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Brothers Strong Partners with Child Advocates
Starting in 2002 Brothers Strong partnered with Child Advocates to make a fun and productive event for the many children Child Advocates serve that are victims of neglect, abandonment or abuse. We call it the Brothers Strong and Young Professionals for Children�s Woodworking Challenge.
It starts with the kids, in this case about 75 of them. They come out to our land in northwest Houston and gather with 20-30 volunteers to learn about woodworking in a festive, hands-on environment. First, they pick one of 4 different woodworking projects. Then we teach them about safety, materials, tools, and the process of the assembly line. The kids are outfitted with safety garb, receive the materials in pre-production packets and are ushered through the various production stages which include cutting, routing, and fastening. They even get to work the sander!
After the projects are assembled the kids proceed to the decorating station where glitter, paint and a bit of creativity transform birdhouses and shadow boxes from a collection of parts to a one-of-a-kind personalized treasure.
Brothers Strong and YPC also provide lunch, music, games, and entertainment (like the fabulous Frisbee dogs). Each child goes home with a custom made birdhouse or treasure box, the knowledge of a woodworking process, and memories that last a lifetime.
Brothers Strong Partners with HomeAid Houston
HomeAid Houston, a 501C3 charity sponsored by the Greater Houston Builders Association, identifies long term, stable homeless care providers who need additional capacity and helps them build transitional homeless shelters. Brothers Strong is proud to be partnering with HomeAid on the first ever large scale remodeling project of a homeless facility at Gracewood in Southwest Houston.
Gracewood is a nonprofit residential program for mothers and their children fleeing homelessness and other crisis situations that threaten the safety and stability of the family. Gracewood offers a safe haven in a time of crisis, a place where motivated moms take part in supportive programs and counseling to help them succeed in life with her children. Brothers Strong will be adding over 1,200 sq. ft. to the residence and completely remodeling the existing 2,000 sq. ft. structure.
Michael Strong, Volunteer Child Advocate
After completing a lengthy study course with Child Advocates, Inc., Michael Strong was appointed his first case by the court system of Harris County to be an advocate to a family of 2 teenage children. A volunteer child advocate provides positive impact for the lives of children who are victims of horrific abuse and neglect at the hands of their guardians and becomes a sounding board that can make an immeasurable impact on each of their lives to help stop the cycle of child abuse.
In addition, child advocate volunteers support special events hosted by Child Advocates, Inc., one of which is our own Brothers Strong Woodworking Challenge each year hosting over 60 children for a fun-filled day of festivities.
STRONG COMMUNITY & CHARITY INVOLVEMENT
In addition to remodeling, Brothers Strong is committed to building our community in a variety of ways: contributing labor in home repair and new construction projects, donating toys, gifts and food, and partnering with groups that are improving the quality of life for children, underprivileged families, and seniors--which, in turn, has enriched our own lives. Here are some of the many efforts we have made to blend in to the fabric of our community.
- Northwest Assistance Ministries Business Partner, 1995-2000: worked with NAM to expand its Food Pantry, Family Violence Center, and Re-sale Shop
- Interfaith Ministries Annual Toy Drive, 1997-2000: contributed during the Christmas season to enrich the lives of at-risk children in the Houston area
- Sheltering Arms Charity Project, 1997: helped re-furbish office space for workers enhancing the quality of life for Houston seniors
- Interfaith Ministries Josephine Biddle Work Project, 1998: re-roofed the home of a selfless and dedicated senior caring for victims of violent crime
- InterfaithMinistries Grief Center of Texas Remodeling Project, 1998: built a gazebo and assisted with other property improvements that serve people in need n the greater Houston area
- Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Work Project, 1998: did framing and siding installation as part of Project Houston to create a decent habitat in which families may live and work
- Akin’s Army, Channel 2 People to People Program, 2000: mobilized materials and labor force for a variety of needy homeowners in Houston
- PSI Homesavers, 2001: worked with several Houston-area remodelers to replace siding on four homes in the 5 th Ward
- GHBA Remodelers Council Sponsor a Family, 1999-2002: completed a “wish list” for a disabled senior who needed clothes and house wares
- Habitat for Humanity IBS Work Project, Las Vegas, 2003: provided labor assistance in building a new community of affordable housing
- Mission of Yahweh, 2001: helped complete the construction of storage warehouse at the emergency center for homeless and abused women and children in Houston
- Child Advocates and Young Professionals for Children, 2003-04: co-sponsor of annual event for victims of abuse and neglected children
- The New Kid Care, 2004: Michael is proud to have served for 2 years on the Board of Directors of The New Kid Care under the former chairman, Mr. Gil Baker. Kid Care provides meals and assistance to hundreds of needy children in the Houston area. If you would like to help support this worthy charity, please call... The New Kid Care at 713-695-5437
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