Missions

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

This United Methodist organization is a first-line of relief when disaster strikes; UMCOR works locally when Houston experiences such disasters as floods and was a presence following Tropical Storm Allison. UMCOR also is ready on a moment’s notice to mobilize with aid anywhere in the world. UMCOR provides humanitarian aid in places where the need is chronic.

Star of Hope Mission
Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children. Positive life-changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life-management and recovery from substance abuse.
On any given day, there are approximately one thousand homeless men, women and children being helped at the Men’s Development Center, the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, the Transitional Living Center for Women & Families and New Horizons.
The key to the success of Star of Hope Mission is its comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse issues, both immediate and long term, that impact homeless individuals and families. This model of compassionate, purposeful outreach, coupled with community partners and donors, creates an environment in which lives are transformed and people are inspired to rise above poverty, set meaningful, measurable goals for independence and achieve them.

Stevens Elementary

Lulu M. Stevens Elementary is public elementary school located just a few blocks from the church. Members donate money, school supplies, books, and time. Additionally, we help tutor and mentor students there.

Playground for All Abilities

The Playground for All Abilities is a planned project for Oak Forest Park. Once funded, a playground will be constructed that all children will be able to use and enjoy together. This is part of an ongoing revitalization of the park by neighborhood groups.

St. Stephen’s has supported this worthy project through money collected at our Christmas musical and our annual Car Show and Shine.

For more information on the playground, please visit:

http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/oak_forest_park/

Animal Justice League

The Animal Justice League is a local non-profit in the Oak Forest area. Their focus is on fostering animals and finding homes to adopt cats and dogs. Twice a year, St. Stephen’s partners with the Animal Justice League to host a Holiday Artisan Market from which some proceeds go towards their operating costs.

For more information on the Animal Justice League, you can visit their website at:

http://www.animaljusticeleague.org/

YMCA

The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA is located on 34th Street in Houston just under 3 miles away from St. Stephen’s. It is the goal of the YMCA to create positive change in communities by investing in youth, health and their neighbors.

St. Stephen’s has supported the YMCA and their goals through monetary donations and through volunteerism.

Kairos Outside

Kairos Outside provides support to women who have an incarcerated family member. Women and their families can come together and find support from other people going through the same trials that they are. Attendees are able to find a community that supports them and will help them strengthen the family unit.

St. Stephen’s has assisted Kairos Outside with monetary donations, our prayers and support for those families affected.

Books Between Kids

Books Between Kids is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 to serve Houston’s at-risk children by providing them with books to build their own home libraries.

In 2016, St. Stephen’s collected new and gently used books to donate to Books Between Kids as well as making a financial donation to assist with the running costs of their program.

Kids’ Meals

Everyday in Houston, there are 88,740 children, or 1 out of 4 preschool aged children, who may not know where their next meal is coming from. Harris County has the 2nd highest rate of child food insecurity in the nation, meaning our children have limited or unreliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

St. Stephen’s has put together a crew to assemble meals for those in need once every month.