Voices of Service Four Stories. One Stronger Community.

Ron often says his journey into volunteering began with his mother. Sometimes it was voluntary, and sometimes it was “voluntold,” but those early experiences planted the seeds of service that continue to shape his life today.

Seeing people in difficult circumstances motivates Ron to step in and help however he can. Over time, he found his calling in agriculture, believing that one of the most meaningful ways to support others is by helping provide food. Through gardening and growing fresh produce, he has been able to combine his passion for agriculture with his commitment to community service.

One of Ron’s most memorable volunteer experiences took place at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center in Houston’s historic Third Ward. There, he took responsibility for maintaining and developing the growing spaces at the center with a clear and compassionate goal: grow fresh, healthy food that local seniors could enjoy.

His first year brought an unexpected challenge. The Texas heat made it impossible to grow collards and mustard greens during the summer months. Some of the seniors were disappointed because they had their hearts set on those specific vegetables. Ron stayed true to his principles and explained that he would never grow anything out of season. Instead, he promised that when fall arrived, he would plant the greens they had been waiting for.

When the cooler weather came, Ron followed through. He planted the collards and mustard greens, and eventually harvested the first crop. Before enjoying the harvest, the seniors gathered and prayed over it. In that moment, Ron felt a deep sense of fulfillment. It was a reminder that his work was nourishing more than bodies. It was also strengthening dignity, joy, and connection.

For Ron, the greatest joy in volunteering comes from seeing tangible results. Whether harvesting vegetables, distributing food, or teaching others how to grow their own plants, he finds fulfillment in knowing his efforts make a real difference. He especially enjoys hearing what people cook with the produce he grows or giving away starter plants and watching families turn small seedlings into harvests that help feed their households.

Inspired by his mother’s generous spirit and guided by a deep commitment to service, Ron continues to cultivate more than gardens. Through agriculture, education, and community connection, he is helping grow stronger and healthier communities.

As a sophomore in Houston and an active member of the speech and debate community, Holt has developed a deep appreciation for the power of communication. Her passion goes beyond competition. She believes deeply in self-advocacy and in the confidence that grows when young people learn how to express their ideas clearly and effectively.

Motivated by this belief, Holt created a public speaking camp for Title I youth in grades four through seven at the Family Point Resources Community Center. Throughout the camp, she worked closely with students to help them discover and strengthen their voices.

The program blended learning with creativity and fun. Campers participated in engaging speaking games, researched topics for their speeches, and practiced presenting in front of others. Every activity was designed not only to improve their public speaking skills, but also to help them build self-confidence.

The camp concluded with a special speech presentation where students shared their work with their parents. For many of the campers, it was their first time speaking before an audience. That moment reflected both their hard work and the confidence they had built throughout the program.

One of Holt’s most cherished memories came on the final day of camp, when a young camper asked if she would be back the following week because she wanted to keep learning. That moment of genuine enthusiasm and curiosity reinforced the impact the camp had made and reminded Holt how meaningful even a short experience can be.

Beyond the camp itself, Holt made sure the program would continue benefiting the broader community. All proceeds were donated back to Family Point Resources to support its ongoing mission to serve local families.

Looking ahead, Holt hopes to continue expanding opportunities like this for younger students. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to confident communication are helping shape a future where young voices feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Their journey began when Marie Mark, Galveston County Assistant Director, visited the church and shared the profound impact Meals on Wheels has on the lives of elderly and homebound residents. Her presentation inspired the congregation to step into this important work.

After learning how many local seniors face daily challenges in accessing healthy meals, the church recognized an opportunity to respond with compassion. Through this volunteer effort, they are helping address food insecurity, limited mobility, and social isolation among some of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Thanks to the dedication of compassionate volunteers including Kim Austin, Lisa Jansky, Carla Gee, Mary Mitchell, and Susan Beck, seniors now receive warm meals accompanied by friendly visits that brighten their days.

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels aligns beautifully with the church’s mission to extend love beyond its walls. It creates opportunities for members to work together, serve with humility, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their neighbors.

Through this collaboration, the church is not only helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity, but also strengthening its own congregation through purposeful outreach and hands-on service.

Crystal Beach Community Church looks forward to continuing this partnership and deepening its commitment to serving the community with love, humility, and compassion.

The Woods Project’s mission is to create wilderness education and exploration opportunities that equip disadvantaged students with the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school and in life. Janice’s work directly supports that mission in ways both practical and profound.

As a retired nurse, Janice brings a unique blend of clinical insight and compassionate presence to every task she takes on. Her inquisitive mind and exceptional attention to detail have made her one of the organization’s most valued volunteers.

Since joining The Woods Project, Janice has participated in nearly every volunteer activity offered, with the sole exception of serving as a trip leader. In every other area, she has become a trusted and dependable presence.

As the team’s first aid kit specialist, she ensures safety supplies are always stocked, organized, and ready for the field. She has mastered student pre-trip calls, bringing clarity, warmth, and thoroughness to each conversation. And as a dedicated Gearzer, she helps manage equipment, organize the warehouse, and support daily operations with consistency and care.

What began in 2006 with just 11 students has grown into a program that now serves 500 students each year through experiential learning and wilderness exploration. By giving her time so generously, Janice helps ensure students are prepared, safe, and supported as they embark on transformative outdoor adventures.

Her deep understanding of the organization makes her input invaluable. Staff and fellow volunteers know they can count on her expertise, thoughtfulness, and commitment to excellence.

Janice’s service reflects the true spirit of community. Through quiet dedication and meaningful action, she shows how one committed individual can make a profound and lasting difference.