Category Archives: Press

Interfaith of The Woodlands Encourages the Community Area Students in Need

THE WOODLANDS, TX, (Wednesday, June 19, 2019) — Interfaith of The Woodlands kicked off their annual school supply assistance program, Kits 4 Kidz, providing local CISD students with grade and school specific supplies to begin the 2019 school year. Additionally, each child will also receive a new backpack, and a voucher to The Hand Me Up Shop for a back-to-school outfit.

Each summer, hundreds of local families in crisis come to Interfaith to place their grade-and school-specific order for the upcoming school year. These school supplies packs are the same as what these students’ peers receive from their local PTOs. This ensures all children, despite their economic challenges at home, will have the same tools to be as successful as their neighbors. For families who miss the order deadline, miscellaneous supplies provided through community-wide school supplies drives will be available for pick-up at Interfaith in August.

With Interfaith’s Kits 4 Kidz program expecting to serve over 2,000 children this year, Interfaith is encouraging the community to organize school supply and backpack drives to meet the growing need. Kicking off the annual school supply drives, Sewell Audi and Infinity are hosting “Stuff the Audi” and “Stuff the Infinity” drives which will begin on July 1st. Customers, employees, and the general public are encouraged to drop off school supplies in their showroom, at Interfaith, at all participating business and retail, and at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. All businesses and organizations are invited to host a supplies and backpack drive to help assist Interfaith in serving all families in need. A complete list of school supplies can be found on woodlandsinterfaith.org. Distribution is in early August for students attending Conroe Independent School District schools located in South Montgomery County.

“We are grateful for the support of Sewell Audi and Infinity North Houston and encourage other businesses, individuals and organizations to get involved as well. Every child deserves to start the school year prepared with the essential tools that will help them succeed. Having the same supplies as their peers makes an enormous difference in a child’s educational experience,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “Every year, thanks to the generosity of our community, Interfaith is able to serve every family that walks through our doors expressing need. We are grateful to our community partners who collect supplies and backpacks to help us meet this growing need,” she said.

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. Interfaith provides basic assistance and special programs to families experiencing a financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs for senior adults 62 and over, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, to become a volunteer, or to receive school supplies please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Waste Connections, Inc. 2019 Golf Classic for Kids Raises $100,000 for Charity

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Friday, June 14, 2019) — Interfaith of The Woodlands recently received a generous donation from Waste Connections, Inc., as a beneficiary of their 11th annual Golf Classic for Kids held at Golf Trails of The Woodlands. Interfaith received $100,000 to continue our legacy of caring for those in need throughout South Montgomery County.

Interfaith of The Woodlands was honored to be among the 10 charities that benefited from the event, which raised a record-breaking amount that exceeded $1,000,000. The Waste Connections leadership team welcomed guests the first evening at a reception which featured basketball on the big screens, fun competitive games and a poker tournament. The Woodlands High School orchestra and choir welcomed players and guests to the golf course the day of the event where special guests Roger Clemens, Dan Pastorini, Josh Beckett and Bronson Burgon were on hand to visit with attendees. For the non-golfers, an encore VIP Poker Tournament was also held on the grounds and included professional poker player Erin Ness.

Waste Connections has raised well over $4,000,000 for charities since this event came to The Woodlands in 2012. “Since their arrival in The Woodlands, Waste Connections has been a valued partner of Interfaith,” remarked Missy Herndon, Interfaith’s President and CEO. “Their servant leadership and dedication to our mission allows us to serve the thousands of individuals, families and seniors throughout our shared community. We are truly grateful for their continued support.”

Waste Connections, Inc. is an integrated solid waste services company that provides waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary markets. Waste Connections serves more than six million residential, commercial, industrial, exploration and production customers from a network of operations in 41 states. The company also provides intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest. Waste Connections, Inc. was founded in September 1997 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs like school supplies assistance and holiday gifts to those experiencing a financial crisis, no matter their socioeconomic level, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults 62 and over. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Interfaith’s Directory Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary

The Woodlands, TX (Wednesday, March 6, 2019) – In 1974, Interfaith’s first program was created when Reverend Don Gebert visited and interviewed families living in The Woodlands to create the first Woodlands Directory. Today, Interfaith continues to publish the award-winning Interfaith of The Woodlands Community and Business Directory. Over 40,000 directories are distributed each August to area residents and businesses. What started as 4 mimeographed pages has grown into a printed and a multiple media resource for the community with over 500 advertising partners.

