Tuesday, September 13, 2016 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~ Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

Welcome & Invocation

Bridgette Jones, Executive Director Get Together Northwest

Devotion

Shawna Roy, Executive Director Aldine Family Hope Center

New Guest Introductions

Dick Hill, President First Choice EPA/LED Get Together Northwest, Board Member

Ministry Report

Bridgette Jones, Executive Director Get Together Northwest Needs Met since May 2016 - $14,812.28 Volunteer Hours – 104.73; Value - $2,363.75 Total Value – $17,176.03 2015-2016 Value of Needs Met - $127,160.17 2008-2016 Value of Needs Met - $889,633.86

Debra McCammon, Executive Director Hospitality House

Discussion of Ministry Needs

Bridgette Jones, Executive Director Table/Whole Meeting Discussion

Closing & Prayer

June Jones, Executive Director Home Place of Texas

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Ministry Presentation

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Next Luncheon: Tuesday, October 11, 2016

MINISTRY NEEDS

Aldine Family Hope Center – Dedicated to providing services that help strengthen vulnerable children & families in Aldine. Primary Needs:  2 Butcher Paper Racks - Used is ok. Needed asap.

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New Children’s Books (English and/or Spanish) - for upcoming Literacy Carnival. Needed by October 7th. (50) $15 Restaurant or Walmart Gift Cards - to use as incentives for our Family Coaching (case management) participants as they progress through the program. Needed asap. (50) Journal/Planner Notebooks (to include calendar, note pages, etc) - to use as incentives for our family Coaching participants as they progress through the program. Needed asap.

Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Social Media Training for Staff – one-time training session to teach Aldine Family Hope Center staff about do’s/don’t, best practices, and ideas to try when using social media for business purposes. Can be scheduled as needed.

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Volunteer Opportunities:  Spanish Speaking Mentors - needed for Adult Job training class (Jobs For Life). Class meets Tuesdays/Thursdays September 13th – October 20th, 12pm-2pm. Mentors can attend class as needed to support/encourage students and will be assigned a student to check on weekly.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

Buckner Children & Family Services – Dedicated to providing services that help strengthen vulnerable children & single parent families in Conroe. Primary Needs:  10 Small, Home Fire Extinguishers - (for example: for storing under the kitchen sink) for Family Pathways apartments. Needed as soon as possible.  School Supplies - for adult students in Family Pathways programs. New or gently used binders, folders, spirals, pens, pencils, highlighters, post it notes/flags, index cards, PRINTER PAPER, etc. Would like to collect enough for 20-25 adults as soon as possible.  1 or 2 Car Seats - (prefer all in one newborn to booster type car seats). Needed for Foster Care program to have on hand to lend to families, as needed.  Paper Shredder - for use in our Foster Care office. Volunteer Opportunities:  Conroe Office Hospitality and Support Volunteer - In this volunteer position, you would be part of team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. We need someone to take care of general office support duties including but not limited to greeting guests, answering phones, completing mail-outs, supporting foster care and adoption staff with data entry, and helping coordinate events for children and families. This can be done during normal office hours, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm on an ongoing basis. **ALL Buckner volunteers must register and sign up for volunteer opportunities through our online volunteer system. The following opportunities are posted there. Contact Cari Latimer at 936-756-3639 with any questions concerning this process. The volunteer website is: http://www.buckner.org/volunteer/. Search “Conroe” or “Houston” for our local opportunities.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands – Dedicated to serving the homeless, sheltered homeless, and others in

(Continued on next page) A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Primary Needs:  2 Rolling Desk chairs - for our two-desk office. We currently have two large rolling chairs and are looking for something smaller.  6 Stationary Chairs - for our front office. Many days, we have clients lined up with no place to sit. What we are currently using is a black metal chair with an upholstered seat from Sam’s. It would be wonderful to have the chairs all match, but is not vital. We also need them for meetings with school counselors and staff and Board meetings.  50 Turkeys or Canned Hams - Starting early, but Thanksgiving is not that far off! We will be doing our distribution differently this year and need turkeys and canned hams for the families of the teens who are homeless in CFISD – they will be identified by school counselors at the high schools.

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need in the Cy-Fair area regardless of age, race, religion or marital status.

Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Bakers - CFHH needs someone to take on the task of baking banana bread or muffins. We receive very ripe bananas and hate to discard anything that can be used – so, we ask for bakers to turn them into yummy treats. They are frozen as soon as we receive them and passed on to bakers who are willing to help. The breads and muffins are loved by our clients and our friends on the street! Volunteer Opportunities:  Manage our newsletter and website - This should only take a couple of hours each week. Could be a high school or college project.  Front Desk Volunteers for our Pantry - Pantry hours are 9:30 – 12:30 Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, as well as the first Saturday of every month. Volunteers greet clients, assist with completing forms, and provide the distributed items to each family based on family size. BILINGUAL is a huge asset!! Volunteers can pick their day.  Volunteer Coordinator - Since CFHH is staffed completely by volunteers, this is of primary importance to us! We need someone who can manage (on a volunteer basis) our volunteers’ schedules, duties, recognition, etc. Hours are really up to this individual. There are challenges: our office is small and we receive requests from groups who want to help. The Volunteer Coordinator would work with our different facets to figure out how a team can help – offsite. Duties can also include speaking to church groups, school clubs, Scout troops, and more! We don't have any special events – YET!

Home Place of Texas – Dedicated to providing meaningful life experiences, socialization, education, employment and spiritual training to adults with disabilities.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Career Training - We are in need of professionals who are willing to teach our participants on various skills and/or careers in the community (i.e. internet safety, pilot/flight attendant, phone safety, art teachers)

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Primary Needs:  Basketball Goal - Will be used outside for fitness time. Would like a new/lightly used one that does not go in the ground.  Label Printer - Specifically a “Brother P-Touch QL-500 PC Label Printer” from Office Depot (it is $69.99). Will be used for day to day organizing.  Large Roll Laminating Machine - Preferably anything bigger than 27”. Will be used for vocational skills training.  Home Depot/Lowe’s Gift Cards - We are always needing things to improve our building. These gift cards will definitely help with the cost of building maintenance.

Hospitality House – Dedicated to serving the physical and spiritual needs of prison families by providing temporary lodging and food. Primary Needs:  Cases of Soft Drinks – any flavor. Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Root Beer, etc…  Boxes of Kleenex or Puffs Tissues  Big Items for Raffle and Prizes for Golf Tourney – October 15th – Examples: Flat Screen TV; Go Pro Hero 4 video camera; Fire Pit; Yeti Coolers; Hotel/resort get-a-ways; Spa day; Family Events (Circus, SplashTown, Schilterbahn, etc); Sports Events or Concerts; Jewelry; Yeti Cooler; Rifle or Gun. Need items by Oct.11th at GTNW Mtg.  Home Depot or Lowe’s Gift Cards – for regular maintenance and repair items. Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Grant Writer – need someone with grant writing skills to research available grants, write and file the appropriate paperwork. Engagements:  Golf Tourney – October 15th – see brochures for info  Facility Tour - We always welcome visitors and love to give tours of our 17 bedroom facility and especially our new Children’s Activity Building – 9am-5pm on weekdays and weekends by appointment due to Director’s travel schedule.

Oaks of Righteousness – Dedicated to breaking the cycle of addiction and homeless by offering support and shelter for female ex-offenders who desire to make positive life changes and become productive members of society. Primary Needs:  $100.00 Walmart Gift Card - to purchase personal clothing and items for new resident. Anytime during September.  Sets of Towels - (bath, hand,face) for residents. New or slightly used. Anytime  Gift Cards for Haircuts - for residents. (Super Cuts) Anytime Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Tree Trimmer - trimming needed on the property for safety and maintaining grounds.

