The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast
Want to find a Houston-area place to volunteer that is right for you? Listen along as your host Paul H. Cannon interviews local Houston-area mission leaders and participants about their mission and how you can be a part of something bigger right here in Houston, Texas.
When Paul H. Cannon was in his late 20s, He was the missions coordinator for a bible study class of 165 people at Second Baptist Westway Campus in Houston. One of the challenges he ran across was finding local mission projects for the class to participate in. "If only there was a website where you could go and learn about a large group of opportunities at once," Paul thought.
It was from this idea that Meet Houston Missions was born. As a partner and the marketing manager for Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers, Paul now had the means to create what he was missing. It started out as a simple series of Zoom videos and has not evolved into a weekly podcast.
If you are in the Greater Houston Area and a Mission looking for volunteers, I want to talk to you! If you are someone in the GHA who needs volunteer hours for a school group, or church group project, or you just want to be a part of something bigger, this show is for you.
Follow our podcast and visit: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/meet-houston-missions/ to learn about the opportunities that are literally surrounding you!
Meet Houston Missions guests do not have to be affiliated with any group or religion. If your organization is boot-on-the-ground helping people in our area, email Paul at pcannon@simmonsandfletcher.com for guest opportunities.
Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. Learn more about the firm at: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com. It has been serving the Houston community since 1979.
The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast
Meet Houston Missions: Redeemed Ministries
On this episode of Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast,
Bobbie Mark, the Executive Director of Redeemed Ministries, discusses how they have helped over 150 women escape from the bonds of human trafficking. Since 2010, Redeemed Ministries has operated one of the longest-running safe houses for victims of human trafficking in the United States. They work with rescues directly to provide shelter for women ages 18 and older seeking to escape the life of sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
History
In 2005, Bobbie Mark and her husband began doing outreach to women in the commercial sex industry. In 2010, they saw the need for safe houses and opened the Sparrow House, an 8-bedroom home in Harris County, with the goals of giving survivors a safe place to receive education, empowerment, and healing as well as be introduced to Jesus Christ.
The Program
Redeemed Ministries has enjoyed success like few other rescues in that their recidivism rate is only 25%, whereas the national rate is around 80%. They do this by employing a program that not only educates and empowers survivors but also rewards survivors for staying longer. The first year is largely an education and rehabilitation phase where they help them see themselves as a valued life. After a year, they are given the opportunity to work outside the rescue while still living there rent-free. When they make it to 18 months, the rescue will match up to $1500.00 to help them purchase a car. Graduates who stay the full 2 years have an extremely high rate of escaping the life forever.
Volunteer Needs
Redeemed Ministries has 12 regular team members. Everything they do requires volunteer help. Teachers and mentors are needed to help the survivors develop life and employment skills. Volunteers to help upkeep the house and the clothing boutique where survivors can obtain clothes. Additionally, the property is located in Northwest Harris County, where they have an 8-bedroom home that sits on some fenced-in property. Volunteers are needed to maintain the property and build a garden. In addition to these opportunities, if you would like to volunteer to help with the fundraiser events, opportunities are posted on their website here: https://www.redeemedtx.org/new-page-2.
Donations & Fundraising Opportunities
In March, they hold their annual Golf Fundraiser, Golf for Good, at The Woodlands Country Club. You can join a team, sponsor, or volunteer to help set up. Also, in March, Redeemed Ministries will host Just Ride for a Just Cause, a cycling event in West Houston to raise funds. Redeemed Ministries also hosts an annual GALA to raise money and awareness of the human trafficking problem.
Direct monetary and in-kind donations are also accepted. They can always use toiletries, laundry supplies, and basic needs items.
Contact:
Volunteer Opportunities: laura@redeemedtx.org
Redeemed Ministries
4008 Louetta Rd., Ste. 289
Spring, TX 77388
(832) 447-4130
Meet Houston Missions is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C.
