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Hamill Foundation Awards $175,000 Grant
to Memorial Assistance Ministries
Hamill Foundation’s President Charlie Read and Grant Director Tom Brown first came to Memorial Assistance Ministries in 2001 to learn about a program called I Can See that provided eye exams and glasses to school children. They glimpsed a promise of something great in the organization and began what continues to be a wonderful relationship today.
Throughout the years, Hamill Foundation has provided guidance and support as MAM developed new services desperately needed by families living in west Houston. They took MAM under their wing and provided the operating support to bring its dreams for the community to fruition. By offering suggestions on how to best present itself, MAM has garnered support from other foundations to serve over 6,600 families last year. This year, MAM received its largest annual operating grant from Hamill Foundation, $175,000, to continue the development and growth of the organization’s programming.
“We have watched MAM grow in the quality of their programs and the relevance to the needs of the community. MAM offers financial support and training to help people provide for their family. Most importantly, they give encouragement and affirmation that helps a person regain their sense of self-worth. MAM makes a big impact on the whole Houston community and The Hamill Foundation is pleased to be able to support MAM.” says Tom Brown, Grants Director.
This past year, both Charlie and Tom were particularly touched by the journey of a young woman named Julie who came to MAM after losing her job and falling short of rent on the apartment where she lived with her 6 year old daughter. Julie received rental assistance while she attended MAM’s Employment Certification Program. By setting realistic goals and working hard, Julie is now employed full-time as a baker – her dream job – and she and her daughter have a new beginning.
“Martha Macris, MAM President and CEO said, “The Hamill Foundation has stood by us over the years, providing increasing dollars for operating support and helping to launch special projects. Their belief in us inspires us to be more of who we are.”
Pictured: Georgia Kimmell, Vice President of Family Assistance and Sandy Staffeld, Vice President of Fund Development visited Tom Brown to present a basket of freshly baked bread, symbolic of the success that Julie is now experiencing because of the Hamill Foundation’s long support and mentorship of MAM.