A quarterly publication of the Christian Community Service Center Second Quarter 2016
3 From the Executive Director
4 Volunteer Spotlight – Berry Johnson and
Bob McMahan
7 Azalea Dinner 2016
8 Back to School
The View From Behind the Lens
Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) has activi-
ties occurring throughout the year, so we try to capture
quality photographs of all this wonderful work to illus-
trate our mission. Pictures are used in this newsletter, church
newsletters, grant requests, and social media. Below you’ll meet
some of our volunteer photographers in hopes that a few of
you might be inspired to join us. The work of these volunteers
allows us to tell the CCSC story much more powerfully because
the saying is true: a picture is worth a thousand words.
Meet John ReynoldsJohn is a long-time volunteer with the Martha’s Way pro-
gram and serves on the Council of Church Representatives,
representing Westminster Methodist Church, which is where
he found out CCSC was in need of photographers. With
eleven years of personal experience teaching himself “the art
of photography”, John’s talent was quickly put to use taking
pictures at the Martha’s Way and Emergency Services-Central
programs, as well as at events such as Jingle Bell Express and
Grow, Gather & Give! John’s motivation in taking photos is
threefold: to illustrate the great things happening at CCSC,
to create images capturing the compassionate spirit of the
ministry’s programs and volunteers, and to show the genuine
appreciation and joy of the clients. He hopes his images will
inspire others to get involved.
Cover Story continues on page 4
(Left) John snaps his own reflection while photographing the Martha’s Way team. (Top Right) John captures the excitement of Martha’s Way students taking a selfie after they successfully completed the “English for Housekeeping” class. (Bottom Right) An example of John documenting student volunteers working hard to sort loads of donated food.
A Sample of John’s Photos
2 www.ccschouston.org
Gifts received January through March 2016
Gifts received January through March 2016
HALLELUJAH $10,000+CCSC Memorial EndowmentCFP FoundationMs. Gene GrahamTheta Charity Antiques Show
EXULT $7,500+Friend of CCSCMr. Charles L. Rowan
ILLUMINATE $1,000+Friend of CCSCThe Hildebrand FoundationThe Vaughn Foundation
TRIUMPH $2,500+Sue Nan & Rod Cutsinger
FoundationFriends of CCSC (2)Mr. and Mrs. Michael PalmerMr. and Mrs. Russell S. Post
PROCLAIM $1,000+Andrews FoundationMr. and Mrs. L. Scott BaggettMr. Harnad Bhat BhatMr. and Mrs. Jay ChernoskyMr. and Mrs. F. B. Cochran, IIIExxonMobil Foundation (Malcolm
Hawk Volunteer Hours)ExxonMobil Foundation (Carolyn
Howard, Volunteer Hours)Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Fry, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Mark FournierFriends of CCSC (4)Mr. and Mrs. W. C. GriffithMr. and Mrs. Marshall HerveyMs. Virginia L. KanalyMrs. Joan KennedyLykes Knapp Family FundMr. and Mrs. Chris MartinMcGaha FoundationMs. Bridget A. Naughton
Mrs. Louise Estill PerlitzMr. and Mrs. John T. PiperMr. and Mrs. Andrew ScavuzzoShell Oil Company Foundation
(Steven Stryker)Shell Oil Company Foundation
(Matching Gift)Ms. Barbara L. Strobel Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sullivan, II
GLORIFY $750+Mr. and Mrs. Don BaronitisBrookfield Office PropertiesMr. and Mrs. David ElledgeFriend of CCSCDr. and Mrs. Garry HagstromMr. and Mrs. Michael HawesLocal Independent Charities
of TexasDr. and Mrs. David P. LoncarichMr. Chris MatlockMr. and Mrs. Mike A. McGinnisMr. and Mrs. John RileyMr. and Mrs. Joel RodriguezStudio Red ArchitectsMr. and Mrs. Jim Weatherly
REJOICE $500+Chevron Companies
(William Calhoun)Mr. and Mrs. Richard CruseFriends of CCSC (2)Mr. and Mrs. Tom GossettMr. and Mrs. Richard GouldMr. and Mrs. Robin HarrisonMr. Vincent A. MaggioMr. and Mrs. J. MartinDr. and Mrs. James MoersMr. and Mrs. Carlos MontemayorMr. and Mrs. Michael L. PatrickMr. and Mrs. Bruce WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Charles Williams
DELIGHT $250+American Legion Auxiliary
Unit #594Mr. and Mrs. Darrell R. BacakMr. and Mrs. J. Timothy BlaineMr. and Mrs. James BrattonFriends of CCSC (4)Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm HawkMr. David Juist and
Ms. Annie FabioMrs. Mary Louis KisterDr. and Mrs. William LeeLife Tabernacle of HoustonMr. Woody Mann, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Victor A. OtteRandall’s Good Neighbor ProgramMr. and Mrs. David M. RatchfordMr. and Mrs. Charles ReavisMr. and Mrs. Fred RussellDr. and Mrs. James C. SmithMr. and Mrs. Raymon SpreenMr. and Mrs. Leslie SullivanMr. Charles R. TannerMr. and Mrs. Donald WoodardMr. and Mrs. Edward Zinni
CELEBRATE $100+American Legion Auxiliary
Unit #77Ms. Edie ArcherMr. John C. BoehmMr. and Mrs. Dan B. ButterwickChevron Companies (Lana Loy)Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Cureton, Jr.Ms. Elizabeth DeleonEOG Resources, Inc.
