Restore Hope. Transform Lives. End Homelessness.
Relive the beauty of the afternoon at The Miracles of the Mission Luncheon.
Our photo gallery is now available, take a moment to revisit the smiles, the stories, and the special moments that made the day so meaningful.
A heartfelt thank you to Kevin at ProVision Photography for capturing these wonderful memories for us.
HELEN A GAY, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Mission of Yahweh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering our community through various programs and initiatives. Our mission is to make a positive impact and create a better future for all.
BARBARA MOORE, RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR
Barbara reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for ensuring that residents’ needs of food, clothing and shelter are met. By utilizing Resident Assistants, she monitors the facilities and visitors on campus, ensuring security. She is responsible for enforcing The Mission’s resident policies and responding to issues and resolving disputes. Additional responsibilities include managing the food service program, ordering supplies, interacting with the Food Bank and other outside vendors, and ensuring The Mission’s compliance with regulatory bodies. She also oversees distribution of in-kind goods donated to The Mission and coordinates with community outreach in maintaining the food pantry, distribution of food to the community and the summer lunch program.
SHEMECA RICHARD, CASE MANAGER
Bio, Contact
GERALDINE SCOTT, PASTOR
Geraldine reports to the Executive Director and provides discipleship training, Bible classes, chapel services and one-on-one counseling for The Mission’s residents. She is responsible for sharing a foundation of true discipleship, repentance and faith in Christ for The Mission’s residents. She builds relationships with local churches and partners with them to help residents find a church home when they exit The Mission.
She monitors chapel and Bible study attendance and keeps the management team aware of any relevant resident concerns. She engages volunteers, staff and residents in all spiritually related activities on campus.
Board Officers
Kari Work, Chairperson
Kari joined the Mission Board in 2018 and is active on the Development Committee, Programs Committee and Christmas On A Mission Committee. She currently serves as Board Treasurer and formerly served as Parliamentarian. She has diverse accounting and finance experience spanning construction, real estate, and telecommunication, currently serving as the VP Finance and Human Resources for more than 23 years at MGC Inc. and MGC Real Estate.
Kari is actively involved at Pines Presbyterian Church, where she has served as an Elder, Vice Chair of Missions Committee, Youth Ministry Team Fellowship and on the Stewardship Committee. She is also passionate about community service, working with Sherwood Elementary, Raise Up Families and Birthday Bundles for Kids. She believes that God has called her to serve others and has been blessed with His opening doors to her and her family at these wonderful organizations. Kari has been married to John Work for over 26 years and has 2 sons - Christopher and John Michael and his wife Angelia and grandson J.T.
Blake Steele, Vice Chairperson
Blake joined the board of the Mission in 2022. As a new Board member, he joined the Development Committee with a desire to utilize his 38 years of experience in the oil and gas industry's corporate environment for Financial reporting. Blake has 3 daughters ages 21, 23 and 36. and one granddaughter aged 12. Blake attends First Metropolitan Church. He has led and facilitated Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace for 3 years, along with leading and facilitating the Business Services Ministry for 3 years at his church.
Nikki Samuelsen, Treasurer
Stanley Salters, Secretary
From education to healthcare, Mission of Yahweh offers a variety of programs to support the community. Learn more about our initiatives and how we make a positive impact.
Stanley Salters, Secretary
Debra Witherspoon, Parliamentarian
Stanley Salters, Secretary
Stan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Production and Engineering from the Berklee College of Music and went on to work as a sound engineer in Burbank, California. He pivoted to the business world and to the Houston area, earning an MBA with a Finance Concentration from Houston Christian University.
Stan has held a variety of senior managerial positions in the commercial banking industry. For the last 5 years he’s worked for First Horizon Bank and currently serves as Senior Vice President/Sr. Portfolio Manager.
Stan is a member of and serves at First Metropolitan Church. He is involved in coaching and mentoring various children's extracurricular sports/music programs and he has supported a variety of community organizations and activities. He and his wife Kristin have two adult children, Ryan and Randall.
