Mission Founder, Sister Helen Gay
A message of Hope
Helen Gay lived in a neighborhood filled with broken families, hungry children and poverty was abound.
It was her vision from God that started her on a mission to feed the hungry, and house those who needed a place to lay their head.
In 1961 she quit her job as a hair dresser and answered God's calling. She started feeding the children in the neighborhood, then started taking them in to stay and before you know it, she had even adopted 24 of those children.
Churches reached out to help her and in 1971 a board of directors was formed and by 1972 a corporate charter granted by the State of Texas.
What started with one little shot gun house in a run down neighborhood, now has become a 12 building campus, that not only houses over 400 women each year, serves over 4000 meals per month - but also feeds over 500 families in the community twice a year as well.
Sister Gay passed away in 2008, however her legacy lives on. The Mission can now house over 120 women and children and we hope to have another dormatory added in the near future.
"If they're hungry, I'll feed them" - Sister Helen Gay
Jessica's story
Because you care - Jessica celebrates new home
July of 2018 Jessica and her 5 children came to The Mission seeking shelter. Jessica had only recently regained custody of her children. She has 3 boys, and 2 girls and all are in school except the most recently born (less than 1 year old) baby.
Jessica grew up in a shelter for part of her life in Queen’s NY. Her mother was a single mom that was struggling financially after moving her family to America from Nairobi. Jessica admitted, as a young girl, she had made poor decisions with relationships, and had become involved with a man that was not a good influence for her children. However, living without his support, was impossible. She knew, in order to survive, she would have to leave everything behind, including the children’s father and she would have to start over.
Because of her financial restraints, Jessica told us she had not celebrated Christmas for her children in over 9 years. After 5 months at The Mission, Christmas came, and we were able to show her and her children a “Christmas to Remember”, thanks to our “Christmas on a Mission” event on Christmas Day. Jessica said this is the first time her children had actually ‘seen’ Christmas. They were overwhelmed with the snow, and Santa Clause and all of the excitement. It was such a special day for them, they wanted to share with their cousins that came to visit them. What a blessing it was to see each child give away two new toys they had gotten for Christmas to their cousins.
Jessica has experienced counseling, parent classes, financial management and more with her case manager in just a little under 7 months. She’s a quick learner and she’s eager to make changes in her life. “Coming to the Mission was the best thing that ever happened to me.” – I’ve not only been able to get back in school, but now I am working toward getting my LVN … and I am moving into my apartment in February of this year! – I’m so excited. I feel much better prepared and ready to launch a new life for me and my kids. “
Jessica has now moved to her new apartment with all 5 children. She’s working part-time at Texas Medical Center while she’s in school and expected to be promoted soon.
For each one of our residents, your gift helps us make these things happen. Without you, we could not have helped Jessica and her family get to a better place.
Ashley's Story
Ashley Oti is a full time student at Texas Southern University and currently studying Pharmacology, in pursuit of becoming a Pharmacist. She has been resident at the Mission of Yahweh a little over a year now. According to Oti “the program has been a tremendous blessing to my life. The Mission of Yahweh took me in at a very vulnerable time of my life and provided stability, support, encouragement, and hope of a better tomorrow. My case worker, Bri Foxx, sat me down when I first got here and asked me about the goals I wished to accomplish while staying at the Mission of Yahweh and I gave her a few. I wanted a car to be able to get around more conveniently, to get back into school, and when I feel ready move into my own place. So far I’ve accomplished 2 out of 3 of those goals. Ms. Bri and the Mission of Yahweh constantly tries to find ways to help me out on my journey of becoming a better me. She recently told me about an opportunity to be able receive assistance with paying for school & when I found out that I actually would be receiving the help I couldn't stop the tears! I really appreciate the assistance with covering my tuition, it feels like a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders at least for a semester, this act of kindness will not go in vain for I will make you all very proud!” The Mission of Yahweh is proud to serve you Ashley and we are proud of you!