Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services Impact Update
Submitted to Henderson – Wessendorff Foundation
Page 1 of 6
Basic Needs Services Program – SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN
THEIR TIME OF NEED
The vision of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston –
Houston is “People of Faith, Helping People in Need Achieve Self –
Sufficiency.” Within Mamie George Community Center’s second
year, the staff and volunteers of the Basic Needs Services Program
have worked with seniors and individuals living in Fort Bend
County to address critical needs that help them in becoming more
food secure, maintain housing and utilities and manage illnesses
through the obtainment of medication.
Capacity Building - RESPONDING TO THE DEMAND
Throughout 2012, The Basic Needs Services Program management
worked together with Center management to develop capacity to
strengthen the provision of services. We are proud to report the
following:
Through fund – raising activities, we leveraged awarded
grants and donations to secure a supplemental grant in the
amount of $100,000 from the Henderson – Wessendorff
Foundation to support the salary of a Warehouse
Associate/Driver position and the purchase of a box truck. The new warehouse/driver position
assists with the management of the client – choice market and help with securing food and
personal items donations. Another major grant that increased
program capacity was the receipt of a grant in the amount of
$81,700 awarded by CCUSA through a Wal – Mart Collaborative
Proposal that supported the salary of a Lead Case Manager
position, purchase of a forklift and purchase of food and personal
items. The Lead Case Manager position is responsible for assisting
with the oversight of case management activities and supervision
of volunteer case managers.
Benefits of Increased Capacity - EXPANSION OF REACH
Comprehensive Food Assistance Program enrollment
target of 1,600 was exceeded by a margin of 114%. A
total of 2,877 individuals completed a collective 6,767
shopping visits at our Trini’s Corner Market (1,060
individuals were enrolled in the program prior to January
1, 2012).
2012: BY THE NUMBERS
1,817 individuals were
enrolled in our Comprehensive
Food Assistance Program and
were able to self – select
nutritious food at our Trini’s
Corner Market.
13,934 individuals received
151,871 pounds of free
groceries through the
coordination of 15 community
food fairs.
265 individuals received one –
time financial assistance to
assist with rent, utilities,
medication, and other critical
needs.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF
INDIVIDUALS SERVED AT A
GLANCE
Females are the largest
gender demographic
representing 59%.
Individuals 19 – 65
years old are the largest
age demographic
representing 47%.
Hispanic individuals are
the largest race
demographic
representing 60%.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services Impact Update
Submitted to Henderson – Wessendorff Foundation
Page 2 of 6
At time of discharge from our Comprehensive
Food Assistance Program, 96% of the 479
individuals whose cases were closed reported that
their supplemental food needs were met.
Community Food Fairs Program number of
individuals served target of 5,500 was exceeded
by a margin of 253%. Individuals participated in
sessions covering topics including financial
literacy, fair housing, nutrition and wellness, tax
preparation and disaster preparedness.
In-kind Food Assistance target of $250,000 was
exceeded by a margin of 190% by year – end in
2012 through the receipt of in-kind food
donations valued at $475,324.
o Monthly we receive in – kind food
donations from St. Laurence Parishioners
in an effort to help offset costs and
sustain food resources.
o For the second, consecutive year the
Basic Needs Services Program received
more than 8,000 pounds of food donated
by Goya Foods in an effort to end
hunger.
The Nutrition First! Program was launched.
Eleven families were enrolled with 91% of them
graduating from the program and participating in
all educational workshops on nutrition, health and
financial literacy as well as hands – on
experiences that prepared them to take steps in making healthy lifestyle changes.
With the tremendous support of the Boy Scouts Troop 828 and the Girl Scouts Troop
561, the Mamie George Community Center staff and volunteers broke ground on the
center’s community garden. Six garden beds were constructed along with the building of
a fence. In Spring 2013, community groups and volunteers will lead the planting
activities in hopes of producing fresh fruit and vegetables for families shopping at our
Trini’s Corner Market.
VENDOR’S SNAPSHOT
In 2012, Houston Food Bank’s
purchases represented $37,609 or
21% of the total food and
personal items expenditures.
Fiesta, Brenham Wholesale, Wal
– Mart and other local vendors’
purchases represented $144,227
or 79% of the total food and
personal items expenditures.
Benefits from long-term vendor
relationships include:
1. Houston Food Bank (HFB) –
offers discount prices and
one staff person to register
clients into the Supplemental
Food Assistance Program
(SNAP) on a weekly basis.
2. Fiesta – offers in-kind
equipment and supplies for
market and warehouse and
donated food for food fairs
and special events.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services Impact Update
Submitted to Henderson – Wessendorff Foundation
Page 3 of 6
Key Partners – MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
The successes and impact the Basic Needs Services Program
accomplished in 2012 would not have been possible without the
support of our key partners including: St. Laurence Social Concerns
Ministry, St. Teresa Catholic Church, St. John Fisher Catholic Church,
Enterprise Rental, Fiesta Mart Inc., Houston Food Bank, Order of
Malta Association, Sophia Grace Community Center, Commissioner
Richard Morrison, Judge Vacek, Houston Urban League, Fort Bend
County Office of Emergency Management, Boys Scouts Troop 828,
Girl Scouts Troop 561, Helping Hands, Fort Bend County Social
Services, Second Mile Mission, Youth in Philanthropy, Goya Foods,
Frito – Lay, Fort Bend Focus, and Jack and Jill of America – Sugar
Land Chapter.
Timeline for Supplemental Grant Request
Did you know?
In 2012 and 2013, more than 700 miles
were driven during twelve pick-ups and
deliveries to secure food and personal
items for Basic Needs Services Program.
Did you know?
