Near the end of February, the Houston City Council awarded Buckner Houston a $100,000 grant to provide case management and services to 30 families through the Buckner Family Hope Center at Reed Road.

The decision was a cause for celebration throughout Buckner. It means vulnerable families will receive the help and empowerment they need. Families will be stronger as a result of the grant, and children’s lives will be better because of it. 

It also has a symbolic significance. The city grant is a first for Buckner in Houston. It represents the city council recognizing the impact Buckner is having through its newest Family Hope Center. The funds affirm our approach and the families whose lives are being changed.

That affirmation encourages Buckner staff members. It inspires us to keep pushing forward to transform the lives of those we serve. 

Encouragement – no matter what form it comes in – is like that. When we know others believe in us, are praying for us and are supporting us, we find the strength to go a little further. We have more confidence. We have more energy.

How can you encourage someone this week? Does someone need a kind word? Does someone need a person to walk alongside them? Look for ways, then see the difference it makes it their lives.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11