Mosaic Village Church Joins CCSC

May 2024

Feeding Hunger, Fostering Hope,

Furthering Success

Mosaic Village Church became a CCSC member church in early May.

CCSC Welcomes

Mosaic Village Church

to its Coalition

CCSC is happy to announce that Mosaic Village Church has joined its coalition of churches united to help those in crisis in our community.

"Mosaic Village Church is a 1001 New Worshiping Community of the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA)," Rev. Shawn Kang said. "We are largely Asian American second and third generation and have a heart to live out our faith in this world as faithfully as possible."

Rev. Kang looks forward to his congregation serving through CCSC. "We really wanted a partnership where our members could serve the community in a regular and consistent way," Rev. Kang said. "We wanted a way for our folks not just to hear and learn about compassion and love, but to be able to live it out with real people in real situations in our community.

Rev. Kang was introduced to CCSC years ago. "I love that (CCSC) is an organization that sees faith in action," Rev. Kang said. "We can be a witness and participant in the transformation of lives through the love and grace of God. The multifaceted approach to immediate emergency help and long-term equipping for self-sustainability is also a practical and powerful way to help those in our community most in need."

"CCSC is thrilled to welcome Mosaic Village as a new covenant church," CCSC President & CEO Michelle Shonbeck said. "Their congregation has already volunteered at a Food Fair, their leadership has toured our facility, and their enthusiasm for outreach is contagious. Pastor Shawn Kang is a longtime friend of CCSC, so we welcome him back into the CCSC community."

Serving Those in Need

After Severe Weather

CCSC programs remain open in the aftermath of Houston’s severe weather, and we are especially thankful for our volunteers who make that possible. Despite dealing with their own storm issues, volunteers came in to serve at CCSC on Friday, Saturday and today so that our clients could get food and clothing, pay their rent or utility bills, or apply for jobs online. THANK YOU!

Extreme weather events can be devastating for families living on the edge of poverty. Men and women who rely on hourly wage jobs to make ends meet can experience lost or reduced paychecks due to business closures, making it difficult to pay for food and rent. Other families may be dealing with lost power and home damage, directing already thin resources away from their essential needs.

You can help our neighbors facing crises in the wake of Houston’s recent weather and other emergency events by making a gift today.

Back To School Registers

Over 4,000 Students

BIG thanks to our 57 Back To School volunteers who gave about 387 hours earlier this month to register over 4,000 low-income students for CCSC's August community event.

"This program is very important," participant Maria G. said. "Maybe a mother or father can’t work, or they are unemployed. This helps. I would tell supporters of this program ‘Thank you very, very much for the opportunity, for me, the community, for the families and their kids. Many blessings to you.'”

CCSC is grateful for the support of Bellaire United Methodist Church for hosting the registration event and for our many dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been serving Back To School clients for over a decade.

It takes $75 to provide a student with brand-new school supplies, a backpack, and a clothing gift card. Donors are invited to support students at whatever amount they find comfortable—each dollar helps serve a child in need.

To donate to the Back To School program, please click here.

CCSC Celebrates Volunteers

with Ice Cream & Seussian Salute

In a world of good deeds, CCSC volunteers soar,

They welcome tall tasks and do so much more.

For National Volunteer Day, we shouted "Hooray!"

With gratitude in our hearts, we celebrated in a special way.

Thanks to donors and volunteers, it's true,

Someone will eat, someone will have clothes anew.

Someone can stay in their cozy abode,

Or keep the lights on along their life's road.

And for those we help, it's a comforting glow,

To know CCSC volunteers care, that they know.

To our amazing volunteers, we give a cheer,

You make miracles happen, year after year!

--Volunteer Manager Keli Luce

CCSC Grows Garden Fans

Visitors to CCSC's April Garden Open House learned about curing onions, why rotating crops is important for the soil, and that you really can grow green table grapes in Houston.

"People love learning about the Garden, what grows well and what doesn't, and how the Garden Team helps our food pantry visitors feed their families," Emergency Services-Southwest Manager Pat Weatherspoon-Hall said.

Last year, the CCSC Garden produced 5,629 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for CCSC's two food pantries. Garden volunteers range from beginners to Master Gardeners. To join the Garden Team, email Keli Luce at volunteer@ccschouston.org.

How to Hire

a CCSC-Trained Caregiver

Is your family looking for a trained nonmedical home caregiver to care for a loved one?

CCSC can put you in touch with graduates of its Home Caregiver Training Program. Graduates of the program have completed a 45+-hour program covering technical and communications skills and received CPR certification. To learn more about the program or fill out an interest form, visit our website at Hire a Caregiver or Housekeeper | Christian Community Service Center (ccschouston.org) or email Venice Elder at velder@ccschouston.org.

Last Chance to Join Us

for a Conversation with Dr. Pace

Just a few days remain to secure your ticket for our evening of conversation with Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Join us at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 to visit over drinks and light bites in CCSC’s 4th-floor multi-purpose room. CCSC President & CEO Michelle Shonbeck and Dr. Pace will discuss faith, leadership and service to the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your friends and fellow supporters of CCSC!

Purchase Your Tickets Today

Our mission is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.

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