Fundraiser Benefitting Oaks of Righteousness - Panda Express - 6946 FM 1960Rd E in Atascocita. Third Thursdays (Sept.15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec.15.) from 11:00 AM-9:30 PM. 20% of your purchase will be donated to Oaks of Righteousness. Mention that you are supporting the Oaks of Righteousness promotion.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Engagements:

Redeemed Ministries - provides a safe house for domestic adult women sex trafficking victims in Texas and helps survivors with various support services. Primary Needs:  Sensory/Tactile Items - (variety of 5-10), preferably new, will be used in our residential program for women who suffer from anxiety and PTSD  Weighted Blankets - (throw size 50”X60” roughly), new or very gently used, to be used in our residential program by the women as an anxiety coping tool. We could use as many as 6.  GED Prep Materials - new or used if not marked in, to be used by women in our residential program who would like to complete their HS education  Auction Items - Redeemed is currently seeking items for the silent auction at our fundraiser on September 22nd. If your business has services or goods that you would like to donate we would appreciate that by September 19. Professional Expertise/Consultations:  Mental Health, Addiction, or Trauma Trainers - We are seeking to do staff trainings throughout September, we could use professionals who may be able to offer mental health, addiction, or trauma informed educational trainings. Engagements:  Keep Houston Free Gala – September 22nd – 6:30-9:00pm at Church Project, The Woodlands, TX. It's going to be a great night with amazing music, a fabulous silent auction, and good food, all benefitting survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation! Get your tickets today, invite your friends, and join us! keephoustonfree.com

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers – Dedicated to strengthening relationships, building

(Continued on next page) A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Primary Needs:  Celebration of Hope Auction Items - to support local victims of crime, abuse, sex trafficking, and trauma by allowing them to participate in much needed counseling. Great items include event tickets, autographed merchandise, vacations, golf packages, gift baskets, etc.  (20) Daily Planners - for our Teen Support Group which allows local teenagers to grow and mature into healthy adults.  Office Furniture (New or Slightly Used) – List and Pictures Provided on Next Page.

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healthy families, strong communities and healing hurting hearts in Houston.

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o Conference Room Tables - 12 Group Training Room Tables ($2400 for support groups, workshops, and meetings) o 30 Stackable Chairs - ($75 each for support groups, workshops, extra seating in therapy rooms, events, and more) o 2 Console Tables - ($250 each for Intake Office and Volunteer Office) o 4 Side Tables - ($150 each for Therapy rooms used during therapy sessions) o Counter Height Table - ($350 for the copy station) o 10 Lobby (Guest) Chairs - ($125 each for the Waiting Room Area to create a welcoming and relaxing space for clients) o 3 Sets of 2 Matching Chairs - ($200 each for administrative offices for staff, volunteers, and visitors) o Narrow Office Desk - ($400 for Clinical Coordinator’s Office and administrative duties) o 4 Break Room Dining Chairs - ($100 each for counselors and staff as they break from therapy sessions) o 5 pieces of Artwork - ($75 each colorful botanicals and simple abstracts for the therapy rooms to create a comfortable, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere for clients) o 5 sets of 2 Pillows - ($30 per set in light blue, green, red, pale pink, and light green for therapy rooms to replace the worn out old pillows).

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

(Continued from previous page) Professional Expertise/Consultations:  CEU Coordinator – Looking for someone who has experience coordinating professional development for continuing education for our counselors. You will coordinate with experts in the field to schedule and present on subject matter identified in our Training Needs Assessment.  Auctioneer – Looking for someone who has auctioneered events before and may be available October 27th for our fundraising auction. Does not have to be “certified”. Volunteer Opportunities:  Volunteer Coordinator – Work with Associate Director to keep Volunteers informed of volunteer opportunities. Coordinate volunteers and staff connection for the specific volunteer event or time period.  Administrative Help – If you know excel, word, and basics of power point, we need your help. A few hours weekly onsite, or from home, can make a huge difference.  Event Planning Help – Celebration of Hope is October 27th. We need help on the day of the event and before, especially the week of the event.  Auction Item Collection – Businesses, churches and groups are donating items which need to be picked up and adequately documented. Can you help a few hours a week between now and October 27th?

