1/27/12, 7pm,    Shabbat Service at Temple Sinai

2/4/12             Isabelle Novit Award Dinner and Annual Birthday Party

WHEB tour of NCJW-supported food pantry at West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)

On Saturday, Oct. 29 WHEB members toured a food pantry operated by West Houston Assistance Ministries.  For years, WHEB has collected items and helped WHAM provide assistance to low-income and homeless clients. During the tour, WHEB members saw how their donations are used, and where there More…

Two client stories shared by Shirley Downing, Executive Director and CEO of WHAM:

 A 30 yr old single mother is raising her son and her younger sister. Mom works for a medical supply company and is trying to make ends meet.   She applied for child support and recently found out her son’s dad is incarcerated.   There is no other family to turn to, so she asked her sister to find a part-time job to help out.  WHAM was able to help with food, clothing and Christmas toy voucher for the son.  (WHAM usually can help a family with food for up to 2 weeks until they find additional assistance).

 A single mother with children ages, 19, 18, 17 and 9 yr old works part-time as home health aide. Children had received Social Security Insurance checks from their father but he is no longer in the picture and even with his income it still wasn’t enough.  Mom has added stress because oldest son was shot at the end August while walking his little sister through their apartment complex.  The brother tried to shield his sister from the bullets and suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his face and body.  The man that shot him was recently caught so justice was served.  Crime Victims is helping by paying the son’s medical bills, but mom has applied for Social Security Disability because he is still bed ridden and she has to be the caregiver.  To apply for disability they have to suspend all other checks temporarily which has caused a hardship on the family.  WHAM was able to help them with food and adopt them for Christmas.