Katy Edition | November 2022

VOLUNTEER GUIDE GUIDE For those looking to help out in the Katy community, there are several local nonprot groups that oer volunteer opportunities and accept donations. This list is noncomprehensive. Volunteer requirements APP Application OTN Orientation BC Background check AGE Under age 18 allowed

BETTER THE CITY 1 The Fort Bend Women’s Center provides free support to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, including a 24/7 crisis hotline. Sample activities include oce and administrative support, helping with fundrais- ing events, assisting with special projects and working with PennyWise Resale Center. The center accepts donations of money, paper products and diapers. APP OTN BC AGE 501 E. Hwy. 90, Richmond

chaperoning tours and volunteering to set up events. Donations accepted include money, nonperishables, books and water. APP OTN BC AGE 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress 3468435639 www.dream-keepers.org 3 Fort Bend Partnership for Youth Inc. focuses on the growing issue of juvenile de- linquency in Fort Bend County. The nonprot works closely with youth and their families that are involved with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department. Sample activities for volunteers—who must be at least 21 years old—include mentoring juve- niles in the detention center and one-on-one adult/juvenile mentoring in the community. The nonprot accepts monetary donations. APP OTN BC 122 Golfview Drive, Richmond 2816337317 www.pfy.org

Food For Families

The Arc of Katy

COURTESY KATY ISD

COURTESY THE ARC OF KATY

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

4 Joe Joe Bear Foundation is a children’s charity focusing on providing teddy bears to sick children for comfort. It also helps educate parents of sick children. Sample activities include bear drop-os, event photography, social media and marketing help, and help with events. Donations accepted include money, but it is not accepting bears due to COVID19 concerns. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. APP OTN BC AGE 1846 Snake River Road, Katy 2813984522 www.joejoebear.org

5 The Coastal Prairie Conservancy works to preserve and protect the acres that make up the Coastal Prairie for the well-being of the wildlife and people in the area. One of its main goals is land conservation and res- toration. Volunteers can collect seeds, plant new ora and take care of a plant nursery. It accepts money and land donations. APP BC AGE Field oce: 31975 Hebert Road, Waller 7135236135 www.coastalprairieconservancy.org

2813445750 www.wc.org EMPOWER CHILDREN

2 Dream Keepers is a nonprot dedicated to empowering young women through build- ing lasting relationships. It focuses on creating support networks to help them achieve goals. Sample activities include mentoring,

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Katy Christian Ministries Nonprot addresses food insecurity, domestic violence in Katy area F or the past 38 years, Katy Chris- tian Ministries has provided food, shelter, counseling and KCM has three main functions: as a crisis center, social services and a food pantry. BY ASIA ARMOUR

Katy Christian Ministries ocials said they need volunteers the most around the holiday season. (Courtesy Katy Christian Ministries)

Its crisis center provides free sup- port for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse; its social services programs include nancial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, gas, prescriptions and vouchers to KCM’s resale store. Meanwhile, KCM also maintains a food pantry to address food insecurity. Its community garden provides fresh produce, and food items are collected in red barrels at local grocery stores and through monthly community donation drives at area churches. “Each program oers an array of services designed to help our families build resiliency, ultimately, so our families can be self-sucient,” Crespo said.

support services to West Houston residents with the greatest need. The nonprot’s mission to trans- form lives through God’s grace and the generosity of the community is executed through collaboration with community partners, KCM Executive Director Deysi Crespo said. The organi- zation operates with more than 2,000 volunteers annually, she said. “We do this [work] with our partner churches; we do it with businesses, corporations, individuals and anyone willing to join forces with us and do local missions together,” she said. “Without the volunteers, we would not be able to accomplish what we do on a daily basis.”

From January to August, KCM has done measurable work in Katy.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

1,421

9,333

delivered in nancial assistance for basic needs $246,914

971,928

primary and secondary victims

families provided with social services

meals distributed

of domestic violence and sexual abuse served

Katy Christian Ministries 3506 Porter Road, Katy 281-391-5261 www.ktcm.org Hours: Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri.-Sun. closed

CLAY RD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM