Every day, people from varying life journeys join Buckner to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, families, and seniors. But what makes volunteering at Buckner so special? Volunteers get more than a “job well done” experience; they’re answering the call to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Volunteer and children's book author Lisa Bailey recently visited the Buckner Family Hope Center at Reed Road in Houston to read and share her book, “Uh Huh. Yeah Okay! That’s What My Mommy Says …”
Lisa’s fun and energetic personality captured the attention of the children as they gathered around to listen to her read. The families were able to relate to the story of a mother who spent a lot of time on her phone and not enough time with her child. Family Coaching client Tiffany G. shared that because of this, she felt compelled to pay less attention to her phone and more time with her children. Former Family Coaching client Grace and her family won the prize for coming up with the most activities for family bonding. All the families walked away with a book signed by the author and a new perspective on family bonding.
Families Serving Families
Not only can individuals like Lisa Bailey volunteer to serve families, but we also empower families to make a difference in another family’s life.
In April 2023, three Buckner Houston locations hosted over 100 volunteers at each site in partnership with Love Has No Limits. Together, volunteers fought against hunger by supplying food items, working on garden projects, and supplying hygiene products to vulnerable families.
The Rajan family saw a struggling mom carrying her babies during the event. They didn’t hesitate to grab a stroller they were planning to donate from their car to ease her burden. The Rajan family met an unspoken need at the very moment they witnessed her struggle. A gesture of kindness from one family to another opened the door for them to make a difference beyond what was expected of them.
Transformational Power of God’s Word
“They overcame by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony.” - Revelation 12:11
Volunteers from faith-based entities across Houston partner with Buckner to teach biblical principles that empower and transform families.
Volunteer Cole Rose inspires many families through Out tha Box Church, Hip Hop Hope, and seasonal baptisms. She empowered a single mother of four to use her voice to share her story with others in the class about overcoming roadblocks in life and walking by faith.
Hip Hop Hope brings families together to build community through music, fun, and fellowship. Families are empowered to serve one another because of the selfless example Cole Rose has set before them through her love for God and his people.
Sharing God’s Faithfulness
Seun Arise and Ericka Greene are both doctors with busy schedules, but they also make time to inspire single mothers and families at Buckner. Each contributes to an impactful spiritual enrichment activity—whether it’s a women’s devotional group or a Sunday church service at Buckner.
Arise and Greene engage with families on a level that elevates them to see the bigger plan that God has for each of their lives. Arise shared her story about losing her husband, now a TED Talk – The Surprising Gifts of Loss.
One mother who participates in Buckner programs lost her mother around Christmastime and truly felt she couldn’t face another day with the mountain of grief she had to endure. But she found the courage to face another day. She is working again and planning to move her family into a home very soon. Arise’s life story inspired her to find that strength to keep going.
In June 2023, over 20 volunteers from Masters Road Church came to Buckner Houston locations with one goal to share the love of God and showcase his love with an entire mission week through Popsicles and Prayer, The Red & Yellow Show (theatrical performance), Movie Day, and a cookout with the families in the Buckner Family Pathways program.
Volunteers at Buckner pair talent with a true desire to serve others and heal wounds of distrust and resentment. Ultimately, God uses them to make a difference in our world. We are grateful for the many volunteers who extend themselves through their time and talent to join us in shining hope in the lives of the families we serve.
Would you like to shine hope through Buckner Houston programs? Find out more at buckner.org/volunteer.
Paris Nichols is the community coordinator for Buckner Children and Family Services in Houston.
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Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Whether it's making a meal, teaching Zumba, doing crafts, or playing games, serving others (and allowing yourself to be served) is a blessing to us all.