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Engagements:  Community Breakfast - Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 9:00-10:00AM Shield Bearer 12340 Jones Rd Ste 290, Houston, TX. The free monthly community breakfast is a great way for potential volunteers, employees or supporters to come learn more about this ministry. Discover the story behind the Shield Bearer name and hear what God is doing through us to serve those who would otherwise be turned away. Find how you can join in Shield Bearer’s mission. RSVP: [email protected] or 281-894-7222.  Human Trafficking Survivor Prayer of Hope and Healing - Sunday, September 25th, 2016 4:00-5:30PM Shield Bearer 12340 Jones Rd Ste 290, Houston, TX. Shield Bearer is the single largest provider of professional counseling services to human trafficking survivors in Houston. Join us in a special afternoon of prayer for those affected by human trafficking.  Celebration of Hope Dinner - Thursday, October 27th, 2016 Bammel Church of Christ, 2700 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX. Save the Date for the annual Celebration of Hope Gala as we celebrate the invaluable role that volunteers serve in this ministry. This special evening will feature the Hope Awards, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. We look forward to seeing you there. For sponsorship opportunities, auction items and tickets, check out ShieldBearer.org/Hope.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

Tomball Pregnancy Center – Dedicated to providing resources to those facing unplanned or crisis pregnancy, such as adoption services, prenatal care, attorney’s, free pregnancy testing, and more. Primary Needs:  Diapers and Baby Wipes – we are very low in sizes 3, 4, and 5. Clients come to our prenatal and parenting classes where they earn Mommy Money to spend on baby items including diapers and wipes. These are by far the most popular items and we are very low at this time.  New Newborn Outfits - Clients are given Mommy bags on their first visit after the baby is born and we fill them with diapers, baby items, hygiene items, toys, etc. We like to include new outfits for the little ones.  Baby Hygiene Mini Sets - We like to include these also in the mommy bags.

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Volunteer Opportunities:  Volunteer Consultants - We have a great need for volunteer consultants, especially bilingual and/or evening. These are women 19 or over who have a heart to serve the Lord and to serve women. They meet directly with the clients and help them with “proof of pregnancy” appointments, our Life Works classes, spiritual growth and development, etc. Each volunteer works one 4-5 hour shift a week at our center during client hours. The evening shift is 4-8 and usually on Monday’s but that might be negotiable. Other than that, our center is open 10-3. We thoroughly train all the volunteer consultants before they begin to see clients one on one.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISES Aldine Family Hope Center  

Pray for safety, direction and success for all of our summer staff and interns who returned back to college. Pray for our organization as it goes through major restructuring and staff changes.

Buckner Children & Family Services 

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Please pray for our Family Pathways families as they start a new semester and school year. Please pray for success in their studies this year, for strong families, and for them each to understand the love of Jesus. Please pray for two of our Family Pathways families specifically, as they have both lost loved ones in the last month. One lost her mother and the other her grandmother. Please pray for them as they grieve and as they continue to work towards their goals in the midst of their grief. We have had several children adopted in the last few months from our Foster Care and Adoption programs! We rejoice that they are now in forever homes! Please pray for other children currently in foster homes, and for the families who are serving them. Please also pray for families who are still waiting to receive children into their homes and our staff who are working with all of them.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands 

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God answers prayers for CFHH all the time! We don’t even have to speak them out loud. A huge prayer we’ve had is for one of our friends who lives in his car. He comes in twice a week to volunteer for CFHH and we’ve secured a membership at the YMCA for him to shower and play basketball. For quite a while, a sweet couple who also volunteers when T is with us have been talking to him about moving in with them. T’s background appears clear, he does not seem to have mental health or substance abuse issues. He does have trust issues. We’ve been working with him, encouraging him, just being there for him for a year now. This week, he decided to move in with our volunteer couple and feels he is ready to find a job. God is SO GOOD!!! We have also successfully connected with more high school EASE and YSS counselors this year, providing each school with a “goody box” – a Rubbermaid tub filled with snacks, school supplies and more for students who have need. CFHH, with the help of our wonderful donors, will keep the bins stocked all school year. God had provided the connections and the donations to make this happen! We are very thankful for this great group of friends who all work together for those in need. God bless you all!

