www.HelpHereHelpNow.org
A NOTE FROM MARTHA MACRIS, MAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Someone recently asked me why I sign my emails with “take good care.” It was a moment of self-realization when I reflected a moment and said, “because I want everyone to not only take care but take good care.” For 30 years, MAM has done just that – taken good care - of God’s people who come to us for whatever reason: for help, to help, to give goods, to give of themselves, to work, and to give financial support. This year’s annual report shows your Good Care – the good care you have given to MAM, to your neighbors and the community. Thank you for your good care and once again, take good care,
MEMBER CONGREGATIONS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chapelwood United
Front Row: Doug Bogart (Treasurer), Wendy Moreland, Bill Swenson, David Lewallen, Pat Kleiderer, Martha Macris (Executive Director) Back Row: Brad Richards, Marco Castilla, James Lytal (Vice-Chairman), Shane Schlemeyer, Richard Harvin (Chairman), George “Buz” Jochetz (Secretary) Not Pictured: Aimee Snoots
2012 REVENUE
Memorial Drive United
Methodist Church Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church Christ Memorial Lutheran Church Emmanuel Episcopal Church First Baptist Church Spring Branch First Congregational Church UCC Grace Community Church Holy Cross Lutheran Church Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Houston Mennonite Church John Knox Presbyterian Church Memorial Drive Baptist Church Memorial Drive Christian Church Memorial Drive Lutheran Church Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Methodist Church Our Lady of Walsingham
Catholic Church Pines Presbyterian Church Spring Branch Presbyterian
Church St Andrew Lutheran Church St. Cecilia Catholic Church St. Christopher Episcopal Church St. Francis Episcopal Church St. John Vianney Catholic Church St. Mark Lutheran Church St. Peter United Church of Christ St. Thomas Presbyterian Church Tallowood Baptist Church Terrace United Methodist Church West Houston Chinese Church
2012 OPERATING EXPENSES Programs
Administrative
Fundraising
11% 7%
82%
*Financial figures are preliminary, pending completion of the annual audit
MAM SUCCESS STORY: SANDRA Sandra had a dream -- she wanted to be a pediatric oncologist and was enrolled in the health science technology program at Spring Woods High School. Three years later, Sandra was months away from graduation, struggling to stay in school and staying with a friend. Ongoing family issues had finally erupted, leaving Sandra nearly homeless and ready to give up. With the help of a caring school teacher, she was able to take her final exams and graduate with a high school diploma. At 18 years of age, Sandra turned to MAM’s employment services program for help with her job search and gave up her dream of attending college. She needed a job and a place to live. She signed up for employment and computer classes and landed a job as a day care provider within weeks. Over the next year and a half, Sandra worked any and all available hours at the day care center, establishing herself as a dedicated responsible employee. When enrollment dropped, Sandra’s hours were cut and she began working at a local restaurant to pay the rent, keep the lights on and food on the table. Sandra is self-sufficient in every way. Last October, Sandra returned to MAM because she remembered the messages that had given her confidence to get the job she had now: Don’t give up, don’t settle, reach higher. She needed someone to assure her that she could do better and that her new plan could work. Here’s the plan. Sandra applied for a full-time seasonal position at Macy’s as a sales associate and was offered a position. With hours down 20 hours per week at the day care center and Macy’s offering to pay more per hour for 40 hours per week, Sandra wanted to make a change. She really thought that if she worked hard at Macy’s for the two month holiday period, she would prove herself to be a valuable employee and they would offer her a full-time position. But if they didn’t, she would have no job in 2013. MAM’s job coaches helped her weigh the pros and cons and Sandra decided to take a chance. January was a scary month, as the holiday rush disappeared and she waited to hear if Macy’s would keep her employed. Sandra was cross-training in a number of departments and established herself as a great team player who always kept busy helping her coworkers. It’s no surprise that Macy’s offered her a full-time position in her favorite department: handbags. So, if you’re looking for a new purse, we know a great young lady who will help you find the perfect match! Today Sandra has dreams again. She wants to be the first person in her family to get a college degree. She wants to make a difference by helping others. Your gifts made a difference to Sandra. Now she wants to do the same.
