Nonpro t
BY SARAH BRAGER
Every weekday, Paula Stoebner, a volunteer at Northwest Assistance Ministries, helps distribute food to dozens of people in her community. Stoeb- ner, who has been volunteering at NAM for over 20 years, said she serves about 60 to 80 families per day at the drive-thru food pantry. Stoebner is one of thousands of volunteers each year who assist with NAM operations. Senior Services Director Kristi Slawinski, who runs the Meals on Wheels program, said their services not only meet basic needs, but support socialization and engagement as well. “Our faces might be the only ones that they see, so that’s something that’s really valuable to the community,” Slawinski said. About the organization Headquartered in Spring, NAM provided services to 117,032 residents in scal year 2023-24 and received help from over 3,000 volunteers, according to its annual report. The faith-based organization o ers services including Meals on Wheels deliv- eries, food pantry, behavioral health services and vocational training. President and CEO Nadine Scamp started in April and said NAM’s primary focus is promoting dignity and autonomy for clients. “We really want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to nd their hope, purpose, wellness, stability and reach their full potential in life,” Scamp said. The need According to last year’s report, 88% of NAM recipients were below the poverty level. Scamp said everyone comes through NAM’s doors with a unique story and set of circumstances, but the organization always sees a higher demand for support during the summer months when living expenses increase. According to a study by the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, 63% of respondents in the Greater Houston area cut back on essential spend- ing, such as groceries and health care, to a ord their energy bills. These sacri ces are exacerbated in the summer as energy costs climb. Low-income families are also more likely to need assistance when kids are out of school, Scamp said. “Many times [children] may have been receiving free meals during the lunch hour at school, and they don’t have that same access all the time during Northwest Assistance Ministries expands food pantry, veteran services
The faith-based organization provided services to 117,032 residents in scal year 2023 24.
COURTESY NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES
the summer months, so food costs have gone up,” she said. What’s new? NAM launched several new programs in July to meet higher demand and diversify its services, Scamp said. Veterans, as well as their dependents and spouses, can now receive support through the organization’s veteran services program including: • Rent and mortgage assistance • Utility assistance • Transportation assistance • Food pantry access • Access to walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and other assistive devices NAM is also o ering Saturday hours at the food pantry once a month, after previously being open only Monday through Friday. Looking ahead NAM will host a public event at its facility— located at 15555 Kuykendahl Road—on Sept. 6 where community members can share feedback about the organization’s strategic planning process. “Anyone that has an interest in determining NAM’s future is able to come and share their voice,” Scamp said. “We want to take all the di erent perspectives and use that as we move forward.”
NAM serves thousands of Northwest Houston residents with food, housing support and health care services.
SARAH BRAGER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston www.namonline.org
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION
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