A quarterly publication of the Christian Community Service Center Second Quarter 2016

3 From the Executive Director

4 Volunteer Spotlight – Berry Johnson and

Bob McMahan

7 Azalea Dinner 2016

8 Back to School

The View From Behind the Lens

Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) has activi-

ties occurring throughout the year, so we try to capture

quality photographs of all this wonderful work to illus-

trate our mission. Pictures are used in this newsletter, church

newsletters, grant requests, and social media. Below you’ll meet

some of our volunteer photographers in hopes that a few of

you might be inspired to join us. The work of these volunteers

allows us to tell the CCSC story much more powerfully because

the saying is true: a picture is worth a thousand words.

Meet John ReynoldsJohn is a long-time volunteer with the Martha’s Way pro-

gram and serves on the Council of Church Representatives,

representing Westminster Methodist Church, which is where

he found out CCSC was in need of photographers. With

eleven years of personal experience teaching himself “the art

of photography”, John’s talent was quickly put to use taking

pictures at the Martha’s Way and Emergency Services-Central

programs, as well as at events such as Jingle Bell Express and

Grow, Gather & Give! John’s motivation in taking photos is

threefold: to illustrate the great things happening at CCSC,

to create images capturing the compassionate spirit of the

ministry’s programs and volunteers, and to show the genuine

appreciation and joy of the clients. He hopes his images will

inspire others to get involved.

Cover Story continues on page 4

(Left) John snaps his own reflection while photographing the Martha’s Way team. (Top Right) John captures the excitement of Martha’s Way students taking a selfie after they successfully completed the “English for Housekeeping” class. (Bottom Right) An example of John documenting student volunteers working hard to sort loads of donated food.

A Sample of John’s Photos

2 www.ccschouston.org

Gifts received January through March 2016

Gifts received January through March 2016

HALLELUJAH $10,000+CCSC Memorial EndowmentCFP FoundationMs. Gene GrahamTheta Charity Antiques Show

EXULT $7,500+Friend of CCSCMr. Charles L. Rowan

ILLUMINATE $1,000+Friend of CCSCThe Hildebrand FoundationThe Vaughn Foundation

TRIUMPH $2,500+Sue Nan & Rod Cutsinger

FoundationFriends of CCSC (2)Mr. and Mrs. Michael PalmerMr. and Mrs. Russell S. Post

PROCLAIM $1,000+Andrews FoundationMr. and Mrs. L. Scott BaggettMr. Harnad Bhat BhatMr. and Mrs. Jay ChernoskyMr. and Mrs. F. B. Cochran, IIIExxonMobil Foundation (Malcolm

Hawk Volunteer Hours)ExxonMobil Foundation (Carolyn

Howard, Volunteer Hours)Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Fry, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Mark FournierFriends of CCSC (4)Mr. and Mrs. W. C. GriffithMr. and Mrs. Marshall HerveyMs. Virginia L. KanalyMrs. Joan KennedyLykes Knapp Family FundMr. and Mrs. Chris MartinMcGaha FoundationMs. Bridget A. Naughton

Mrs. Louise Estill PerlitzMr. and Mrs. John T. PiperMr. and Mrs. Andrew ScavuzzoShell Oil Company Foundation

(Steven Stryker)Shell Oil Company Foundation

(Matching Gift)Ms. Barbara L. Strobel Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sullivan, II

GLORIFY $750+Mr. and Mrs. Don BaronitisBrookfield Office PropertiesMr. and Mrs. David ElledgeFriend of CCSCDr. and Mrs. Garry HagstromMr. and Mrs. Michael HawesLocal Independent Charities

of TexasDr. and Mrs. David P. LoncarichMr. Chris MatlockMr. and Mrs. Mike A. McGinnisMr. and Mrs. John RileyMr. and Mrs. Joel RodriguezStudio Red ArchitectsMr. and Mrs. Jim Weatherly

REJOICE $500+Chevron Companies

(William Calhoun)Mr. and Mrs. Richard CruseFriends of CCSC (2)Mr. and Mrs. Tom GossettMr. and Mrs. Richard GouldMr. and Mrs. Robin HarrisonMr. Vincent A. MaggioMr. and Mrs. J. MartinDr. and Mrs. James MoersMr. and Mrs. Carlos MontemayorMr. and Mrs. Michael L. PatrickMr. and Mrs. Bruce WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Charles Williams

DELIGHT $250+American Legion Auxiliary

Unit #594Mr. and Mrs. Darrell R. BacakMr. and Mrs. J. Timothy BlaineMr. and Mrs. James BrattonFriends of CCSC (4)Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm HawkMr. David Juist and

Ms. Annie FabioMrs. Mary Louis KisterDr. and Mrs. William LeeLife Tabernacle of HoustonMr. Woody Mann, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Victor A. OtteRandall’s Good Neighbor ProgramMr. and Mrs. David M. RatchfordMr. and Mrs. Charles ReavisMr. and Mrs. Fred RussellDr. and Mrs. James C. SmithMr. and Mrs. Raymon SpreenMr. and Mrs. Leslie SullivanMr. Charles R. TannerMr. and Mrs. Donald WoodardMr. and Mrs. Edward Zinni

CELEBRATE $100+American Legion Auxiliary

Unit #77Ms. Edie ArcherMr. John C. BoehmMr. and Mrs. Dan B. ButterwickChevron Companies (Lana Loy)Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Cureton, Jr.Ms. Elizabeth DeleonEOG Resources, Inc.

(Natalie Lamont)Mrs. Joelene EvansMr. and Mrs. Bill FrazerFriends of CCSC (9)Mr. Marvin J. Gaspard

Mrs. Loren GoensMr. and Mrs. Randolph HiriartMrs. Myrtice KazeeDr. Catherine KerrMr. and Mrs. Latham KnightKroger Food StoresMr. and Mrs. Robert A. LaneMr. and Mrs. Bruce M. LeeMr. and Mrs. Richard LeglerMr. and Mrs. Larry LoydDrs. Patrick and Mary LynchMrs. Carolyn MarleyMrs. Beverly MerrittMr. and Mrs. Roland W. MillerMr. and Mrs. Peter E. MimsMs. Monica P. NealMr. and Mrs. Hugh ParkerMr. and Mrs. Ted PateMr. and Mrs. Robert RayMs. Betsy SchulzeMrs. Alice SmithMrs. Joyce StillmanMr. and Mrs. Neil StovallMr. and Mrs. Charles SzalkowskiMr. and Mrs. Karl TornyosWilliams Companies Foundation

(John Boehm)Mr. and Mrs. John G. WilsonMr. and Mrs. Bob WoodburnMrs. C.J. YeomanMr. Justin Zipser

JOY UP TO $99AmazonSmile FoundationMr. Steven ArdMs. Marie S. BlaineMr. Ricky S. BoehmeBoy Scout Troop 549Boy Scout Troop 1881Mr. and Mrs. Tom BrosigMs. Betty S. Brown

Ms. Judy E. BucherMr. and Mrs. Julian ByrdChevron Companies (Ricky

Boehme)Ms. Bettye Latrelle CoxMr. and Mrs. Samuel CurryMarc del AmoMs. Patricia DicksonMr. and Mrs. Bill DodsonMr. W. Blake DominguezMr. and Mrs. G. Serpell EdwardsMs. Jane EixmannMr. and Mrs. Don Hinkle EldridgeFriends of CCSC (7)Mr. and Mrs. Brian A. GroveHalliburton Foundation Inc.

(Matching)Ms. Elinor HartMr. and Mrs. William LaddMr. and Mrs. Kirby LammersMr. and Mrs. David LazerriMs. Sharon LittleMr. and Mrs. John P. LorenzMr. and Mrs. Michael ManaganMrs. Elizabeth Prochnow Drs. Alejandro & Lynn RosasMrs. Sally Bell RutherfordMr. and Mrs. Eugene ShepherdMing-Kang ShihMs. Susan SilvusMs. Selma W. SmithMs. Nancy StephensonMr. and Mrs. John Mark StoryMr. and Mrs. James C. TarsinosMs. Jane TooleMr. and Mrs. George Tyson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Leon UllrichMrs. Carloyn WhiteMr. and Mrs. L. Burke Windham, Jr.Ms. Barbara WisecupMrs. Pamela Young

IN MEMORY OF:H.L. Britton

James and Joan BerryMrs. Mary BrattonMs. Glenda EngertRobert and Susan EstillJane Hansen and Family, Sam &

Jen, Gay & CarlMr. Joseph HarwoodMs. Karen HollomanHarold and Joanne HookThomas and Olga LewisMs. Janice MeyerMr. Grayson MossMr. Omar RouchonMrs. Emily RyanMs. Nancy Schissler

Clemence DeaneMary Cooper and Family

Charles GerumRobert and Jamie Kuempel

Demaris HudspethMr. C. M. Hudspeth

Charles (Buck) JonesMs. Marian Roper

Fred KingMrs. Jo King

E. J. LanikMrs. Mary Lee Lanik

Mrs. Georgia LascarisMr. Jean Albert Miller

Jap LottMs. June Gentry

Carole McLemoreRobert and Jamie Kuempel

Annie MiglMr. Don Migl

Vic MoelleringMr. and Mrs. Fred Russell

Joyce M. RennerMr. Paul Renner

Grace Eleanor RocanMs. Jacquelyne Rocan

Lucien RocanMs. Jacquelyne Rocan

Garry F. Rust, M.D.Mrs. Judy Rust

Kathryn and Virgil SwensonFriend of CCSC

Marion ThalmuellerKarla , John, Ashlee, Daniel and Aida Driskell

Carol ThorpeMrs. Patricia Legler

Marie UptonFirst Baptist Church of Canyon Lake

Joyce WagnerDave and Nancy Barziza

Miles and Patricia WoodwardBruce and Betty Woodward

IN HONOR OF:Michelle and Tim Brookshire

Ms. Karen B. Womack

Shirley and Stewart CoffmanRobert and Susan Estill

Sheryl DavisMrs. Kathleen Adams

Susan K. EstillMr. Robert Estill

Linda EwingMrs. Ruth Ewing

First Saturday VolunteersJames and Cecelia Bishop

The Frautschi FamilyRobert and Susan Estill

Good Will Sunday School Class, St. Luke’s UMCRev. and Mrs. William E.

Denham

Emily Griffin’s 90th BirthdayJim and Mary HendersonDr. and Mrs. James W. MooreJoel E. Reed

Jodie and Jeff HolstienMrs. Ann Winters

Marcia JamesMs. Jane CooperMrs. Melissa Johnson

Duane and Carol JohnsonPhilip and Michele Navratil

Jane and Lee LarkinRobert and Susan Estill

Carol and Charles LucasRobert and Susan Estill

Mike McGinnis’ ministry and service to the St. Mark’s VestryThe Reverend Patrick J. Miller

Michelle ShonbeckMrs. Mary Anne Hawkins

Carla SingerJames and Cecelia Bishop

Pastor Jeff SmithMs. Patricia Tilton

Ana TappanMichael Brown

Virginia TubbsDavid Juist and Annie Fabio

Pat Ward FamilyDr. Tom Earthman

Gifts from First Christian Church in Honor of the Following Visitors:Larry AguirreKathlyn AnthonyEdna CamposJory ChevisM.V. and Lollie CluettMichael FalcoJan Foster-SenKim and John FrittsCharlene GordonYamaris Lopez-NievesDavid Negron-ReyesMaureen PolloMark SoobyEldon ThomasKatie WebberNatasha Wimbish

Michelle Shonbeck

Dear CCSC Friend,

Dreaming is good for us, and CCSC is in the process of doing

just that: envisioning what a new campus could do to enhance

our ability to serve clients. There are lots of people involved in

this – too many to name – but I am grateful to each for their

gift of time.

As we plan and dream for the next 20-30 years, clients come

to us each day with crises complicating their own dreams.

Dreams of having food on the table and a secure income.

Dreams that their children’s lives will be better than theirs.

Dreams of simply being helped and cared for as they work

their way out of difficult situations.

One client we recently helped fled an abusive spouse and

needed food, clothes and help in finding a job. Check — CCSC

helped with all those needs.

Another client was picking herself back up after being the

victim of a crime. She works, but got behind with her bills.

Check — CCSC helped with one bill and referred her to

another agency for help with the other. When we called to

check on her a few months later, she said “I was able to breathe

again after your help”.

And finally, another client simply said he saw God in the

help he received through CCSC. I see that too: God working

through CCSC as we help people daily while also dreaming for

the future.

In Christ,

Michelle Shonbeck, Executive Director

CCSC’s Executive Director, Michelle Shonbeck, is now blogging!Connect at www.ccschouston.org or blog.ccschouston.org

www.ccschouston.org 3

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences. CCSC was created out of faith and founded in the belief that we are called to help all God’s children heart to heart and hand in hand.

The Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is an award-winning, community-based non-profit organization serving the southwest Houston community. Incorporated in 1980,

CCSC has grown to encompass a coalition of 40 churches united in service to the needy.

Bellaire United Methodist ChurchBering Drive Church of Christ

Bethany Christian ChurchChrist the King Lutheran Church

ChristChurch PresbyterianCovenant Church

Faith Lutheran ChurchFirst Christian Church

First Evangelical Lutheran ChurchFirst Seventh Day Baptist Church

Grace United Church of ChristHoly Ghost Catholic Church

Kindred Church Pathways Church

Pilgrim Lutheran ChurchRice Temple Baptist ChurchRiver Oaks Baptist ChurchSharpstown Baptist Church

Southwest Presbyterian ChurchSt. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

St. Anne Catholic Community St. Francis of Assisi Catholic ChurchSt. John the Divine Episcopal Church

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church

St. Luke’s United Methodist ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church

St. Martin’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

St. Michael Catholic ChurchSaint Paul Presbyterian ChurchSt. Peter Claver Catholic ChurchSt. Philip Presbyterian ChurchSt. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

St. Theresa Catholic ChurchSt. Thomas’ Episcopal Church

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic ChurchWatersEdge Community ChurchWest University Baptist Church

West University United Methodist ChurchWestminster United Methodist Church

4 www.ccschouston.org

Cover Story continues from page 1

Volunteer SpotlightThe “Computer Lab Crew” is always ready to help JobNet

clients as they learn the ins and outs of important computer

skills. Berry Johnson and Bob McMahan are dedicated vol-

unteers who offer assistance and guidance as people work in

the computer lab. They both light up with excitement when

they talk about the people they get to help, knowing they are

making a difference in their lives. Through Bob and Berry’s

encouragement and service, JobNet clients gain not only skills,

but confidence in themselves. Berry Johnson (L) with Bob McMahan (R) in the JobNet computer lab.

Meet Bob & Lorena BrinkmanBob and Lorena Brinkman work together to photograph beauty in the

world around them. Lorena began taking pictures as a young child when

she was gifted with a camera. Bob began learning the skill so they could

work together professionally. While Lorena is behind the lens focusing

on “what God made for us to see”, Bob edits the images to perfection.

The Brinkmans first joined our photography team in the summer of

2015 taking pictures of Back To School distribution. (Their friend/fellow

Westminster congregant, John Reynolds, had referred them!) They felt

blessed to be a part of the program and to “witness the faces, expressions,

and pleasure of the children and families being served.”

Meet…You!How do you see the world? Could you be the next photographer to join our ranks

as we continue to look for new ways to illustrate the mission of CCSC? Positions are

available across the organization, and days and times are flexible. Professional train-

ing is not required. If you have a camera, and a passion for capturing compelling pic-

tures, please contact Kate Gallup: 713-961-3993 (x211) or kgallup@ccschouston.org.

(Top Left) A young boy, with his mother, eagerly waits to pick up new school supplies for his first day of kindergarten. (Left) Parents of three school-age children pose with grateful, happy smiles. (Above) Families and volunteers making their way through the Back To School distribution event.

A Sample of Bob and Lorena’s Photos

www.ccschouston.org 5

Emergency Services-Central was blessed to recently help a client we will call, Debra. Employed as a bus driver, Debra is kind-hearted

and self-sufficient. Yet last year, she suffered a debilitating stroke. According to her doctor, “her condition may be temporary but is

expected to last at least twelve months.” No longer able to drive a bus, Debra searched for other jobs with no success. She turned to

CCSC as a last resort. Glad to help in this medical crisis, CCSC was able to provide multiple services to Debra: four medications were

filled at a nearby pharmacy, she was provided nutritious groceries, her delinquent water bill was paid, and we connected Debra to

reputable agencies who can assist with her remaining needs. Meeting clients like Debra, who face adversity during a journey of healing,

is a great honor for the volunteers and staff at Emergency Services-Central.

EMERGENCY SERVICES–CENTRAL

Networking is how 80% of jobs are filled.

JobNet recently introduced a new workshop,

“The Importance of Networking,” which guides

job seekers through the process of identifying

their professional network and building upon

it. Participants learn how to connect with hiring

managers using social media, networking events,

and personal contacts. Following the first work-

shop, 15 job seekers had the chance to expand

their personal network, exchange job leads, and

share contacts. This is just one of seven workshops

offered monthly at JobNet.

JOBNET

Martha’s Way students are eager to make positive changes in their lives. Clients attending the program plan to start a house-keeping business, yet they have goals that reach beyond that. Many clients desire to complete educational goals, improve their financial situation, save for their child’s education, or purchase a home. These goals can be difficult to achieve without a strong support network. Carmen Clarke, CCSC’s Client Services Connector, is able to meet with clients to provide the sup-port and guidance essential for them to advance towards these goals. As a result, clients have seen significant improvements in their overall quality of life.

MARTHA’S WAY

In February, Emergency Services-Southwest

moved! We remain on the Gethsemane campus

of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (6856

Bellaire Blvd; 77074) but are housed in a beautiful

new wing of the church building. This transition

also included relocating the CCSC Garden to a

new spot on the same property. We are grateful to

remain in partnership with St. Luke’s and appre-

ciate the “can-do”spirit of our volunteers as we

went through this exciting transition. Program

hours remain the same: 10 AM to 1 PM on

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 AM to

Noon on Saturday. Our doors are open!

