduates Fourth Class

In February, CCSC’s Professional Home Caregiver Training Program for nonmedical caregivers graduated its fourth and largest class yet, 11 men and two women completed the 50+ hour training.

Caregiver program students learn how to assist the elderly and people living with disabilities in daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing food and getting around. This year, CCSC expanded the program's business development curriculum with the aim of helping students better understand their career options following graduation.

While most participants attended the program virtually, students with limited internet access were afforded the opportunity to attend class in person at CCSC in our JobNet training room. All participants attended the Basic Life Support/CPR certification in person. This certification is through the American Heart Association.
 
Graduate Vanessa F. said she learned valuable information including “how to be able to better care for elderly people as their situation and condition changes.”
  
During the last week of class, students had a special opportunity to practice their interview skills with an experienced home care professional. CCSC volunteer Ann Garcia is the owner of Com For Care Assisted Living and she coached the caregiver students as a group on interviewing skills and how to market themselves to either home care agencies or potential clients. Each participant then had the opportunity to role-play and receive feedback.  

We look forward to following the career development of all of our Caregiver Training graduates and hearing their success stories. For more information on the Professional Home Caregiver Training Program or hiring a caregiver, please email Maureen at cgmanger@ccschouston.org.
Come Join Our Team

Do you have a few hours each week to help us assist our neighbors in need? We would love to have you join our volunteer team! We especially need bilingual (Spanish) volunteers to assist Spanish-speaking clients in our Emergency Services program. Please contact Keli at volunteer@ccschouston.org to learn more.
Our mission is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
713-961-3993
P.O. Box 27924
Houston, Texas 77227-7924
FOLLOW CCSC
SHARE