 

Just like 45 years ago, the Directory has documented – first in print and today in print and online – the growth of The Woodlands community, as well as served as a guide to both the residents and locally owned businesses of our area.

 

“The Interfaith Directory stays steadfast in its 45-year-old mission to not only be the premier print and online resource to The Woodlands community, but to generate revenue for our many programs and services,” said Missy Herndon, Interfaith of the Woodlands President and CEO.

 

Between its first and last page, The Woodlands Community and Business Directorycontinue its purpose of connecting residents of all generations while simultaneously helping others in need through revenue dollars generated through advertising partnerships to fund Interfaith’s many programs and services.

 

Interfaith of The WoodlandsCommunity and Business Directoryis published annually by Interfaith of The Woodlands. Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area since 1973. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or information on The Woodlands Community and Business Directory, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

 

Cutline: VP of Programs, Lucy Gomez, Interfaith President and CEO Missy Herndon, Publications Manager Cathy Mogler

Community Models Take the State at Upcoming Giving Goes Glam

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Thursday, February 21, 2019) — Interfaith of The Woodlands and Junior League of The Woodlands are pleased to announce the highly anticipated Community Models for Giving Goes Glam 2019.

The 8thAnnual Fashion Show and Luncheon, presented by CHI St. Luke’s Health, will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on Friday, April 5, 2019.  Chaired by Nicole Murphy and Emily Wilcox, this event raises critical funds for community outreach efforts.

Perisha Burnham, Stacey Fontenot, and Bobbi Jo Miller will walk the runway representing Junior League of The Woodlands.  “Each model has deep ties within this community, working tirelessly to support our programs.  Because of these efforts, they were awarded as our 2018 outstanding active member, provisional member and sustaining member, respectively.  We are deeply grateful for their dedication to the Junior League,” commented Jennifer Colerick, Junior League of The Woodlands’ President.

Representing Interfaith of The Woodlands are Debbie Sukin, Ty Tillman and Amy Torres; each having volunteered for Interfaith in a variety of roles for many years.  “At the heart of Interfaith are our volunteers, and each of our models has shown a deep commitment to our mission of serving this community. Whether it be serving on our board, fundraising or volunteering for our programs, these women give selflessly time and time again.” shared Missy Herndon, Interfaith of The Woodlands’ President & CEO.

The event includes a New York-style runway show highlighting fashion provided by Saks Fifth Avenue, live entertainment, a chance to win a shopping spree at Market Street The Woodlands, and silent and live auctions.  The perfect combination of fashion, philanthropy, and friendship, Giving Goes Glam’s proceeds benefit the missions of both organizations, supporting programs and services for the South Montgomery County community.

For sponsorship opportunities or further event details, please visit givinggoesglam.org or contact Carolyn Donovan, 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 celebrating its 45th year of providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands community 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.

The Junior League of The Woodlands is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on The Junior League of The Woodlands, please visit jlthewoodlands.org or call 281-376-5754.

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Photo 1 Cutline: Top Row (l-r) Debbie Sukin, Missy Herndon, Perisha Burnham, Ty Tillman, Stacey Fontenot, Jennifer Colerick. Row 2 (l-r) Amy Torres, Emily Wilcox, Nicole Murphy, and Bobbi Jo Miller. Photo Courtesy: Mindy Harmon Photography

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Wednesday, January 2, 2018) – Interfaith of The Woodlands elected four new distinguished individuals to serve on the 2019 Interfaith Board of Directors. Rob Johnson, 2018 Board Chairman of Interfaith of The Woodlands, announced the recent appointments of Father Tom Rafferty, Pastor Rodney Mills, Kerrie Guerrero and Jim Parisi to the Board.

