Category Archives: Press

Interfaith of The Woodlands Reveals Eight Community Champions Who Will Be Honored at The Walk The Woodlands.

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Thursday, April 27, 2023) — Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted The Walk Reveal Soirée on Wednesday, April 26 which was generously hosted by Sewell Audi North Houston in Market Street. Eight Community Champions who have been vital in furthering the mission of Interfaith of The Woodlands, and who have impacted countless lives by investing in Interfaith through their professional achievements and personal contributions, were announced.

Chosen through a selection committee, the eight Community Champions, presented by St. Luke’s Health, include: Will Bonilla, Erin Doré, George Lindahl, Michelle Little, Julie Mayrant, Heather Sanford, Chef Austin Simmons and Tony Torres. The Walk is creatively led by renowned Houston fashion show producer, Lenny Matuszewski, Jr., the event includes a New York-style runway fashion show featuring designs from Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as a luxury bid board and live auction. The Walk is adding an exciting new element this year as well: a Best Dressed Competition for attendees, where one dollar equals one vote. The eight Community Champions will star in the Runway Finale, leading guests into a one-of-a-kind After Party.

“We are honored to live, work, and play in a community filled with people who have a heart to serve. Our 2023 Community Champions are model examples of people who are committed to continuing the work of building a loving and caring community through their various local involvements. We are happy to be celebrating them on August 26th,” shares Missy Herndon, Interfaith of The Woodlands President & CEO.

The Walk, presented by Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy, will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 6pm to midnight. Chaired by Carrie Greenberg and Kristen Byrnes, all event proceeds will fund programs offered through Interfaith of The Woodlands, designed to assist South Montgomery County neighbors in need.

For sponsorship opportunities or further event details, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org/the-walk or contact Amanda Poole, Interfaith of the Woodlands Director of Development, at development@woodlandsinterfaith.org or 832-615-8225.

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency that provides families and individuals facing unexpected challenges with basic needs, preventing food insecurity and homelessness. Senior adults are able to participate in a variety of services to help them age in place, while any area resident can gain access to a variety of wrap-around services created to help them rise above their circumstances and regain self-sufficiency. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Interfaith of The Woodlands Honors Hometown Heroes and Presents Mitchell Award at the 2023 Celebration of Excellence Gala

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Tuesday, April 4, 2023) — Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted their annual Celebration of Excellence Gala on Friday, March 31 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, with over 750 guests in attendance. The Gala, presented by Huntsman Corporation, raised nearly $600,000 benefiting those in South Montgomery County facing a personal crisis by providing food items, clothing vouchers, rent/mortgage, utility assistance and through programming for our Senior neighbors.

 Long-time volunteers, Nicole and Will Murphy were celebrated as Honorary Chairs, at the gala themed, “An Evening in Versailles,” where six new Hometown Heroes were honored, and the highly distinguished George Mitchell Award was presented for only the fourth time in its history. The event launched a year of celebration as the organization will be celebrating 50 years on October 5, 2023.

Upon arrival, guests entered the pre-function area that emulated the Gardens of Versailles in France. Guests enjoyed a reception and were entertained with classical covers and a performance from The Players Theatre Company. During this time, attendees were able to place bids at the bid board that showcased incredible items and participate in a Wine Tasting.

Mary Anne Whitney, Chairman of Interfaith Board of Directors, and Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, welcomed guests and thanked sponsors. A rotating group of individuals who already received the coveted honor assisted in the emceeing of the event, as well as escorted the 2023 Hometown Hero class onto the stage and helped present their medallions.