Debra Witherspoon, Parliamentarian
Debra Witherspoon, Parliamentarian
Debra Witherspoon, Parliamentarian
Debra joined the Board in 2012 and has served in different capacities including Board Parliamentarian and Board Secretary. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Development Committee. She has volunteered in numerous capacities at the Mission of Yahweh since 2004 including leading a weekly Bible study/worship service.
Debra is a native Houstonian with more than 30 years’ experience in the Banking industry. She currently serves as Banking Administrative Officer at City Bank. She has also served in a variety of Christian leadership positions and Christian ministry is her passion. Debra is the mother of one child and is a member of Crossover Bible Fellowship Church.
Our Partners
Honorees
Samantha and David Kennedy
Samantha served on our Board for six years and has served on our Advisory Board for the past four years. She has chaired our gala twice, first in 2013 and again in 2023, and has also played a significant role in our annual Christmas on a Mission event each holiday season.
She and David support numerous charitable organizations throughout Houston and are always willing to step forward when asked to make a difference.
Monica Hartland
Monica founded Christmas on a Mission, which she has led for the past 15 years, helping provide a meaningful holiday experience for The Mission of Yahweh residents.
She has also supported and been honored by many organizations in our community for her philanthropic work. Through her company, JoyCare, she continues helping families as a certified caregiver with a deep personal commitment to serving those in need.
Warner Roberts
Warner believes deeply in giving back to the City of Houston, which has given so much to her. She has spearheaded countless events, served on numerous boards, and been recognized with many awards for her extraordinary volunteerism.
People often say Warner has “the heart of an angel,” and we all know that is absolutely true.
Warner has served as a special advisor to The Mission of Yahweh since the fundraising event began in 2007. Since that time, approximately $3 million has been raised to support The Mission of Yahweh.
Chairs
Robin and Danny Klaes
Robin and Danny Klaes truly reflect the heart of this community. They don’t just show up; they lead with generosity and purpose. Across Houston, they’ve quietly made a difference by supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society, Stages, Easter Seals, Trees of Hope, SEARCH, and so many others. The Mission of Yahweh is honored to have them chairing this event.
Honorees
Monica Hartland
Monica Hartland has spent much of her life caring for others. As the third oldest of 14 children, she learned at an early age what it meant to nurture, encourage and help those around her. Her parents did so much for so many people, and Monica saw firsthand how God continually blessed their generosity. They intentionally taught all of their children the value of philanthropy. Each month, they gave every child $25 to donate to a charity of his or her choosing. The family would then gather to talk about the charities and what made each child feel compelled to give. Those early lessons shaped Monica’s personal life and her commitment to philanthropy.
Monica carried that lesson with her when Julie Pitts introduced her to The Mission of Yahweh more than 25 years ago. At the time, after paying the bills she was responsible for, she often had no more than $100 left each month. Even so, Monica felt God leading her to make a five-year commitment to give $83 each month to The Mission. After making that commitment, there were many times when she thought to herself, “Wow, I really can’t afford to do this. This is for rich people.” Although there were months when she could not see how she would make the gift, she always found a way to follow through, and time and again, she saw God provide. That experience strengthened both her faith and her commitment to helping women and children facing difficult circumstances.
Her relationship with The Mission grew far beyond financial support. Eighteen years ago, Monica
created Christmas on a Mission, and she has continued the beloved tradition ever since. Each year, it
transforms the campus into a magical Christmas celebration for the women and children. Through this event, children receive gifts from their wish lists, while the women receive practical items, encouragement and thoughtful personal gifts such as bathrobes, perfume and beautiful body lotions to open on Christmas morning, gifts that help them feel seen, valued and celebrated as they work toward employment, independence and permanent housing.
Monica’s passion for helping others extends throughout the Houston community. She has co-chaired Houston Ballet’s inaugural Jubilee of Dance dinner, chaired the WorkFaith Spring Chicks Luncheon and co-chaired the Children’s Assessment Center’s Spirit of Spring Luncheon. Her philanthropic leadership has earned her recognition as a Fresh Face of Philanthropy. Warner Roberts also honored Monica with a Women of Substance award and named her among H Texas magazine’s 25 Most Beautiful.