(Natalie Lamont)Mrs. Joelene EvansMr. and Mrs. Bill FrazerFriends of CCSC (9)Mr. Marvin J. Gaspard
Mrs. Loren GoensMr. and Mrs. Randolph HiriartMrs. Myrtice KazeeDr. Catherine KerrMr. and Mrs. Latham KnightKroger Food StoresMr. and Mrs. Robert A. LaneMr. and Mrs. Bruce M. LeeMr. and Mrs. Richard LeglerMr. and Mrs. Larry LoydDrs. Patrick and Mary LynchMrs. Carolyn MarleyMrs. Beverly MerrittMr. and Mrs. Roland W. MillerMr. and Mrs. Peter E. MimsMs. Monica P. NealMr. and Mrs. Hugh ParkerMr. and Mrs. Ted PateMr. and Mrs. Robert RayMs. Betsy SchulzeMrs. Alice SmithMrs. Joyce StillmanMr. and Mrs. Neil StovallMr. and Mrs. Charles SzalkowskiMr. and Mrs. Karl TornyosWilliams Companies Foundation
(John Boehm)Mr. and Mrs. John G. WilsonMr. and Mrs. Bob WoodburnMrs. C.J. YeomanMr. Justin Zipser
JOY UP TO $99AmazonSmile FoundationMr. Steven ArdMs. Marie S. BlaineMr. Ricky S. BoehmeBoy Scout Troop 549Boy Scout Troop 1881Mr. and Mrs. Tom BrosigMs. Betty S. Brown
Ms. Judy E. BucherMr. and Mrs. Julian ByrdChevron Companies (Ricky
Boehme)Ms. Bettye Latrelle CoxMr. and Mrs. Samuel CurryMarc del AmoMs. Patricia DicksonMr. and Mrs. Bill DodsonMr. W. Blake DominguezMr. and Mrs. G. Serpell EdwardsMs. Jane EixmannMr. and Mrs. Don Hinkle EldridgeFriends of CCSC (7)Mr. and Mrs. Brian A. GroveHalliburton Foundation Inc.
(Matching)Ms. Elinor HartMr. and Mrs. William LaddMr. and Mrs. Kirby LammersMr. and Mrs. David LazerriMs. Sharon LittleMr. and Mrs. John P. LorenzMr. and Mrs. Michael ManaganMrs. Elizabeth Prochnow Drs. Alejandro & Lynn RosasMrs. Sally Bell RutherfordMr. and Mrs. Eugene ShepherdMing-Kang ShihMs. Susan SilvusMs. Selma W. SmithMs. Nancy StephensonMr. and Mrs. John Mark StoryMr. and Mrs. James C. TarsinosMs. Jane TooleMr. and Mrs. George Tyson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Leon UllrichMrs. Carloyn WhiteMr. and Mrs. L. Burke Windham, Jr.Ms. Barbara WisecupMrs. Pamela Young
IN MEMORY OF:H.L. Britton
James and Joan BerryMrs. Mary BrattonMs. Glenda EngertRobert and Susan EstillJane Hansen and Family, Sam &
Jen, Gay & CarlMr. Joseph HarwoodMs. Karen HollomanHarold and Joanne HookThomas and Olga LewisMs. Janice MeyerMr. Grayson MossMr. Omar RouchonMrs. Emily RyanMs. Nancy Schissler
Clemence DeaneMary Cooper and Family
Charles GerumRobert and Jamie Kuempel
Demaris HudspethMr. C. M. Hudspeth
Charles (Buck) JonesMs. Marian Roper
Fred KingMrs. Jo King
E. J. LanikMrs. Mary Lee Lanik
Mrs. Georgia LascarisMr. Jean Albert Miller
Jap LottMs. June Gentry
Carole McLemoreRobert and Jamie Kuempel
Annie MiglMr. Don Migl
Vic MoelleringMr. and Mrs. Fred Russell
Joyce M. RennerMr. Paul Renner
Grace Eleanor RocanMs. Jacquelyne Rocan
Lucien RocanMs. Jacquelyne Rocan
Garry F. Rust, M.D.Mrs. Judy Rust
Kathryn and Virgil SwensonFriend of CCSC
Marion ThalmuellerKarla , John, Ashlee, Daniel and Aida Driskell
Carol ThorpeMrs. Patricia Legler
Marie UptonFirst Baptist Church of Canyon Lake
Joyce WagnerDave and Nancy Barziza
Miles and Patricia WoodwardBruce and Betty Woodward
IN HONOR OF:Michelle and Tim Brookshire
Ms. Karen B. Womack
Shirley and Stewart CoffmanRobert and Susan Estill
Sheryl DavisMrs. Kathleen Adams
Susan K. EstillMr. Robert Estill
Linda EwingMrs. Ruth Ewing
First Saturday VolunteersJames and Cecelia Bishop
The Frautschi FamilyRobert and Susan Estill
Good Will Sunday School Class, St. Luke’s UMCRev. and Mrs. William E.
