Main Street Ministries Houston’s Post

What do you see - messy pile of clothes or a pile of hope? As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what truly brings joy and fulfillment—in our careers and personal lives. This year, I’m finding satisfaction, not so much in accomplishments or possessions, but in giving back. While enjoying a career hiatus and evaluating what I want the next steps to look like, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a community shelter, specifically in the clothing pantry. Sorting donations, folding clothes, and helping people find what they needed was humbling. I met a man there who shared his heartbreaking story: he had lost his child, his home, and all his belongings in a devastating house fire. Listening to his story was a reminder of how fragile life can be and how much we take for granted—our homes, families, and even the clothes on our backs. Despite his unimaginable loss, he was grateful for the small things: a warm jacket, a kind word, and a place to rebuild some dignity. A new coat to brave the northeast winter or shoes that actually fit can mean the world to someone working to get back on their feet. Volunteering wasn’t just about distributing clothes; it was about offering hope and kindness. It’s human nature to get caught up in the hustle of our professional lives, chasing goals, and climbing ladders. But real satisfaction often comes from stepping outside of our own bubbles and contributing to something greater than ourselves. Volunteering this season is giving me more than I could ever give back. There’s power in human connection and an importance in empathy. If you’re looking to align your professional and personal life with deeper meaning, I encourage you to find a cause that is close to you. A few hours can make a world of difference—for others and yourself. This holiday season, I’m not only on focused what is achieved but also on what can be given. Job satisfaction and life satisfaction often crossover in the smallest acts of kindness. Have you had a similar experience with giving back? I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s continue to inspire each other to make a difference! #hope #careersatisfaction #givingback #volunteering #joy

"Gift with Purpose, Build with Heart, a Legacy of Kindness. I've learned that true giving comes not from wealth, but from the abundance of the heart. My mother taught me this valuable lesson, and I've carried it with me throughout my life. She had a remarkable ability to find connection with anyone in need, and our home was often a refuge for strangers. I remember waking up to find new faces at our breakfast table, people my mother had met at church and welcomed into our home. Those wooden churches, with their open doors and open hearts, were a far cry from the mega-churches of today. My mother's selflessness and generosity inspired me to pursue a career in corporate philanthropy. It's not just about writing checks; it's about pointing people in the right direction, sharing what little we have to make a difference in someone's life. In a world where it feels like we never have enough, sharing our resources, time, and money can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Of course, not everyone will appreciate our efforts, and some may even feel entitled. But that won't stop us from making a difference. At Miray's Est., we're dedicated to helping you identify a cause that resonates with you and make a real impact in education, health, or social causes. Join us in our mission to gift with purpose and build with heart. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that transforms lives and communities. #GiftWithPurpose #BuildWithHeart #CorporatePhilanthropy #SocialResponsibility #GivingBack #MakeADifference #PhilanthropyInAction #KindnessMatters #PayItForward #CharitableGiving #CommunityFirst #ImpactfulGiving #HeartOverHead Miray's Est.

⚖️ Balancing Achievement and Uncertainty: My Family’s Fight for Stability ⚖️ I just received the physical copy of my latest qualification—a symbol of weeks of hard work, late nights, and unwavering determination. I should be proud, and part of me is. But as I hold this certificate, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. What does this achievement mean when I don’t even know where my children and I will be living next week? Despite everything I’ve fought for, we’re still facing the very real and frightening prospect of being street homeless. It’s hard to describe the feeling—reaching a milestone that should mark progress and stability, yet still being on the edge because in the Matrix we’re currently lacking the most basic necessity: a settled home and this reality is overshadowing most things. I’ve worked so hard to get here, but now, more than ever, I’m fighting for my family’s future, for a safe place for my kids to sleep at night. I’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help us navigate this incredibly difficult time. If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing—it would mean everything to us right now. The link is in the comments below. I am so grateful to anyone who can offer support, whether it’s financial or simply sharing my posts. Your kindness and generosity could be the reason we’re able to keep going. #AchievementUnlocked #Resilience #HomelessnessAwareness #SupportNeeded #GoFundMe #HelpNeeded #FamilyFirst #KeepingMyKidsSafe #CommunityMatters #OvercomingObstacles #StayStrong #OneDayAtATime #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionInAction #WeAreStrongerTogether

As we kick off the Holiday Season this year, it’s clear that many folks are still struggling economically, making the idea of participating in Giving Tuesday beyond their reach.   But we are so much more than the money we have to give. Our time, our knowledge and our attention are among the greatest things we can share. Here are a few ways to give back this Giving Tuesday, no matter your resources:   Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping out at your local retirement home or serving on a non-profit board, your time is an invaluable gift and can be far more impactful than a cash gift. Share What You Have: My oldest child started his own little chicken farm this year, and he’s giving away eggs via our Church to neighbors in need. It’s a small but meaningful way to give back. As colder weather arrives, maybe you've been meaning to clear out the clothes you don't wear anymore from your closet? What may no longer be your size or style could be a great gift for someone with a limited budget. Offer Your Skills: Are you a great cook, skilled at a sport or carpentry? Offer a free lesson to someone who couldn't otherwise afford it. You might take your unique abilities for granted but sharing your talents could be a great gift to someone with limited resources. Spread Positivity: A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or just being present for someone who needs support can make all the difference.   Giving isn’t about the size of the gesture—it’s about the heart behind it. Do you have a favorite cause to share today?   #GivingTuesday #GivingBack #Community #KindnessMatters