In 2012 and 2013, approximately five
food and personal items drives were
made possible by the generosity of The
Girl Scouts of America, Fort Bend County
Fair, Lamar Consolidated Independent
School District, Youth of Philanthropy,
and Jack and Jill of America – Katy
Chapter.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services Impact Update
Submitted to Henderson – Wessendorff Foundation
Page 4 of 6
Other 2012 Highlights at Mamie George Community Center – SERVING FORT BEND
COUNTY
An average of 129 individuals visited the Mamie George Community Center for social support
and activities offered during the week.
An average of 100 volunteers per week along with the help of community, social and corporate
groups dedicated 23,432 hours of service in support of programs at the Mamie George
Community Center.
Approximately 830 seniors ages 55 years and older were enrolled in senior services and wellness
activities. Approximately 768 or 93% of the seniors enrolled visited the Mamie George
Community Center at least two times a week to access health checks, medical, and exercise
consultations, educational and art classes and the fitness area.
An average 69 seniors a day enjoyed a hot, nutritious meal at our Patty’s Café.
Looking Ahead – 2013: YEAR OF FAITH
In 2013, we will continue with the promotion of our marketing campaign, “WE PUT OUR FAITH IN
YOU” to increase awareness about the services Catholic Charities offers in the community including
those provided at the Mamie George Community Center. Our focus is to continue with the
implementation and sustainability of services at the center by accomplishing the following goals:
Provide 70 daily nutritional meals (lunch) to seniors as a complimentary meal site supported by
Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Restructure the “Healthy Transformation = Healthy Living” program in phases to continue
helping seniors manage their chronic health problems while building program capacity and client
participation by serving 135 individuals.
Continue to increase capacity of food and volunteers for the Basic Needs Services Program by
serving 1,800 individuals who can shop twice a month for nutritious foods at our client – choice
market.
Continue to distribute free groceries to 8,800 individuals residing in Fort Bend County through
our monthly community food fairs.
Enhance volunteer recruitment and retention to support the center and programs by maintaining
1,900 volunteer hours per month and 22, 800 annually.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services Impact Update
Submitted to Henderson – Wessendorff Foundation
Page 5 of 6
Story of Impact – “CHANGING LIVES THROUGH HEALTHY EATING AND LIVING”
Mr. Davis (not client’s real name) is the father of three children. Currently, he does not work because of a
disability. The family is supported by Mrs. Davis income from cleaning houses and performing other odd
jobs, and help from agencies such as Catholic Charities. Several years ago, Mr. Davis worked as a
security professional for a high-end retail store in California. Mrs. Davis was a stay-at-home mom, and
the family was proud of the home that they owned and the savings they had. When the company down-
sized after 9/11 and as the national economy began to weaken, Mr. Davis was laid off and obtained
employment as a truck driver. As a truck driver, Mr. Davis began to suffer with back pain and discovered
he had a herniated disk. Because of his condition, he had to stop working and currently receives disability
income. Doctors told him that he may need to have surgery on his back in the future.
The Davis family receives assistance from the Basic Needs Services’ Comprehensive Food Assistance
Program, Community Food Fair program and Nutrition First! Program. Mr. Davis shares that being able
to shop in the market “helps beyond explanation.” He refers to the assistance as “manna from Heaven”
and he says it gives his family “hope for tomorrow.” He adds that before receiving assistance from
Catholic Charities, his family was very restricted in terms of what they could buy at the grocery store.
They would buy milk and eggs during one shopping visit and fruit and vegetables during a subsequent
shopping visit. “We could not get it all,” he says. Shopping at Trini’s Corner Market gives the Davis
family the ability to get a larger variety of basic food items, and nutritious food items. Mr. Davis says
coming to the market feels like someone has given him a $100 bill. Mr. Davis refers to Catholic Charities’
community food fairs as the “cherry on the cheesecake.” He especially appreciates the valuable
information that is provided to clients through various speakers who make presentations during the fairs.
Mr. Davis and his son and daughter also love being involved in the Nutrition First! Program offered at the
Mamie George Community Center through the Basic Needs Services Program. He says that he and his
family have a better understanding of the importance of balanced meals, portion sizes and how food
preparation affects nutrition. It is “eye-opening”, he says. Mr. Davis states that he heard about healthy
eating, but no one explained why he and his family should be eating better and how to do it. The Davis
family enjoys the interactive nature of Nutrition First! Program, like tasting things they have never tasted
before. Mr. Davis’ son and daughter think the program is fun, he reports. Mr. Davis says that his family’s
involvement in the Nutrition First! Program came at the right time, as his son, age 10, is at a critical age
in terms of nutrition and healthy eating. Mr. Davis and his son struggle with their weight and Mr. Davis
wants his son to take control of his eating habits now, so that he will live a healthier life as an adult. Mr.
Davis and his family are very grateful for all they have received from Catholic Charities. Even though it
is not forever, he says, it is still very much appreciated. He comments that the help that the agency
provides has an impact on families, not just one person. Mr. Davis shares that they pray as a family for
people who have even less than they do, as well as for Catholic Charities to have the resources to help
others for years to come.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Mamie George Community Center
Basic Needs Services 2012 Impact Report
Page 6 of 6
2012 BASIC NEEDS SERVICES PROGRAM EXPENDITURES
Item(s) Amount Expended Percentage
Food Assistance $171,898 78%
Personal Items $9,938 5%
Medical Assistance $2,338 1%
Shelter Assistance $19,772 9%
Utilities Assistance $11,975 5%
Financial Assistance (Gift Cards) $2,750 1%
Specific Assistance $113 0%
Food Supplies (brown paper, plastic and
produce bags)
$2,965 1%
Total $221,749 100%
*Note: Expenditures displayed represent actual costs for client assistance and food supplies.
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