Denham
Emily Griffin’s 90th BirthdayJim and Mary HendersonDr. and Mrs. James W. MooreJoel E. Reed
Jodie and Jeff HolstienMrs. Ann Winters
Marcia JamesMs. Jane CooperMrs. Melissa Johnson
Duane and Carol JohnsonPhilip and Michele Navratil
Jane and Lee LarkinRobert and Susan Estill
Carol and Charles LucasRobert and Susan Estill
Mike McGinnis’ ministry and service to the St. Mark’s VestryThe Reverend Patrick J. Miller
Michelle ShonbeckMrs. Mary Anne Hawkins
Carla SingerJames and Cecelia Bishop
Pastor Jeff SmithMs. Patricia Tilton
Ana TappanMichael Brown
Virginia TubbsDavid Juist and Annie Fabio
Pat Ward FamilyDr. Tom Earthman
Gifts from First Christian Church in Honor of the Following Visitors:Larry AguirreKathlyn AnthonyEdna CamposJory ChevisM.V. and Lollie CluettMichael FalcoJan Foster-SenKim and John FrittsCharlene GordonYamaris Lopez-NievesDavid Negron-ReyesMaureen PolloMark SoobyEldon ThomasKatie WebberNatasha Wimbish
Michelle Shonbeck
Dear CCSC Friend,
Dreaming is good for us, and CCSC is in the process of doing
just that: envisioning what a new campus could do to enhance
our ability to serve clients. There are lots of people involved in
this – too many to name – but I am grateful to each for their
gift of time.
As we plan and dream for the next 20-30 years, clients come
to us each day with crises complicating their own dreams.
Dreams of having food on the table and a secure income.
Dreams that their children’s lives will be better than theirs.
Dreams of simply being helped and cared for as they work
their way out of difficult situations.
One client we recently helped fled an abusive spouse and
needed food, clothes and help in finding a job. Check — CCSC
helped with all those needs.
Another client was picking herself back up after being the
victim of a crime. She works, but got behind with her bills.
Check — CCSC helped with one bill and referred her to
another agency for help with the other. When we called to
check on her a few months later, she said “I was able to breathe
again after your help”.
And finally, another client simply said he saw God in the
help he received through CCSC. I see that too: God working
through CCSC as we help people daily while also dreaming for
the future.
In Christ,
Michelle Shonbeck, Executive Director
CCSC’s Executive Director, Michelle Shonbeck, is now blogging!Connect at www.ccschouston.org or blog.ccschouston.org
www.ccschouston.org 3
MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences. CCSC was created out of faith and founded in the belief that we are called to help all God’s children heart to heart and hand in hand.
The Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is an award-winning, community-based non-profit organization serving the southwest Houston community. Incorporated in 1980,
CCSC has grown to encompass a coalition of 40 churches united in service to the needy.