In 2019, Monica brought her passion for philanthropy to Baylor College of Medicine’s Institutional Advancement team, helping raise support for research and medical advancements. That same heart for service later led her to found JoyCare, a deeply personal labor of love whose mission is to help people find joy and purpose, no matter where they are in life. Monica believes everyone needs a sense of purpose and that life is far better when it is filled with joy.
With her generous spirit, determination, infectious optimism and extraordinary heart for others, Monica has made a lasting impact on Houston. But perhaps nowhere is that impact felt more deeply than at The Mission of Yahweh, where her compassion has brought joy, hope and dignity to generations of women and children.
Samantha and David Kennedy
Samantha and David Kennedy are longtime Houston leaders whose generosity, service, and commitment to their community have made a lasting difference. Together, they have supported numerous charitable organizations throughout Houston and have consistently stepped forward to help make their community stronger.
Samantha has been a dedicated leader of The Mission of Yahweh, serving six years on its Board and four years on its Advisory Board. She has chaired the organization’s gala twice, first in 2013 and again in 2023, and has played an important role in the annual Christmas on a Mission celebration. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment have helped advance the Mission’s work on behalf of women and children. Professionally, Samantha is a Managing Director and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in Houston, where she advises families and nonprofit institutions on wealth management, banking, and philanthropic strategies. She has been with Bank of America since 2001 and holds degrees in Finance and an M.B.A. from Texas Tech University, as well as the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation. David is an independent consultant and a fellow Texas Tech graduate, holding degrees in Management Information Systems and an M.B.A.
They consider raising their two daughters the greatest joy. Amelia is a sophomore at TCU, and Annabelle is a sophomore at St Agnes Academy. The girls have inspired much of their parents philanthropy, including volunteering for schools, sports and music. From an early age the girls have also volunteered for MOY and have wonderful memories of Christmas on a Mission. Together, Samantha and David have made philanthropy an important part of their lives, giving their time, talents, and resources to causes that strengthen Houston and improve the lives of others.
Their partnership in service reflects the very qualities for which they are being honored: leadership, generosity, and an enduring commitment to the Houston community.
Warner Roberts
Warner Roberts has spent a lifetime bringing creativity, energy and heart to everything she touches. Her remarkable career has included success as a fashion model, award-winning television host and journalist, actress, writer, publisher and community leader, but the roles she treasures most are wife, mother and grandmother. She is the proud mother of two sons, Cliff Roberts and his wife, Angie, and Bob Roberts and his wife, Kristen, and the very proud grandmother of five grandsons: Bobby, John Luke, Ryan, Cliff and Lee and two little great grandchildren Mallory and Pearl.
A familiar face to generations of Houstonians, Warner hosted The Warner Roberts Show and numerous television specials during a broadcasting career spanning four decades. She interviewed some of the world’s most recognized personalities, including Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Billy Graham, Charlton Heston and Frank Sinatra. Her career also included stage and film roles, writing and publishing, and the creation of The Houston Calendar of Social Events/The Social Book, Houston Treasures and Houston Sweethearts and she created a permanent museum, The Celebration of Hearts, in the lobby of the Texas Heart Institute.
Throughout her life, Warner has been equally passionate about giving back to the city she loves. She has served countless nonprofit organizations and received honors by over 20 nonprofit organizations recognizing her philanthropy and community leadership.
Her relationship with The Mission of Yahweh is especially meaningful. In 1981, after learning that Sister Helen Gay was sheltering homeless women and children, Warner became involved with The Mission and helped introduce its work to a broader Houston audience. She raised the funds for Sister Gay’s Mission of Yahweh first Dormitory. Her support and friendship have continued through the years, reflecting the compassion and generosity that have defined so much of her life. Tonight, we are honored to celebrate Warner Roberts, not only for her extraordinary career and accomplishments, but for the warmth, grace and generous spirit she has shared with Houston for decades. Please join us in recognizing Warner Roberts.
Chairs
Robin and Danny Klaes
For Robin and Danny, this evening is about much more than putting on a beautiful gala. It’s about the women and children who come through the doors of The Mission of Yahweh looking for safety, stability, dignity and the opportunity for a new beginning.
They believe in second chances. They believe in the power of community. Most of all, they believe that when people come together with generous hearts, lives can truly change.
Honorary Chairs