A Sample of Volunteer Needs
Individuals
- Volunteer with Children - Evenings (6 to 8pm) while Moms are in Church Service
- Reading to children, Help with Tutorials)
- Outdoor Activities (kids)
- Data Entry
- Kitchen Help -preparing meals or serving meals.
Family Serve
- Movie Night with the Kids
- Host a Meal
- Sort Clothing/Donations Resale Shop
- Games/Trivia
- Host Karaoke
- Wash Mission Vans
- PowerWash
- Kids Activities (outdoors)
- Food Drive for our Pantry
- Kitchen Help -preparing meals or serving meals.
Availability can be daytime, evenings and/or weekends. Tell us your availability and we'll figure out where is best for you and your family to serve.
Groups
Groups
- Paint Rooms
- Paint Doors
- Help finish painting indoor buildings (hallways )
- Movie Night
- Game NIght
- Help Plan /Host an activity (Zoo Day, Bowling, Laser Tag, Batting Cages etc.)
- Host Karaoke
- Heavy Lifters (move big donations like the furniture showroom)
Over 35 years ago, Barbara Moore walked through our gates addicted and broken.
Sister Helen Gay met her with love, helped her heal, and believed in her by putting her in charge of the residents at that time.
Today Barbara leads as our Residential Director, guiding women through the same doors she once entered and helping them rewrite their stories.
Watch this short video featuring the Bany family, faithful supporters who volunteer as a family and share, in their own words, why they serve and give.
A huge Thank You to Hand and Feet of God for your kindness and support!
Special shoutout to Ngozi Mbaqwu, we’re so grateful for your heart and all you do to help others. Your generosity is making a real difference in our community.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday September 25, 2026
The Annual Leaders & Legends Gala benefits The Mission of Yahweh, supporting women and children in Houston as they overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives. As the Mission’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Gala plays a vital role in providing safe shelter, essential resources, and new beginnings for those in need.
Join us as we celebrate the power of compassion and honor the change makers whose generosity and commitment make this life-changing work possible.
This year's Gala promises a celebration filled with heart, wonder, and purpose in support of The Mission of Yahweh.
More information
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.
Honorary Chairs