Bellaire United Methodist ChurchBering Drive Church of Christ
Bethany Christian ChurchChrist the King Lutheran Church
ChristChurch PresbyterianCovenant Church
Faith Lutheran ChurchFirst Christian Church
First Evangelical Lutheran ChurchFirst Seventh Day Baptist Church
Grace United Church of ChristHoly Ghost Catholic Church
Kindred Church Pathways Church
Pilgrim Lutheran ChurchRice Temple Baptist ChurchRiver Oaks Baptist ChurchSharpstown Baptist Church
Southwest Presbyterian ChurchSt. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
St. Anne Catholic Community St. Francis of Assisi Catholic ChurchSt. John the Divine Episcopal Church
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church
St. Luke’s United Methodist ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church
St. Martin’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
St. Michael Catholic ChurchSaint Paul Presbyterian ChurchSt. Peter Claver Catholic ChurchSt. Philip Presbyterian ChurchSt. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
St. Theresa Catholic ChurchSt. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic ChurchWatersEdge Community ChurchWest University Baptist Church
West University United Methodist ChurchWestminster United Methodist Church
4 www.ccschouston.org
Cover Story continues from page 1
Volunteer SpotlightThe “Computer Lab Crew” is always ready to help JobNet
clients as they learn the ins and outs of important computer
skills. Berry Johnson and Bob McMahan are dedicated vol-
unteers who offer assistance and guidance as people work in
the computer lab. They both light up with excitement when
they talk about the people they get to help, knowing they are
making a difference in their lives. Through Bob and Berry’s
encouragement and service, JobNet clients gain not only skills,
but confidence in themselves. Berry Johnson (L) with Bob McMahan (R) in the JobNet computer lab.
Meet Bob & Lorena BrinkmanBob and Lorena Brinkman work together to photograph beauty in the
world around them. Lorena began taking pictures as a young child when
she was gifted with a camera. Bob began learning the skill so they could
work together professionally. While Lorena is behind the lens focusing
on “what God made for us to see”, Bob edits the images to perfection.
The Brinkmans first joined our photography team in the summer of
2015 taking pictures of Back To School distribution. (Their friend/fellow
Westminster congregant, John Reynolds, had referred them!) They felt
blessed to be a part of the program and to “witness the faces, expressions,
and pleasure of the children and families being served.”
Meet…You!How do you see the world? Could you be the next photographer to join our ranks
as we continue to look for new ways to illustrate the mission of CCSC? Positions are
available across the organization, and days and times are flexible. Professional train-
ing is not required. If you have a camera, and a passion for capturing compelling pic-
tures, please contact Kate Gallup: 713-961-3993 (x211) or [email protected].
(Top Left) A young boy, with his mother, eagerly waits to pick up new school supplies for his first day of kindergarten. (Left) Parents of three school-age children pose with grateful, happy smiles. (Above) Families and volunteers making their way through the Back To School distribution event.
A Sample of Bob and Lorena’s Photos
www.ccschouston.org 5
Emergency Services-Central was blessed to recently help a client we will call, Debra. Employed as a bus driver, Debra is kind-hearted
and self-sufficient. Yet last year, she suffered a debilitating stroke. According to her doctor, “her condition may be temporary but is
expected to last at least twelve months.” No longer able to drive a bus, Debra searched for other jobs with no success. She turned to
CCSC as a last resort. Glad to help in this medical crisis, CCSC was able to provide multiple services to Debra: four medications were
filled at a nearby pharmacy, she was provided nutritious groceries, her delinquent water bill was paid, and we connected Debra to
reputable agencies who can assist with her remaining needs. Meeting clients like Debra, who face adversity during a journey of healing,
is a great honor for the volunteers and staff at Emergency Services-Central.
EMERGENCY SERVICES–CENTRAL
Networking is how 80% of jobs are filled.
JobNet recently introduced a new workshop,
“The Importance of Networking,” which guides
job seekers through the process of identifying
their professional network and building upon
it. Participants learn how to connect with hiring
managers using social media, networking events,
and personal contacts. Following the first work-
shop, 15 job seekers had the chance to expand
their personal network, exchange job leads, and
share contacts. This is just one of seven workshops
offered monthly at JobNet.
JOBNET
Martha’s Way students are eager to make positive changes in their lives. Clients attending the program plan to start a house-keeping business, yet they have goals that reach beyond that. Many clients desire to complete educational goals, improve their financial situation, save for their child’s education, or purchase a home. These goals can be difficult to achieve without a strong support network. Carmen Clarke, CCSC’s Client Services Connector, is able to meet with clients to provide the sup-port and guidance essential for them to advance towards these goals. As a result, clients have seen significant improvements in their overall quality of life.
MARTHA’S WAY
In February, Emergency Services-Southwest
moved! We remain on the Gethsemane campus
of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (6856
Bellaire Blvd; 77074) but are housed in a beautiful
new wing of the church building. This transition
also included relocating the CCSC Garden to a
new spot on the same property. We are grateful to
remain in partnership with St. Luke’s and appre-
ciate the “can-do”spirit of our volunteers as we
went through this exciting transition. Program
hours remain the same: 10 AM to 1 PM on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 AM to
Noon on Saturday. Our doors are open!