With over 150 Hometown Heroes honored since 1999, the 2023 recipients included distinguished individuals, and organizations including: Shirelle Chimenti, Sheriff Rand Henderson, Angie and Danny Signorelli, Theresa Wagaman, Ann Wolford, Conroe Independent School District represented by Dr. Curtis Null, Superintendent and Cypress – Woodlands Junior Forum represented by Kathy Huse, President. For the fourth time since the inception of the award, The Mitchell Award was presented by Jim Carman, President of The Houston Region – Howard Hughes Corporation and Mary Anne Whitney, Chairman of The Board for Interfaith of The Woodlands, to The Honorable Kevin Brady who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 8^th Congressional District from 1997 to 2023.

The Live Auction segment of the evening was led by Will Murphy, past Interfaith Chairman of The Board of Directors, and included unique items such as: an exclusive Amrina At-Home Celebration for 12, an 18-karat, yellow gold 150 carat gemstone necklace by Mark Pharo, a Breitling Superocean Automatic Watch donated by Breitling The Woodlands, a six night Paris getaway for two, club level seats for the entire Houston Texans’ 2023 Season, and “Sewell For All Seasons,” an opportunity to drive four different vehicles, compliments of Sewell Automotive Companies for a one-year period.

“As Interfaith prepares to celebrate 50 years of service to our neighbors, it is inspirational to be a witness to the steadfast dedication and love from the incredible people in our community,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO Interfaith of The Woodlands, “Since our organization’s inception, our beautiful community has never faltered in their commitment to helping neighbors who are experiencing a crisis. We are grateful for or visionaries, Mr. George P. Mitchell and Rev. Don Gebert, who created an organization with a mission to bring people together and serve our neighbors in need.”

Immediately following the program, the celebration continued at the Acqua Lounge and Bar inside The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. All proceeds of the evening will support the community programs of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS HOSTED 3^RD ANNUAL CLERGY SYMPOSIUM

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Monday, February 27, 2023) —Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted their 3^rd Annual Clergy Peer-To-Peer Symposium at the Woodforest National Bank Executive conference room on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. This event was free to all Ordained Clergy of Member Congregations of Interfaith of The Woodlands. The Symposium topic was “Adaptive Leadership & Ministry with the Zillennials.”

“We are so grateful to have engaged Clergy supporting each other not only in the community but through ever-changing needs,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands. “This Peer-To-Peer Symposium created a space to learn. Our goal is to continue to create opportunities for our spiritual community to grow and share with each other.”

Guest speakers for this event included:

• Mike Bonem a consultant, coach, and speaker
• Ruth Reitmeier a professor at Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business

Mike Bonem spoke about Adaptive Leadership and touched on technical and adaptive challenges, characteristics of adaptive leadership, the biggest challenges in faith-based organizations, ways to develop adaptive capacities and the cost of becoming an adaptive leader.

Ruth Reitmeier discussed The Greatest Reset: Leading in the Age of YOLO, FOMO, and HULU. She spoke about Zillennials, who range from ages 18 to 30, and mentioned: characteristics, mental health issues, image and influence, social rejection, instant gratification, decision fatigue and attention deficit.

Interfaith has 60 Member Congregations representing diverse faiths, who come together to support the programs and services, to meet community needs.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Thursday, February 16, 2023) —Interfaith of The Woodlands is pleased to announce the appointments of Amanda Poole, Director of Development, Chazzette Adams, Director of Marketing & Communications and Natalie Healy, Director of The Interfaith Hand Me Up Shop. Poole has over 12 years of non-profit experience. Adams has over 12 years of marketing & communications experience. Healy has over 10 years of retail experience. They are all welcomed additions to the Senior Leadership team at Interfaith of The Woodlands.

“Interfaith of The Woodlands is delighted to welcome Amanda, Chazzette and Natalie to help lead the organization and continue our mission of serving neighbors in need,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands. “They come to us as experts in their fields, with hearts of service.”

Amanda Poole

Prior to joining Interfaith, Poole was the Director of Memorial Hermann’s Canopy Survivorship Center. She spent twelve years working in the non-profit sectors, including in Latin America and Africa. Poole holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.  A graduate of Leadership Montgomery County, she remains involved on the LMC Alumni Council. She also served on In The Pink of Health and Women Who Rock committees.

