Nonpro t
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Pictured, from left, are Executive Director Tricia Bledsoe and Community Engagement O cer Sydney Sandison.
Getting help To receive services, eligible residents must apply in person at the nonpro t’s o ce and bring the following documentation: 1 Provide one of the following to demonstrate proof of residence for everyone living at residence: • Valid drivers license with current address • Current utility bill • Current mail • Lease agreement including all resident names
Nonpro t Mission Northeast o ers groceries to residents in need once per month at the organization’s facility in New Caney.
PHOTOS BY WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Mission Northeast marks 3 decades of giving back
When New Caney nonpro t Mission Northeast rst opened its doors in 1995, it operated out of a nearby church as a food pantry to help struggling residents with groceries. What they o er Thirty years later, the nonpro t has expanded its role in helping locals through the distribution of clothing and household items, consultation and chaplain support, case-by-case nancial assis- tance, weekend food support for children in need, and monthly food delivery to elderly or disabled individuals. Some context Executive Director Tricia Bledsoe said the nonpro t’s coverage area spans nearly 800 square miles across nine ZIP codes in Montgomery and Liberty counties. Bledsoe said much of the area the nonpro t covers includes East Montgomery County, which she noted includes some of the highest poverty rates in the county. “We have the highest rate of poverty and the least amount of o erings [of support] in Montgom- ery County,” Bledsoe said. How it works Bledsoe noted food donations, which are provided to residents once a month, are still one of the nonpro t’s primary functions.
“It’s roughly about a week’s worth of meals [for a family of four],” Bledsoe said, noting the amount of food equates to about a $200 purchase at the grocery store. Additionally, Bledsoe said the nonpro t sends food support packages to area children in need every weekend through its “Buddy Backpack Program.” “On Fridays, the school counselors put them in their backpack so there’s no stigma,” Bledsoe said. “On Monday morning, they’re in a better place to start their week because this isn’t their rst meal after Friday at lunch.” Bledsoe said the nonpro t also doles out roughly 13,000 pieces of clothing per month at no cost to clients. Get involved Bledsoe said the organization runs on donations and volunteers. The organization also hosts several fundraisers throughout the year to bring in additional funds. Looking ahead Looking to the future, Bledsoe said the organi- zation will continue to expand its presence as the community continues to grow. If needed, she said the nonpro t still has space at its current location to expand. “We just want to give back to the community and help people in need,” Bledsoe said.
2 Provide one of the following to demonstrate proof of income: • Current pay stub • Copy of latest tax return • Current Disability Income Award Letter
3 For each child at the address, applicants will need one of the following: • Medicaid Letter
• CHIPS card • Shot record • Letter from doctor • Enrollment letter from school if they are school age • Crib Card for babies
SOURCE: MISSION NORTHEAST COMMUNITY IMPACT
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22098 Loop 494, New Caney www.missionne.org
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