“I’m humbled and honored to have these amazing, thoughtful leaders serve on our Board of Directors. These individuals were selected not only based upon their professional backgrounds, but also for their commitment to serving others and our community,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

“The knowledge and vision that each Board Member contributes are invaluable to Interfaith of The Woodlands. I welcome each new member to the Board and thank them for their service,” said Rob Johnson, 2018 Chair of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Composed of 27 members, the Interfaith Board of Directors paid special thanks to the outgoing Board Members, Dr. Ed Robb, Dr. Stephen Head, Pastor Steve Bradley and Dr. Bruce Webb, for their past service and welcomed 2019 Board Chairman Alex Sutton. “We would also like to thank outgoing Chairman Rob Johnson for his leadership and continued support of Interfaith,” remarked Miss Herndon. “He is an incredible servant leader and been an unbelievable asset to our mission, and it was our pleasure to follow his lead and learn from his example.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area since 1973. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

(l-r) Pastor Rodney Mills, Kerrie Guerrero, and Jim Parisi, incoming Interfaith Board Incoming Board Members. Not Pictured: Father Tom Raferty

Outgoing Chairman, Rob Johnson, Incoming Chairman, Alex Sutton, President and CEO Missy Herndon

Giving Goes Glam Announces 2019 Event

Giving Goes Glam Announces 2019 Event

THE WOODLANDS, TX (November 21, 2018) — Interfaith of The Woodlands and Junior League of The Woodlands are pleased to announce CHI St. Luke’s Health as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2019 Giving Goes Glam Fashion Show and Luncheon, as well as Event Chairs Nicole Murphy and Emily Wilcox. The highly anticipated 8th annual event will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on Friday, April 5, 2019.

“Nicole and Emily are both deeply entrenched within this community, sharing their time and talent with many philanthropic endeavors. We are thrilled that they will be lending their expertise to Giving Goes Glam, leading an energetic and creative committee of 50 volunteers. This year is certain to be an event to remember, whose far-reaching effects will be making a difference in the lives of many families, seniors, women and children in need,” said Jennifer Colerick, Junior League of The Woodlands’ President.

The event will include a New York–style runway show highlighting fashion provided by Saks Fifth Avenue. The perfect combination of fashion, philanthropy and friendship, Giving Goes Glam’s proceeds benefit the missions of both organizations, providing programs and services for the South Montgomery County community.

“JLTW shares our commitment of service to our neighbors by providing assistance programs, educational outreach and general support for organizations, families and individuals,” shared Missy Herndon, Interfaith of The Woodlands’ President & CEO. “The heart and dedication from both groups is what drives the success of this event year after year. Since 2012, we have raised over $1.4 million, which goes directly to those that need a helping hand. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support we receive from our donors who make this possible, and to CHI St. Luke’s Health The Woodlands for their ongoing commitment to both organizations.”

For sponsorship opportunities or further event details, please visit givinggoesglam.org or contact Carolyn Donovan, 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 celebrating its 45th year of providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands community 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.

The Junior League of The Woodlands is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on The Junior League of The Woodlands, please visit jlthewoodlands.org

(l-r) Nicole Murphy and Emily Wilcox, Event Chairs of Giving Goes Glam; Jim Parisi, President of CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands; Diane Pardew Freeman, VP and CNO of CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands; and Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Event Chairs, Emily Wilcox (left) and Nicole Murphy (right), at Saks Fifth Avenue in preparation for the New York–style runway show at Giving Goes Glam.

Thanksgiving Feast Hosted by Interfaith of The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX, (Monday, November 19, 2018) — Interfaith of The Woodlands recently hosted their annual Thanksgiving Feast for Senior Adults at the South County Community Center. There were 120 seniors in attendance who enjoyed a traditional holiday feast served by Commissioner James Noack (pictured above), Interfaith staff and volunteers.

“Our annual Thanksgiving Feast is one way that we can make a tremendous impact in the lives of Senior Adults,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “We can give the gift of food, fellowship and friendship thanks to our wonderful community that supports Interfaith’s mission of building a more loving and caring community through service.”

Alex Sutton, Vice-Chair of Interfaith’s Board of Directors, kicked off the feast, and Commissioner James Noack delivered the pledge. A highlight of the luncheon was a special performance by the Transition to Kindergarten students from Interfaith Child Development Center, who entertained the Senior Adults with Thanksgiving-themed songs and dances.