Ask God to provide to us with wisdom to make Home Place of Texas even more excellent and what we need for growth and our future building. Please pray that our upcoming fundraiser (3rd annual Turkey Trot) goes well and brings in enough money to support Home Place over the next year.

(Continued on next page) A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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Home Place of Texas

Hospitality House   

Pray for the family members coming in for the upcoming executions Sept. 14th and Oct. 19th. Pray for the ladies (HH guests) attending our Bible studies three times a month that their faith will deepen and those who are seeking Him will come to know Him in a very real way. Pray for the families/guests hearts and minds to open to the gospel and the love of Christ.

Oaks of Righteousness    

New Residents choosing to change their lifestyle and become the women that God intends them to be. God to provide sustaining funds for Christian counseling throughout the 9-12 month program. New volunteers to teach classes this fall. Thankful for God's continued provision for Oaks of Righteousness ministry.

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers  

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Thank God for our move to larger offices with additional counseling and group room space. Thank Him for getting us through the move without interruption of counseling services to our clients. September is Houston’ Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pray that God will bless our Prayer for Hope and Healing September 25th , that girls and women will be noticed and rescued, that God will use Shield Bearer to heal their hearts and souls, and that they will find a permanent way out of the sex industry. Praise God for our volunteers. Pray for a successful volunteer appreciation event, The Celebration of Hope, October 27th. Pray for those who are grieving, anxious or depressed and alone. Pray that they will be connected with Shield Bearer or other Christian counseling organizations and that they will receive the grace and light that they are seeking. That God will heal them and give them peace and joy again in their lives. Pray for Christian counselors to join us in our new offices in Conroe and near the Greenspoint area. Pray that we will be able to discern who will join our team of counselors.

Tomball Pregnancy Center We are searching for a new director and have been talking with applicants. Praying for wisdom and guidance through the process and for me, Crystal, in the interim as I try to fill in as best I can.

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A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

2016-2017 Partner Ministries Aldine Family Hope Center WEBSITE: www.buckner.org PHONE: 281.449.4828 ADDRESS: 4700 Aldine Mail Rt., Houston, Texas 77039

CONTACT: Shawna Roy, Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Aldine Family Hope Center focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged youth and their families through a holistic approach of vocational, social, recreational, educational, and spiritual programs in the Houston/Aldine area. Our goal is to serve as a “one stop shop” model that centers around case management, client assistance, adult education, family counseling, youth programs and much more!

Buckner Children & Family Services WEBSITE: www.buckner.org PHONE: 936.756.3639 ADDRESS: 407 Ave F, Conroe, TX 77301

CONTACT: Cari Latimer, Program Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Buckner Children and Family Services transforms the lives of vulnerable children and builds strong families through Christ-centered values. Buckner is dedicated to providing services that help strengthen vulnerable children and families in Houston and surrounding areas. A wide variety of services are offered to children, families and single parents. Programs include: Family Place and Foster Care & Adoption.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands WEBSITE: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org PHONE: 281.858.1222 ADDRESS: 7710 Cherry Park DR Ste S, Houston, TX 77095

CONTACT: Gwen Franke, Executive Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Cy-Fair Helping Hands is an organization founded and managed by caring volunteers serving the homeless in the Cypress-Fairbanks Area. With an all-volunteer staff, Cy-Fair Helping Hands works to help the homeless become self-sufficient by building relationships and a path out of homelessness.

