The Response Network Volunteer Spotlight: Everyone Can Do Something
“Honestly, these things have made us feel so normal again, especially the kids. I truly thank you.”
This quote was the response of a family that was in need of several items, including a refrigerator, to furnish their home and make it a safe, comfortable place for their children. Through our Response Network, The Riverside Project was able to connect with organizations, individuals, and churches to meet this need within a few days! (We shared more of the story over on Instagram.)
This is just one of many stories of how we are able to make a difference through collaboration across our city, strategically partnering with local organizations to provide essential assistance to children and families in need through our Response Network.
The Response Network is how we mobilize the community to meet the practical needs of vulnerable families. CPS investigators and caseworkers submit needs through an online form, and our team works to mobilize our network of churches, foster closets, nonprofits, and other community partners to meet those needs. Our hope is that through developing a relationship with a local church, or other community partners, families will find ongoing support and encouragement.
When the community comes together to make a difference, it doesn’t take long to see how each of us can pursue the same mission in different but equally important ways. This is the concept behind “the River”:
We should not all be doing the same thing. Instead, we should be strategically positioned at different points along the River to address the many contributing factors to Houston’s overwhelmed foster care system.
Meet 3 of Our Incredible Volunteers
Our Response Network team reached out to a few of our dedicated volunteers, passionate people, and church community members. We asked for their answers to a few questions and were blown away by their hearts to serve. As we often say, “Things that matter are hard.” But we don’t have to do them alone. These volunteers are examples of how each of us can do something.
Gail Jackson has a wealth of experience working with children and families in educational and social service settings. She and her husband are former foster parents and she continues to serve this community through volunteering with The Riverside Project as well as other organizations along the River.
Dee Mitchel is a member of Fallbrook Church and has been volunteering faithfully in the community for many years. She recently started serving families connected to The Riverside Project and we are grateful for her support!
Tyler and Laura Waters attend Houston’s First Baptist Church Sienna and help lead a Bible study class of 50 individuals that are committed to seeing their group care for our city’s most vulnerable. Together, they work to meet many needs throughout our city.
Let’s get to know each of these fantastic volunteers better and how they are doing their part along the River:
What drew you to work with the Response Network or the Riverside Project in general? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your involvement?
GAIL: I have always had a heart for the foster community and it’s very important to me. When The Riverside Project was mentioned to me by several different people, I knew I was being led by God in that direction. When I researched and listened to the podcast, I was certain this was an organization I had to become involved with.
DEE: The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) referred me to The Riverside Project because my volunteering efforts were aligned and we were working toward the same goal.
TYLER/LAURA: Laura was introduced to The Riverside Project at one of her MomCo meetings where Amber was a speaker. When we had the opportunity to create a ministry partnership for a Life Bible Study class at our church, we began researching charitable and service organizations. We liked the mission and vision of The Riverside Project and thought it drastically stood out for long-term sustainability with the networking efforts to help serve and care for the vulnerable, orphan, foster, kinship children, and families in our community.
Can you describe a memorable interaction with a family or individual that stands out to you?
DEE: One of my favorite interactions is seeing kids and mothers overcome with gratitude and surprise when I’m able to bring more than they expected above the necessities. I like to add in additional things when I can, such as sports or cartoon characters on items and gym bags filled with a few extra items they aren’t expecting.
TYLER/LAURA: We had the opportunity to collect home goods for an apartment complex for young adults who were formerly involved with the foster care system. When we delivered the items, we had the chance to interact with a young lady. It kicked off a long-term relationship and we have had the honor of learning her story. Although we greatly grieve the tragedy she has experienced, we celebrate the redemption and recovery. We never get tired of seeing faces light up when we deliver any kind of goods or services that are needed there!
In your opinion, what role can the faith community take in addressing the needs of families in child welfare?
GAIL: I think it’s a fundamental role of the Church to be involved in child welfare. Our faith community provides structure through Scripture and support. Our faith calls us to take care of each other and support each other, especially during difficult times.
DEE: The faith community can serve those in need by meeting material needs, providing resources, assisting in personal growth through education, financial generosity, and more. We all grow as a community when these entities are working hand-in-hand to aid families with their difficulties, and we are strengthened most when the faith community is a part of that.
TYLER/LAURA: Jesus commands us to take care of the “least of these.” He repeatedly instructs us to care for the poor and the powerless, the orphans and the widows, and those who are incarcerated. It’s not only the responsibility of a church or an organization; it’s the responsibility of every believer and follower of Christ to care for the least of these. We are extremely blessed to have an organization like The Riverside Project to partner with in our collective calling.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering getting involved in similar volunteer work?
GAIL: I think you just need to jump in! There are so many incredible organizations in Houston you could get connected with. It doesn’t need to be a huge time commitment; it could be helping out an event a few times a year. Even a few hours is impactful, not only for the people you serve but also for yourself.
DEE: I always encourage people with a heart to serve to start with what they enjoy doing. Set a goal for yourself of how long you intend to give volunteering a try. As time goes on, don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your time, treasures, and talent.
TYLER/LAURA: Pray over the vulnerable, start small, and allow God to open the doors for your specific talents and interests. Remember, you have a calling but be prepared to accept your limits. You can’t be everything for everyone. Doing what you can is always better than giving up or doing nothing because it seems too overwhelming. Small investments yield big returns over time. Finally, prepare your heart to take the good with the bad. Caring for this community requires endurance. As our pastor Malcolm Marshall says, “No mess, no ministry.”
How do you measure the success or impact of your contributions? And what keeps you motivated to continue serving?
GAIL: I do think it’s difficult to measure the impact of volunteer work so I can only go with how I feel in my heart. I have volunteered many hours in my life and have never once regretted it. I always leave with a sense of peace and joy that I gave back and used my time productively. Volunteering always gives me more than I can give it.
DEE: When you fulfill a need and are invited back to do it again, this is a reminder that your work matters. As a person of faith, serving is a part of my faith. I enjoy the feeling I get knowing that I’ve reminded someone that they are a part of our community.
TYLER/LAURA: Sometimes we see the fruit of our labor through smiles, praise, and the continuation of positive impact, but other times we don’t. It’s wonderful to know any labor is rooted in good rich soil and making an impact. Ultimately, we believe being successful in Kingdom work requires faith in knowing our efforts, time, and resources are treasures in God’s Kingdom. We serve to be obedient to God in caring for these children and families. Even if no one else sees or acknowledges our work, God sees it and His blessings will far exceed any worldly praise we receive.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Gail, Dee, Tyler, and Laura for letting us get to know them better and for partnering with The Riverside Project by serving through The Response Network. We are so grateful for each of our volunteers!
Each and every one of us has a role to play in transforming the foster care system in Houston and making it a place where families heal and children thrive. We should not all be doing the same thing, but we can all do something.
You can get involved and make a difference just like these volunteers! Here are two great ways to get started:
Give your time. We’d love for YOU to get involved in The Response Network as well! There are also countless opportunities to give of your time by volunteering at many of the organizations or nonprofits across our city or by becoming a certified babysitter. We would love to connect you to the best opportunity! Just fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Partner with us financially. When we work together, each with our own unique skills and resources, we can build a better future for every family in our community. Your financial gift helps provide training for community responders as well as tangible items and services that help families stabilize. Support The Riverside Project through your generosity here.
We know that together we can address the foster care crisis, but only when we work in collaboration and each find our place along the River to address it from all sides. Let’s create a future where Houston children and families heal and thrive! Where is your place along the River?