EMERGENCY SERVICES–SOUTHWEST
CCSCWISH LIST
CCSC’s Wish List reflects unbudgeted items that would be very handy “extras” to help carry out the organization’s mission. Thank you for your help!
EMERGENCY SERVICES – CENTRAL
U-Line Canvas Basket Truck, 12 Bushel $262
EMERGENCY SERVICES – SOUTHWEST
Utility Cart $155
YOUTH SERVICES
Back To School & Jingle Bell Express – Bulk Boxes (48 x 40 x 36) $278 / 10 pack
Back To School – Book Boxes (12 x 12 x 12) $75 / 60 pack
Back To School – Large Boxes (18 x 18 x 24) $102.40 / 50 pack
JOBNET
Wireless Printer/Scanner/Copier $200 Used for printing job leads and client business cards/IDs.
Portable Projector with audio-video capability & digital connectivity $360 For use in workshops, classes and seminars.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICESCopy Paper (letter-sized) $40 / case
6 www.ccschouston.org
Anonymous Cheerful Giver (2)Baker Botts, L.L.P.Bob Strawn Boy Scout Troops: 13, 55, 125, 211, 1881Brookfield Office PropertiesDr. Tom Ayres & Caycie Briner, in memory
of Christine AyresExtreme Air Conditioning Services, Inc.
Fox 26 Houston Grace Presbyterian Church Hugh and Fannie Parker Imani School Beta ClubJulian PittmanMelanie Smith Melissa Daigneault & FriendsPanera Bread
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Gethsemane Campus
St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Garden
A special “Thank You” also goes to all churches and organizations that provide CCSC with gifts from organized food, clothing, hygiene, and/or shoe drives on a regular basis.
THANKS TO IN-KIND DONORSA donation of goods or services is an excellent way to help our organization achieve its mission. Here is a list of CCSC’s recent in-kind contributors. (If we missed your group, please let us know so we can recognize you in the next newsletter.)
Sunshine Resale Shop5413 Bellaire Blvd. @ Chimney Rock
(Bellaire Triangle Shopping Center!)
OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm 713-665-4000
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE REGULAR SAVINGS EVENTS…
50% OFFAll Regular Clothing!
(Every Mon., Wed. & Sat.)
25% OFFBooks, Toysand Games
(Tuesdays)
25% OFFFurniture &
Surprise Savings!
(Thursdays)
SENIOR CITIZENS
25% OFFEntire Purchase
(Every Day!)
SIGN UP FOR
SaturdaySales
shop_2@ ccschouston.org
COUPON25% OFFENTIRE
PurchaseNot valid with any other
coupon or promotion.One coupon per purchase.
(All sales & coupons exclude consignment items)
Expires: 7/1/2016
Stock Donations to CCSCCCSC gratefully accepts stock donations, and like any other donation, it can be designated to the program of your choice. It can be a
win-win situation: CCSC receives a contribution, while the donor may be able to write off the gift and avoid paying capital gains taxes
on the stock appreciation. For more information on how to donate stock to CCSC you may contact Judie Kochenower, Finance Director
at CCSC, [email protected], or Jake Wilson with Texas Presbyterian Foundation, 214-522-3155 or [email protected].
www.ccschouston.org 7
2016 Azalea Dinner & AuctionThank you to all who made the 2016 Azalea Dinner a successful evening!
Christian Community Service CenterP. O. Box 27924Houston, TX 77227-7924Connections, CCSC’s quarterly newsletter, is designed to keep you in touch with CCSC’s mission, ministries, events, member churches and volunteers.
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Like us on Facebook: CCSC – Christian
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&CCSC’s Sunshine Resale
Shop
Follow uson Twitter:
@CCSCHouston
Follow MichelleShonbeck’s blog:
blog.ccschouston.org
SPONSOR ONE OR MORE STUDENTS!
$45.00 will provide one student with a new school uniform/shoes and a new
grade-appropriate school supply package.
To donate, visit our secure website www.ccschouston.org
or mail a personal check to CCSC, with “Back To School” written on the memo line.
Sort & Set UpSaturday, July 30th7:30AM to 11:00AM
Help get a student prepared for a new
school year!HERE’S HOW:
Distribution Two Days!
Friday, August 5 7:30AM to 1:00PM
-or-Saturday, August 6 7:30AM to 1:00PM
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME!Join us at Faith Lutheran Church,
4600 Bellaire Blvd. for:
For more information, please contact Cathy Brown, Youth Services Manager.
Phone: 713-961-3993 ext. 215 or Email: [email protected]