*Ensure you're not missing anything! Enable image display to access the complete content of this newsletter. | | Our First Health & Wellness Community Fair | | |
WHAM invites you and your loved ones to our first Community Health and Wellness Fair, a dynamic event designed with our neighbors in mind. It's on Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Quillian Recreational Center, 10570 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042.
This free fair is a welcoming place for anyone in the community, created in response to Medicaid cuts, increased healthcare and living costs, and the lack of health insurance by so many in our community. No registration is necessary - simply stop by and experience a host of resources, activities, and opportunities:
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Complimentary health screenings and vaccinations: Take care of your well-being with free on-site services from trusted health professionals.
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Accessible health information: Get answers to your questions and take home valuable resources about preventive care, nutrition, and local healthcare options.
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Job & Career Zone: Speak directly with employers, discover job opportunities, and receive helpful guidance on workforce readiness. Make sure to bring your resume and come dressed to impress!
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Vendor fair and raffles: The more vendors you engage with, the greater your chances to win one of our exciting raffle prizes drawn at the end of the day.
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We will even have resources for your pets, and the Curiosity Cruiser giving away free books to children in attendance
The fair will provide a supportive atmosphere to connect with neighbors, access essential services, and empower yourself and your family with life-improving knowledge. Bring your friends, as everyone is welcome, and all activities are free.
For Health and Wellness Providers:
There’s no charge to participate as a vendor. This is a great way to reach fellow Houstonians and share your expertise and services. If you’d like to reserve a free vendor spot, please sign up HERE.
See you soon! For more details, visit our website at whamministries.org/events
| | Client Success Story: Julio's New Career Path | | |
When Julio moved from Kansas to Houston in 2010, he began college, dreaming of a career in sound engineering. However, after just a few semesters, financial struggles forced him to put those dreams on hold. He began working in the service industry, enjoying the fast-paced environment and flexible hours. Still, no matter how hard he worked, advancement was limited.
Julio’s mother, a hairdresser with over 20 years of experience, encouraged him to consider a new path. Inspired by her advice, Julio decided to pursue a career as a hair stylist. In August 2024, he enrolled at Paul Mitchell’s Beauty School. The course required 1000 hours to complete and the schedule was flexible, but, determined to finish as quickly as possible, Julio made concerted efforts to attend classes four days a week instead.
Halfway through the program, Julio hit a rough patch. He found himself between jobs, struggling to make ends meet. That’s when the school’s staff told him about West Houston Assistance Ministries and our scholarship aid program. Once connected to us, we guided him through the application process so we could provide a scholarship through a Workforce Development grant that Center Point Energy generously provided to us.
Receiving the scholarship was a turning point. Julio described it as a “Godsend,” giving him the support he needed to finish his training without sacrificing his goal. He says, “I couldn’t have made that happen if WHAM didn’t help me at that tough spot.”
This past May, Julio graduated from beauty school. He is working and is ready to build his own clientele and enjoy the independence he has always wanted. He encourages others to seek out WHAM "not for a handout, but for the resources and guidance that can help them move forward."
We're proud to be able to assist job seekers and future entrepreneurs such as Julio, and are grateful to CenterPoint Energy for their generous support. Julio's story is proof that with determination, guidance, and the right support, it’s possible to turn challenging situations into fresh opportunities.
Support our work as well. Donate today at whamministries.org/donate, and help us change lives too!
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Every summer, many children in our community face food insecurity because school meals are unavailable. West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) addresses this issue through the Kids’ Summer Meals program. With recent coverage from KHOU and Telemundo, more families and potential supporters are becoming aware of this vital initiative.
Their reports highlight that food insecurity doesn’t take a summer break, and many families quietly struggle during these months.
The Kids’ Summer Meals program runs every weekday from 11am to 1pm (until July 25). WHAM encourages anyone who knows children who could benefit, or anyone who would like to help, to get involved.
This program, and our food pantry in general, provides nutritious food, helps reduce stress for parents and families, and creates a positive impact on children’s health and well-being. Donations and volunteers are always needed, especially as even more families seek help in the summer months. Donate today.
If you would like to contribute or learn more, visit whamministries.org. You can also view our recent media highlight on NPR as well. Your involvement can help ensure children and families in our community have nutritious meals and brighter days ahead every day.
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Join us to celebrate the generosity and impact of our community!
This year's event promises to be particularly special and inspiring, featuring an eye-opening fireside chat with two clients whose lives have been profoundly transformed by WHAM's programs, volunteers, donors, and staff. Their stories are living proof that our work, and your support for it, has a lasting, powerful impact on the lives of neighbors experiencing crises.
We will present the Penrod Volunteer Award to two amazing volunteers: Mary Marusik and Barbara Stevens, and honor the community impact by Reliant, an NRG Company that is generously helping families also going through hard times.
We will also honor the memory of Chet Bernard, our colleague who passed away this year, but who left a wonderful legacy at WHAM and our Workforce Preparedness programs.
Last, you will not want to miss the announcement of big, positive changes coming to WHAM! Can we count on seeing you there?
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