Searching for resources can be an overwhelming process.
Moving toward financial freedom and stability isn’t an easy process. It takes work and holistic care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take heart! At RaiseUp Families, we network with partner community resources to connect you with the holistic support you need.
In this blog, we’d like to briefly introduce you to four Huston nonprofits that offer a variety of helpful services for your path to financial freedom.
Before we get into the specific organizations we network with, we’ll highlight a few general tips for finding the resources you need.
A simple method to discover local resources is to utilize Google or Google Maps. Improve your search results by combining the desired service/assistance with "near me" or the name of your town, city, or county. Examples include:
If you have kids in school, consider talking to a school counselor. School counselors are an excellent resource for connecting people to the help they need. It can be hard to reach out, but that’s what school counselors are there for! They’ll be happy to help!
FindHelp is a social care website that connects individuals with the local services they need. Visit findhelp.org and input your zip code. This will take you to a page where you can choose your required service category and sub-category. A menu will guide you to select a more specific service, such as "disability benefits" or "help pay for childcare."
United Way is a global organization linking individuals in need with local resources. With over 1,100 offices worldwide, United Way is a well-connected support network. Dial 211 if you or someone you know requires assistance. It’s accessible 24/7/365!
These resources are taken from our blog, 7 Contributing Factors to Financial Insecurity in Families (Plus 8 Ways to Find Resources), which provides more detailed information about why families face financial insecurity.
Now that we’ve covered some more general ways to find resources, here are four fantastic partner resources!
At RaiseUp Families, we don’t duplicate services. For example, we don’t offer a GED program because many other nonprofits do. Instead of “reinventing the wheel,” we connect our clients with other agencies that provide services so donor dollars aren’t spent twice on the same thing.
This means we only do what we do best: holistically stabilize families in their homes before an eviction occurs and give them the tools they need to become self-sufficient and begin building the life of which they’ve always dreamed. We rely on others who are experts in their field (ESL, job readiness, GED, etc.) to deliver much-needed services to our clients to make their time with us and our donor dollars more impactful.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
In Phase 1 at RaiseUp Families, clients work on becoming stable, building a good relationship with their case manager, and learning how RaiseUp Families works. Although all clients are employed when they start, many want to boost their income and improve their soft skills.
In Phase 2, the Coaching Phase, we refer clients to additional resources through partnerships. For example, Dress for Success and Memorial Assistance Ministries can help clients enhance their skills. SERJobs helps with training and continued education. Case managers use monthly budgeting tools from the Women’s Resource and allow clients to get used to their process before the smooth handoff.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these resources.
Service Highlight
Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) is all about creating strong families, a skilled workforce, and thriving communities in Houston. They give each person individual support and see potential in everyone. MAM is grounded in faith and provides hope, dignity, and a warm welcome to all.
MAM is inclusive and open to everyone, without discrimination based on race, religion, or gender. This includes hiring staff, choosing volunteers and vendors, and serving clients. We should mention that their service area is limited to Spring Branch. HAM (Humble Assistance Ministries) does the same thing up North.
MAM's story began in December 1981 when local churches and a synagogue came together to help those in need during tough times. In June 1982, this group officially became Memorial Assistance Ministries. Since then, they've created programs that help families stay stable and support those who need help.
MAM is a good resource! One of our clients completed ESL classes, computer literacy courses, and a business ownership program through MAM and found it very helpful for their career!
Service Highlight
In 1965, a group of organizations, including LULAC, the G.I. Forum, and the Department of the Navy, joined forces to create SER. Initially, it was a volunteer job bank for Hispanic veterans. But today, it's grown into a big network with 42 locations in over 200 offices nationwide.
As time passed, SER expanded its mission to help more people in the community. They made big changes when they moved to 201 Broadway Street in Houston's East End. They also opened a Workforce Opportunity Center at 1710 Telephone Road and changed their name to "SERJobs."
SERJobs works with a diverse group of people, including those with low incomes, U.S. veterans, folks who were once in prison, and young adults between 16 and 24 years old. Special programs focus on education, finding jobs, and building confidence and skills. They generally cater to a younger demographic, so they are best suited for young people seeking job assistance.
Service Highlight
Dress for Success is dedicated to helping women achieve financial independence. They offer support, professional clothing, and tools to help women succeed in their work and personal lives. This organization is well-known globally for assisting women to find jobs and transform their lives.
They provide women with the necessary services and attire to get good jobs and advance in their careers. This boosts their confidence and makes them feel like part of a supportive community, which helps them succeed.
Dress for Success believes every woman deserves a fair chance to reach her full potential and be financially independent. In many places, women are paid less than men for the same work, and they have fewer opportunities. Fixing this isn't just about being fair; it's also essential for families, communities, and society because women play a significant role in the economy.
This organization believes that giving women access to better jobs, financial education, and a supportive community helps them improve their lives, regardless of where they come from or their challenges. They work with volunteers, businesses, and local groups worldwide to make a difference in women's lives.
All our clients have loved Dress for Success! Their personal shopping experience has helped increase the client’s self-esteem and confidence. Most of their support was for entry-level employees, making them best suited for clients just starting out in their careers.
Service Highlight
The Women's Resource is all about helping women and girls become independent, productive, and financially secure. Their programs teach women the essential skills and knowledge to make smart financial choices. This helps them improve their lives and sets a positive example for the next generation.
In Houston, around 2.8 million people are struggling financially. The Women's Resource guides and supports women and girls in these tough situations to inspire positive financial changes, improving their overall well-being and that of their families.
Their big dream is to see a day when every woman and girl knows how to achieve their financial goals. The Women’s Resouce has been working towards this since 1992 by giving out grants, researching topics important to women and girls in Houston, and offering free financial education classes. In recent years, they’ve focused even more on education and training programs and building partnerships to achieve their mission more effectively.
The Women’s Resource is extremely helpful for our clients! Our clients have reported enrolling in their 6-week financial classes and attending their monthly budget meetings.
Conclusion
We know that finding resources can be challenging, but we’re here to help connect you to the support you need. We hope you enjoyed this introduction to four of our partner NGOs!
If you're a parent with school-aged children in Houston and facing financial challenges, RaiseUp Families is here to help! Our nine-month HandUp program provides direct financial aid, job-search support, counseling, and assistance for parents and children. Upon completion, parents can enroll in the two-year AfterCare Program, offering ongoing access to financial education, counseling, budgeting classes, and support groups.
RaiseUp Families is not an Emergency Assistance Program. For eligibility and more information, visit our Get Help page or call 713-973-8083.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might also enjoy the following:
Thank you for spending time with us today!