“Interfaith offers programs and services to support this community year round, whether it’s serving a holiday meal to our senior adults or providing basic needs to local families who need help,” said Lucy Gomez, Vice President of Programs. “The Thanksgiving Feast kicks off a wonderful season of giving and caring each year.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing a financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults 62 and over, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Pictured: Missy Herndon, President and CEO or Interfaith of The Woodlands, shares a moment with the Senior Adults while serving the Thanksgiving Feast.

Pictured: Senior Adults enjoy food and fellowship at the Thanksgiving Feast, served by Interfaith staff and volunteers and hosted at the South County Community Center.

INTERFAITH INVITES COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE THROUGH HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAMS

The Woodlands, TX (Wednesday, October 24, 2018) — As the Holiday Season quickly approaches, Interfaith of The Woodlands is preparing to serve families and seniors in crisis through their annual Holiday GIVING programs. “Each year, nearly 6,000 individuals depend on Interfaith during the holidays,” says Missy Herndon, Interfaith President and CEO. “These are families who work hard, but just need extra help. Providing assistance to all in need has been a long-standing tradition at Interfaith for over 45 years. We are blessed that our community has continued to support these efforts through serving, donating and volunteering.”

Interfaith’s Holiday GIVING programs rely on community generosity to be able to serve others, each program offering a unique way to get involved. The Holiday GIVING programs include Adopt-a-Family, Holiday Toy Drive, and Gifts for Seniors. The Adopt-a-Family program provides requested gifts to families who have been adopted by local community members. The Holiday Toy Drive offers businesses and individuals an opportunity to collect toys and gifts for children of all ages. Families requesting assistance are able to choose items for their children from the incredible assortment of donated toys, which are set up at The Woodlands Fire Department central location on Grogan’s Mill Dr. New toy donations are being accepted at the Interfaith office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Monday, November 26.

Gifts for Seniors provides gifts to senior neighbors who are in need or alone for the holidays. Various volunteer groups hand-deliver these gifts. The culmination and highpoint of the GIVING program for seniors is the annual Holiday GIVING Dinner, with Carols by Candlelight, where over 400 senior adults come together to share a meal and participate in caroling and other festive activities.

Additionally, all individuals and families enrolled also receive food from the Interfaith Food Pantry to prepare a holiday meal and a clothing voucher from the Hand Me Up Shop for winter clothes.

Businesses, organizations and individuals will all have the opportunity to come together to donate time, food and gifts. Interfaith invites everyone to help their neighbors, as even the smallest gift or donation makes a difference during the holidays for families in crisis. Additionally, Interfaith is thankful to Waste Connections for their commitment to donating bikes once again from their annual Bike Build.

Lucy Gomez, VP of Programs, shares, “We are looking forward to the Holiday GIVING Program once again this year. The families and seniors light up with appreciation. This community has always shown such commitment to giving, and we believe they will again this year. Due to their generosity, together we will be able to meet the needs of families and seniors this holiday season.”

To learn more about Interfaith of The Woodlands and how to get involved and help support their Holiday GIVING and other programs, visit woodlandsinterfaith.org/holidaygiving

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing a financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults 62 and over, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Collection of toys and gifts for children of all ages.

Senior adults enjoy a holiday-themed meal served by volunteer Lorrie Parise of Howard Hughes Corp.

Waste Connections donated much-needed bikes to families for the Holiday GIVING 2017 Toy Drive.

Interfaith Honors Hometown Heroes and Celebrates 45 Years of Caring

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Monday, October 8, 2018) — The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, themed “45 Years of Caring,” welcomed 750 guests at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Saturday, October 6.

The 19th annual event, co-chaired by Shirelle Chimenti and Elvira Graham, was dedicated to honoring the 2018 Hometown Heroes and celebrating Interfaith of The Woodlands’ 45th Anniversary. This year’s event raised $750,000 for crisis assistance in South Montgomery County.

