As a member of CCCC and a sister in Christ with my small group called L.I.F.T (Ladies In Fellowship Together) the opportunity to help others has inspired me to give back to a community that is changing lives, securing a place for people in need, while offering a fresh start for those who seek it.
I am a volunteer at The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc., serving the La Porte, Pasadena, Deer Park, Jacinto City, Channelview, and Galena Park for over 30 years. This shelter provides services to women, children, and young men (up to 75 residents) who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence and some who are homeless, who need a safe place to get back on their feet and or learn a skill to support their family (as most of them leave all their belongings and their self-esteem behind). This is such a wonderful place for a new beginning for many that live there (some stay 1 month, some for 1 year). While they are all so grateful for a place to stay, donations and the counseling they have received, currently, the shelter is looking for volunteers to donate time in areas such as:
- Help in organizing their pantry.
- Serve dinner one day out of the week.
- Babysitting on a Saturday morning.
- Plan a special occasion party (i.e. end of the school year party, Memorial Day Cook-out, Easter egg hunt, Christmas Party, etc.
Small groups could also help in participating in some of the upcoming “Drives” I will be organizing this year:
- Participate in the “Comfy Flip Flop” drive! During their stay at the shelter, no one can be bare foot; thus, the need for flip flops! This coming Saturday, June 26th 2010, there will be a bake sale fundraiser at the Clear Lake Shores Farmer’s Market to raise money to purchase these flip flops. If you can donate baked items to sell, please let me know! 832-352-7594.
- Participate in the “Comfy Fit Diaper Drive” (All sizes needed – medium and large sizes are in real need!) Scheduled for July, 2010
- Participate in the “Comfy Pajama Party” (All sizes needed!) Scheduled for December, 2010
The list goes on and on. Another option you may consider would be sponsoring a 1 year IT service for the staff/shelter computers as the computers are donated but no maintenance program to keep them running. As you can see the needs are many but with your help you could make a great contribution to this “safe place” some call home.
It would be great to hear from you/your group leader if you have any interest in donating to this non-profit organization – I would be glad to connect you with my contacts. Feel free to call me at 832-352-7594. Also, please review The Bridge website for more information about the shelter.
Peace, Love and God.
–Tina Maben
Thanks CCCC members – the June 26, 2010 Bake Sale for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters was a great sucess!
Shout out to Maria Diaz and her CCCC HS ministry group for working The Bridge Over Troubled Waters car wash last Saturday, all proceeds went to the purchase towards the school supplies for the children living at the shelter. What a blessing to wittness the work of our CCCC teenagers “walk the walk”. Thanks again for all your help and thanks to the other CCCC members (Kelly Hennick, Robie Rice, Jennifer Crain., Sara Maben, Janice Rhoads.), and everyone who came to have their car washed. We couldn’t have done it without you! Grace and Blessings – Tina M.