The Woodlands' 50th Anniversary Community
BY VANESSA HOLT
Editor's note: This story is part of a monthly series that Community Impact will run through the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands in October 2024 highlighting the community.
Interfaith of The Woodlands was such an inte- gral part of founder George Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands that the organization was founded a year before the community opened in 1974. Celebrating 50 years as of October, Interfaith has expanded its roles over the years, but it has remained true to its mission to serve the commu- nity from a place of faith, said President and CEO Missy Herndon, who has been with the organiza- tion since 2013. “The beauty of Interfaith is that it brings people together, asking people to put aside their dier- ences in the name of service,” she said. The inspiration Don Gebert, who died in 2021 at age 91, took on the task of founding the organization as a start- ing point for faith-based institutions and social services. Herndon said the nonprot also played a role in the creation of local chapters of the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America. Today, core services provided by Interfaith include providing help for necessities, senior programs and child care. The background In recent years, those needs at times have been heightened by disasters, and ination has also contributed to greater need, Herndon said. Over the years the nonprot has also added programs, including Veggie Village, a community donation garden, and Interfaith Community Clinic. What’s next One area in which Interfaith may expand its programs in the future is senior services. Expanding the food pantry will also be a priority, and increases in the price of food have highlighted that need, she said. “It is still one of our largest needs,” Herndon said. Interfaith of The Woodlands marks 50 years in the community
Interfaith of The Woodlands’ annual Celebration of Excellence took place March 31 honoring Hometown Heroes.
PHOTOS COURTESY INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS
Volunteers from the community assist with activities.
Don Gebert founded Interfaith in 1973.
50 years of Interfaith 1973: Interfaith founded 1974: Interfaith launched 1976: Child Development Center formed 1979: Family Services facility created 1989: Hand Me Up Shop formed 1996: Interfaith Community Clinic opens 2009: Interfaith Way named
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4242 Interfaith Way, Spring www.woodlandsinterfaith.org
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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