Upon arrival, guests entered a beautifully lit ballroom filled with photos depicting Interfaith’s legacy of caring since it began in 1973. 11-year old harpist Elizabeth Howard entertained the guests with beautiful music while they enjoyed the silent auction and cocktail reception.

Rob Johnson, President of Interfaith’s Board of Directors, welcomed guests alongside Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and celebrated Honorary Co-Chairs, Ann and Jerry Snyder.

During the evening’s program, Rev. Don Gebert, Founding Executive Director of Interfaith of The Woodlands, received The Mitchell Award in honor of his more than 40 years of service to The Woodlands Community. Alex Sutton, Co-President of The Woodlands Township, bestowed the honor on Gebert on behalf of The Mitchell Family. Gebert remarked, “We belong to each other! The bottom line of life is not strife, but love! That vision caused residents of every faith under the sun to rise up & reach out in service through Interfaith.”

Since 1999, Interfaith has recognized local heroes in the community by presenting them with the title of Hometown Hero. Touching videos played on the screens, reflecting their contributions in making a difference in the community. Congressman Kevin Brady presented each hero with a medallion and a Congressional Commendation. This year’s recipients were Dr. Joel Reed, Robert Heineman, Patti Rivela, Steve Leakey, Mrs. Brynn Ballard Huntsman and Mr. Peter Riley Huntsman, Entergy Texas Inc. and Junior League of The Woodlands.

The event offered fantastic live and silent auctions, featuring numerous excursions and unique items. Mark Pharo Extraordinary Jewels provided a 24 karat gold necklace featuring 16 multi-colored gemstones that one lucky winner claimed.

Interfaith typically serves 1,100 clients in crisis monthly, with those numbers expected to increase as the Holiday Season approaches. Gala guests were among the first to view a video testimony from a client who fell on hard times and utilized the many programs and services at Interfaith to help her and her family get back on their feet. The impact of this storytelling was felt throughout the room as attendees were asked to lend their support. As each guest made a donation, they were handed a candle that was raised in homage to the thousands of clients Interfaith has assisted since opening its doors in 1973.

“We live in a community filled with incredible people,” says Herndon. “For 45 years Interfaith has walked alongside our neighbors in crisis. Sometimes it is a family dealing with a devastating medical diagnosis, a single parent coping with an unexpected job loss, or hundreds of our neighbors struggling after a natural disaster. No matter the magnitude, we step in to help families rebuild. Being able to offer hope in the midst of devastation is only possible through the generous donations we are blessed to receive. We are forever grateful to our donors.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing a financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults 62 and over, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Alex Sutton, Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company, presenting the Mitchell Award to Reverend Don Gebert, Executive Founder of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Congressman Kevin Brady, Interfaith President and CEO, Missy Herndon, Interfaith Board Chairman Rob Johnson with 2018 Hometown Heroes.

Over 750 guests gathered at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention center

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OFFERS FREE CAREER HELP TO JOB SEEKERS

Original Article Here

HOUSTON, Texas — Each week, I work hand-in-hand with Workforce Solutions to bring you Who’s Hiring in Houston.

Workforce Solutions just celebrated the grand opening of its new location just off the Katy Freeway at Highway 99. It moved from Katy Mills Mall.

It’s one of 24 full-time offices you can visit to get any kind of help related to jobs.

Workforce Solutions will help you find a job, rebuild your resume, and provide different workshops.

Client Stephen Adams says the organization helped him land his job at Reliant Energy.

“I will tell you one of the first things they introduced me to was polishing up my resume. They showed me there were options where I can capitalize on the experiences I had before. That really made me feel kind of empowered and gave me the sense that I could do a lot of things,” Adams said.

Workforce Solutions is also helping high school students looking to break into the job market and will provide information about two-year and four-year colleges.

“We serve the 13 county Houston/Galveston region. Much like the public library or public school system, our resources are available at no cost. We are here to serve the public. Our job is to help employers build a better workforce and help people build careers,” Workforce Solutions manager Michelle Castro said.

Last year, Workforce Solutions helped place more than 200,000 people into jobs.

Next week, they will open another location in the East End, bringing the total number to 25 full-time locations and 10 part-time locations you can visit to get some extra help all for free.

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