EMERGENCY SERVICES–SOUTHWEST

CCSCWISH LIST

CCSC’s Wish List reflects unbudgeted items that would be very handy “extras” to help carry out the organization’s mission. Thank you for your help!

EMERGENCY SERVICES – CENTRAL

U-Line Canvas Basket Truck, 12 Bushel $262

EMERGENCY SERVICES – SOUTHWEST

Utility Cart $155

YOUTH SERVICES

Back To School & Jingle Bell Express – Bulk Boxes (48 x 40 x 36) $278 / 10 pack

Back To School – Book Boxes (12 x 12 x 12) $75 / 60 pack

Back To School – Large Boxes (18 x 18 x 24) $102.40 / 50 pack

JOBNET

Wireless Printer/Scanner/Copier $200 Used for printing job leads and client business cards/IDs.

Portable Projector with audio-video capability & digital connectivity $360 For use in workshops, classes and seminars.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICESCopy Paper (letter-sized) $40 / case

6 www.ccschouston.org

Anonymous Cheerful Giver (2)Baker Botts, L.L.P.Bob Strawn Boy Scout Troops: 13, 55, 125, 211, 1881Brookfield Office PropertiesDr. Tom Ayres & Caycie Briner, in memory

of Christine AyresExtreme Air Conditioning Services, Inc.

Fox 26 Houston Grace Presbyterian Church Hugh and Fannie Parker Imani School Beta ClubJulian PittmanMelanie Smith Melissa Daigneault & FriendsPanera Bread

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Gethsemane Campus

St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Garden

A special “Thank You” also goes to all churches and organizations that provide CCSC with gifts from organized food, clothing, hygiene, and/or shoe drives on a regular basis.

THANKS TO IN-KIND DONORSA donation of goods or services is an excellent way to help our organization achieve its mission. Here is a list of CCSC’s recent in-kind contributors. (If we missed your group, please let us know so we can recognize you in the next newsletter.)

Sunshine Resale Shop5413 Bellaire Blvd. @ Chimney Rock

(Bellaire Triangle Shopping Center!)

OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm 713-665-4000

DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE REGULAR SAVINGS EVENTS…

50% OFFAll Regular Clothing!

(Every Mon., Wed. & Sat.)

25% OFFBooks, Toysand Games

(Tuesdays)

25% OFFFurniture &

Surprise Savings!

(Thursdays)

SENIOR CITIZENS

25% OFFEntire Purchase

(Every Day!)

SIGN UP FOR

SaturdaySales

shop_2@ ccschouston.org

COUPON25% OFFENTIRE

PurchaseNot valid with any other

coupon or promotion.One coupon per purchase.

(All sales & coupons exclude consignment items)

Expires: 7/1/2016

Stock Donations to CCSCCCSC gratefully accepts stock donations, and like any other donation, it can be designated to the program of your choice. It can be a

win-win situation: CCSC receives a contribution, while the donor may be able to write off the gift and avoid paying capital gains taxes

on the stock appreciation. For more information on how to donate stock to CCSC you may contact Judie Kochenower, Finance Director

at CCSC, jkochenower@ccschouston.org, or Jake Wilson with Texas Presbyterian Foundation, 214-522-3155 or jake.wilson@tpf.org.

www.ccschouston.org 7

2016 Azalea Dinner & AuctionThank you to all who made the 2016 Azalea Dinner a successful evening!

Christian Community Service CenterP. O. Box 27924Houston, TX 77227-7924Connections, CCSC’s quarterly newsletter, is designed to keep you in touch with CCSC’s mission, ministries, events, member churches and volunteers.

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&CCSC’s Sunshine Resale

Shop

Follow uson Twitter:

@CCSCHouston

Follow MichelleShonbeck’s blog:

blog.ccschouston.org

SPONSOR ONE OR MORE STUDENTS!

$45.00 will provide one student with a new school uniform/shoes and a new

grade-appropriate school supply package.

To donate, visit our secure website www.ccschouston.org

or mail a personal check to CCSC, with “Back To School” written on the memo line.

Sort & Set UpSaturday, July 30th7:30AM to 11:00AM

Help get a student prepared for a new

school year!HERE’S HOW:

Distribution Two Days!

Friday, August 5 7:30AM to 1:00PM

-or-Saturday, August 6 7:30AM to 1:00PM

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME!Join us at Faith Lutheran Church,

4600 Bellaire Blvd. for:

For more information, please contact Cathy Brown, Youth Services Manager.

Phone: 713-961-3993 ext. 215 or Email: seasonal@ccschouston.org