Home Place of Texas WEBSITE: www.hpotx.org PHONE: 281-257-1004 ADDRESS: 5701 Louetta Road, Ste 400, Spring, TX 77379

CONTACT: June Jones, Executive Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Home Place of Texas is a non-denominational Christian community for adults with disabilities. This Christ-centered community allows individuals to build relationships with God and others through worship, work, education, and recreation. Our mission is to teach adults with disabilities that God loves them and has a plan for them. Our programs include quality activities such as weekly Bible studies, residential living, a day program and recreational activities.

Hospitality House

The purpose of the Hospitality House ministry is to promote the public welfare and alleviate the hardships of the disadvantaged by ministering to the physical and religious needs of families of prisoners incarcerated in the Texas penal system. The House was built by volunteers to meet the needs of the increasing number of families arriving in Huntsville without funds for lodging and food. It was the first overnight lodging ministry of its kind in Texas. Currently, Hospitality House is open 7 days a week in order to accommodate the various family visitations, releases, and execution schedules of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. As a whole, Hospitality House offers a warm, friendly, and peaceful environment where families can relax and rest while visiting their loved ones. These families are the “other victims” of crimes.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org

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CONTACT: Debra McCammon, Executive Director EMAIL: [email protected]

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WEBSITE: www.thehospitalityhouse.org PHONE: 936-291-6196 ADDRESS: 912 10th Street, Huntsville, TX 77320

2016-2017 Partner Ministries

Oaks of Righteousness WEBSITE: www.oaksoftexas.org PHONE: 832-444-0739 ADDRESS: 208 S. Avenue G, Humble, Texas 77338

CONTACT: Beth Whittier, Executive Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Oaks of Righteousness is a faith based residential nonprofit facility that offers support for female ex-offenders who desire to make positive life changes and become productive members of society. This ministry was formed in 2012 after many years of teaching and mentoring women in the Texas prison system. There is a shared belief among us that living in a safe, faith-based house is necessary for ex-offenders to fully reintegrate into society and become the women that God created them to be. The Oaks of Righteousness was established as a way to break the cycle of addiction and homelessness, offering hope for a better future.

Redeemed Ministries WEBSITE: www.redeemedministries.com PHONE: 832-392-8880 ADDRESS: 330 Rayford Road, Suite 390 Spring, TX 77386

CONTACT: Desirie Dougall, Operations Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Redeemed Ministries’ focus population is Domestic Adult Women Sex Trafficking Victims. They have operated a 4 bed safe house since October 2010 and have provided services to over 70 survivors. They are 1 of 2 known safe houses for adult survivors in Texas and helps survivors of adult domestic sex trafficking by: Offering a safe environment for holistic healing; Using a structured schedule to address chaos caused by trauma; Utilizing third-party trauma trained counselors for care; Utilizing curriculum designed for addressing physical, emotional, relational and spiritual healing; Developing individualized care for healthy reintegration to independent living; and Engaging the church and community to be a part of the healing process.

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers WEBSITE: www.shieldbearer.org PHONE: 281-894-7222 ADDRESS: 12345 Jones Road, Ste 285, Houston, TX 77070

CONTACT: Roy Wooten, Executive Director EMAIL: [email protected]

Shield-Bearer is a unique nonprofit founded in the movement to improve the health of relationships within families, organizations and communities. Shield-Bearer’s community and church based programs and services have reached into 12 Texas counties. Shield-Bearer not only provides excellent and ethical services and programs, but healthy relationships, strong marriages, healthy families and strong communities through community advocacy and social marketing.

Tomball Pregnancy Center WEBSITE: www.tomballpregnancy.com PHONE: (832)559-7817 ADDRESS: 990 Village Square DR Ste Q, Tomball, TX 77375

CONTACT: Crystal Tidball, Director of Client Services EMAIL: [email protected]

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Tomball Pregnancy Center works with the Greater Tomball Community to meet the needs of their clients. They provide resources for adoption, doctors, hospitals, lawyers, schooling and employment. They offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasound services, clothing, baby care needs, information and more.

A complete list of ministry needs can be found at www.gettogethernw.org