MAM SUCCESS STORY: MARIA Maria was the financial provider of her family, working two part-time jobs to support her boyfriend and two young children. Her boyfriend worked odd jobs, only to use his earnings for drugs and alcohol. They moved a lot and often lived with the normalcy of having their utilities cut off due to failure to pay. Maria’s boyfriend did not allow her or the children to socialize with anyone and her close bond with her father was beginning to erode. She was living in an abusive situation that most of us cannot imagine. At some point, Maria protected her children the only way she knew how – she left her boyfriend and moved the children into a new apartment. She turned to MAM for financial assistance and the case worker realized that Maria could benefit from counseling and referred her to our on-site partner, Family Services. Maria was dealing with feelings of anxiety and fear due to being in an abusive relationship. She would panic when the phone rang and was afraid to socialize. She rarely left the house, except to go to work and grocery shopping. Her anxiety was keeping her from taking part in ‘normal’ lifestyles, like taking her children to the park or enjoying time with friends. During counseling, she was able to express the anger and guilt she has felt toward herself for enduring the abuse and violence and allowing her children to witness such destructive behavior. Maria received three months of rental assistance and counseling sessions at MAM that changed her outlook on life. She gained strength and feels confident about being able to care for herself and her children. More good news – Maria was promoted in November and offered a full-time position. She is looking forward to being home in the evening with her children and spending more time with her father. Thank you for changing Maria’s life and that of her children.
HOW DID YOU HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS IN 2012?
FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Emergency Financial Assistance because sometimes there simply isn’t enough income to cover basic needs, even for those who are working.
Rental assistance prevented eviction and homelessness for
1,090 FAMILIES 559 FAMILIES
Total Population Helped
18,504
received utility assistance
Unduplicated Family Count
642
4,642
MAM provides financial assistance to families in
17
FAMILIES were able to get to work with transportation assistance
ZIP CODES
# FAMILIES HELPED PER ZIP CODE
1,208 FAMILIES dressed for work and school with clothing from the MAM Resale Store Help with clinic visits benefited
368 PEOPLE
258 PEOPLE received assistance to pay for necessary prescription medications 212: Out of Area
338: Homeless
115: Unreported
VOLUNTEERS help MAM to serve the community in all of MAM’s program areas. Volunteers have been the backbone of the organization for nearly 30 years. It takes a minimum of 40 volunteers each day to open our doors to clients and customers.
340 INDIVIDUALS 27 GROUPS 95 STUDENTS
174 NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE
MEMBERS & THEIR DAUGHTERS
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL
SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS Self‐sufficiency means balancing the household budget on a regular basis and building assets for the future.
Help children have what they need to learn, stay healthy and realize their potential.
83% OF FAMILIES
5,714
receiving Case Management services were able to stabilize their budgets and remain housed 3+ months after leaving MAM’s program
CHILDREN received essential clothing, and supplies, for the start of a new school year
70 % OF STUDENTS enrolled in the Employment Certification Program found employment
325 KIDS RECEIVED EYE EXAMS
5 INDIVIDUALS
87 INDIVIDUALS attended classes to prepare for the GED Exam
AND GLASSES
took and passed the exam to become U.S. citizens after taking free citizenship classes at MAM
Christmas Share provided toys and warm blankets to
637 CHILDREN from 210 FAMILIES
through the I Can See Program
517
175 STUDENTS
CHILDREN
learned English through MAM Adult ESL Classes
received free immunizations needed to return to and stay in class
Volunteers contributed
52,440 HOURS of their time or the equivalent of
859 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS
26 FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES 1625 BLALOCK ROAD HOUSTON, TX 77080
MISSION Our mission is to assure that families have the means to meet their basic needs. VISION To carry out our mission, we assist families facing financial crisis to avoid homelessness, offer programs enabling long-term financial self-sufficiency, assure children an improved school experience, facilitate client access to other support networks, and provide value to our member congregations and the community. VALUES As responsible stewards, we are grounded in faith, offering hope, preserving dignity, and open to all.