Chazzette Adams

Preceding Interfaith, Adams worked as Director of Marketing & Communications at The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. She spent nine years working in the field of marketing & communications in her home country of St. Kitts and Nevis and an additional three years working in the industry, in The Woodlands Area. Adams has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Convention and Event Management from Indiana University and a certificate in Digital Marketing from Media Bistro. She remains actively involved in The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce where she serves on their Marketing Advisory Committee.

Natalie Healy

This January, Healy was promoted to Director of the Interfaith Hand Me Up Shop. She joined the Interfaith team in 2020 as General Manager for the shop. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Senior Merchandising Manager for Gap, Inc. and served as a community leader for the “This Way Onward” program, teaching workforce readiness to teens and young adults facing barriers to employment. Healy graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in Photography.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS ANNOUNCES 2023 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Friday, February 10, 2023) —Interfaith of The Woodlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Anne Whitney as Chairman of the Board. Mrs. Whitney succeeds Will Murphy, who has moved to Ex-Officio after serving as Chairman of the Board for the past two years. Mrs. Whitney is the current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Waste Connections, Inc.

“During the past seven years, I have had the privilege to serve our community through Interfaith of The Woodlands as a Board member, working with incredible corporate, spiritual and civic leaders, to meet the ever-changing needs of our community,” said Mary Anne Whitney, 2023 Board Chair, “I am excited to continue the legacy of service and support the impactful programs of this great organization.”

Additionally, Interfaith welcomed new members of the Board of Directors including:

• Amy Reardon, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Group at PNC Bank
• Wade Rogers, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources and Chief Compliance Officer at Huntsman Corporation
• Reverend Mark Sorensen, Senior Pastor at The Woodlands Methodist Church
• Pastor Brad Wright, Senior Pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church

“Interfaith of The Woodlands is blessed to have a board of directors and advisors who are not only experts of their industry but also have hearts to serve. We look forward to an incredible year of caring for our community alongside these amazing leaders,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Interfaith of The Woodlands Serves Nearly 10,000 Neighbors Through Their 2022 Holiday GIVING Programs

The Woodlands, TX (December 29, 2022) –Interfaith of The Woodlands remained busy throughout the 2022 holiday season as they served 9,929 local neighbors, including children and Seniors, between November and December.

Interfaith’s Holiday GIVING Programs provide families, children and seniors with gifts and food. These programs help to ease some of the burdens being faced by families who are experiencing financial hardship, especially during the season. During this holiday season, many individuals, families, congregations, organizations and other groups generously donated time, funds, and gifts to aid in serving individuals across South Montgomery County. A very special thank you to corporate partner, Waste Connections for their donation of 280 Bikes through their annual Bike Build.

“Each year, thousands of neighbors call on Interfaith of The Woodlands to support them through the holidays.  Thanks to the generosity of our amazing, giving community; Interfaith is able to answer that call. Every person deserves to feel the holiday spirit and we are grateful we live in a place where our community supports one another,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Individuals and Families were served through the 2022 Holiday GIVING programs, including:

Adopt – A – Family

Families were adopted by residents of the community and receive donated gifts, food from the Interfaith Food Pantry, and clothing vouchers to the Hand Me Up Shop.

Toy Drive and Distribution

Community members hosted toy drives and all toys were organized at the South County Community Center.  Families in need were able to “shop” for gifts for their children at no cost. Additionally, Waste Connections donated over 200 bikes!

Gift For Seniors

Through the Gifts for Seniors program, the community adopted nearly 700 Senior neighbors and the Interfaith Senior Services team provided special gifts to local seniors through festive parties and events including a Senior Luncheon which hosted nearly 300 Senior neighbors.

Interfaith is thankful for the community of support, through in-kind and monetary donations, making these programs possible.

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in need. For more information on Interfaith programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.