NAM Happenings

People often ask what's new at NAM. Each day brings a new, exciting list of things to share as each one of NAM's programs could be a stand alone agency or business in its own right. NAM's staff and volunteers are continually seeking new ways to improve client services and create collaborations with other organizations to provide services in NAM's building to assist those in our area that otherwise might go without due to barriers with transportation.

A huge thanks to all who participated in this year's Art for the Hungry at the Willowbrook Mall. Congratulations to this year's winners of the People's Choice and the Judges Choice Awards -Hosanna Lutheran School with Taj Mahal -, Plymouth United Church with the Space Needle and National Charity League Cypress Creek Chapter with the Great Pyramid. The event raised more than $6,000 dollars for the Food Pantry and generated more than 10,000 greatly appreciated food items which will go a long way in assisting NAM to feed the hundreds of families who rely on NAM's food pantry during the long, hot summer months when utility bills climb and the kids are not in school.

NAM has already seen an increase of first time families in need of food due to the increasing gas prices stretching already strained budgets which makes your contributions of food and cash that much more important - so thanks to all who generously give of their time, talents and treasures to lend a hand.


PROGRAM NOTES

In addition to their many other daily responsibilities, NAM's Program Directors have worked diligently to improve client service delivery by participating in a year long business process improvement initiative call Continuous Quality Improvement or CQI. The group very successfully navigated their way through the initiative with the end result culminating in improved client services and a greater sense of shared vision and teamwork. Way to go team!

This commitment to the mission is what has recently earned NAM an award from the Better Business Bureau as one of the most well run, efficient charities in Houston. In addition, NAM was recently listed as one of the top 20 charities in the Metropolitan area.

Here's a glimpse of happenings during the month of March, 2008:

• The Assistance Program has begun the process of evaluating and registering families for the Back-to-School Project. The Distribution date is scheduled for August 16, 2008.


• In March the Food Pantry recorded food donations for the annual $1 million Feinstein challenge grant. A total of 17,028 food items have been donated.


• The Children’s Clinic saw 715 appointments. They received an award from the Texas Department of Health Services for immunizing such a large percentage of our population and entering data into the state immunization registry.


• The Interfaith Hospitality Program has received an “extreme makeover” kitchen and family room donated by Caldwell Companies and KB Homes. An Open House and Blessing was held on March 27, 2008.


• The Meal-on-Wheels Program has issued a monthly newsletter to clients that contain NAM social service resource information.


• The Shelter and Energy Assistance program reports and increase in the clients served by 13% form March 2007 to March 2008.


• The Rotary Learning Center’s late spring semester will start April 28th. The Workforce Development Program progresses to place more Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services clients into jobs and has started providing job coaching services.

The new NAM Resale Shop has openings for volunteers willing to sort and tag donations. If you haven't been by, please take a tour. This is the best way I can think of for a community to help itself - by recycling gently used items to help their neighbors in need. This year the shops are budgeted to raise approximately $1.7 million which stays right here in this community. We sure could use your help so go online at http://www.namonline.org/ and sign up to volunteer with Julia directly.

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers over age 21 willing to commit 2 hours a month to share a smile and deliver a meal. You can also sign up on line directly with Meals on Wheels through NAM's website.

Finally, NAM will be hosting a series of quarterly CEO and Clergy Roundtables this year designed to strengthen partnerships and create collaborations to improve quality and increase access to healthcare, education and community services. It's so encouraging to know our community has dedicated, committed community leaders willing to make room in their already full schedules to create a shared vision for a brighter future.

Well that's a peek at what's going on. Want to get involved? Click on http://www.namonline.org/ and make a difference by working with your neighbors to make your community a better place for all.

All the best,

Carole

A + E = M

(Attitude + Effort = Mission)