Every night, Bean and I sit down for our journaling tradition. We write about the challenges we faced and celebrate the victories we achieved. Through this practice, I’m teaching him a powerful lesson: don’t dwell on the bad—life doesn’t wait for anyone. As a BOSS mom, I encourage you to thrive unapologetically. Own your happiness. Learn from your setbacks and build your circle with people who uplift your vision and mission. Most importantly, ask yourself: What do I truly want? Then, go after it relentlessly. Don’t wait for 2025 or a perfect resolution—your time to take action is NOW. MaaPaa.org lead with kindness Remember, we can only control what’s within our reach. Everyday blessed and highly favored #AMEN #divorced #fulltimemom #fullcustody #SupportSingleMoms #EmpowerMothers #MaaPaaCommunity #RaisingStrongSons #WomenEmpowerment #SingleMomSupport #CommunityImpact #NonprofitDallas #DallasNonprofit #StrongMoms #YouthEmpowerment #MotherhoodMatters #FamilyFirst #MomsInNeed #BreakTheCycle #FinancialEmpowerment #widow #EducationalSupport #suicide #MentalHealthAwareness #MothersAndSons #CommunitySupport #HelpingFamiliesThrive #EmpoweringWomen #BuildingFutures #StrengthInMotherhood #DallasCommunity #InvestInMothers #NonprofitSupport #StrongerTogether #ChangingLives #WomenSupportingWomen ✅Allen’s Grocery (75215) ✅MaaPaa Nonprofit ✅Diva Elite Roofing Company ✅Mental Health First Aid Trainings #MHFA

I don’t share much of my personal life in LinkedIn but when I feel proud have to share it.🙏💙 A truly proud moment seeing our youngest volunteers at @toydriveandevents! Our grandchildren are helping sort toys and learning about the mission we’ve been passionate about for years. Ethan has been attending our Toy Drives since he was a baby—9 years strong! While our other grandkids aren’t ready for “Breakfast with Santa” just yet, we’re excited to involve them next season. For now, we’re keeping the focus on those who need it most, but even our toddler has noticed the toys and never asked for one. 🥰🙏 We take time to explain why it’s important to give and how our foundation is helping make a difference. As we approach our cut-off date of December 6th, we reflect on gratitude—the quality of being thankful and returning kindness. As we enter the last month of 2024, we’re filled with so much appreciation for all the support we’ve received since starting our nonprofit. 15 holiday seasons later, we still feel the same emotions, even a few tears, as we look back on all the memories. That’s what truly matters: the drive to continue helping low-income children and families in need. Let’s make 2024 the best year yet! 🥳🙏🥰 #Gratitude #ToyDrive #HolidaySeason #GivingBack #CommunitySupport #Blessed #Nonprofit #ToyDriveAndEvents #FamilyGiving #MakingMemories #ReflectAndGive Highlight

November 13th is #WorldKindnessDay and it's a chance to to promote the importance of kindness in our daily lives and encourage people to engage in acts of goodwill. It's also an opportunity to reflect on how small, kind gestures can have a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. As a supporter and ambassador of Kind Souls Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how small acts of #kindness can create ripples of change within the #workerscompensation #insurance industry. I'm grateful to be on the team at J29 Inc., who values and supports charitable organizations like #KindSoulsFoundation. Everyone in #workerscomp is fortunate to be an incredible position to help those who are arguably in their greatest time of need. It's during these times that kindness is needed more than ever. Whether it's supporting injured workers or their families with #compassion during challenging times, ensuring that every individual feels valued, or just providing a little hope... the mission of Kind Souls Foundation resonates deeply with me.💚 As we navigate the complexities of #workcomp, we often forget the human aspect. It's not just about #claims, policies, and procedures—it’s about the people behind them. At #KindSoulsFoundation, we believe in empowering both workers and #employers through empathy, respect, and support. KSF's work reminds us that when we lead with kindness, everyone benefits—individuals recover faster and businesses grow stronger. This World Kindness Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how we can bring more kindness into our daily interactions, both professionally and personally. A simple gesture, a kind word, or an extra moment of support can make all the difference. To give back, please consider visiting: https://lnkd.in/esVQGX58 #KindSoulsFoundation #WorkersCompensation #KindnessInAction #LeadWithKindness #MakeADifference #KindnessMatters #KSF #WhatInspiresMe

As the year comes to a close, today was a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. While paying our final respects to a dear friend, Bean turned to me and said, “Mama Nelly, life is unpredictable.” Moments like these remind me that our work isn’t just about running a nonprofit or a grocery store—it’s about investing in people, building relationships, and showing up for our neighbors and friends. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it often brings important reflections: How will we be remembered? Who will show up for us? What stories will they tell? We are not immortal. Every one of us has an expiration date. Let’s make every day count. True customer service goes beyond transactions—it’s about connection. The REAL power is knowing your neighbors, listening intently, and showing up with consistent care. MaaPaa.org lead with kindness Remember, we can only control what’s within our reach. Everyday blessed and highly favored #AMEN #divorced #fulltimemom #fullcustody #SupportSingleMoms #EmpowerMothers #MaaPaaCommunity #RaisingStrongSons #WomenEmpowerment #SingleMomSupport #CommunityImpact #NonprofitDallas #DallasNonprofit #StrongMoms #YouthEmpowerment #MotherhoodMatters #FamilyFirst #MomsInNeed #BreakTheCycle #FinancialEmpowerment #widow #EducationalSupport #suicide #MentalHealthAwareness #MothersAndSons #CommunitySupport #HelpingFamiliesThrive #EmpoweringWomen #BuildingFutures #StrengthInMotherhood #DallasCommunity #InvestInMothers #NonprofitSupport #StrongerTogether #ChangingLives #WomenSupportingWomen ✅Allen’s Grocery (75215) ✅MaaPaa Nonprofit ✅Diva Elite Roofing Company ✅Mental Health First Aid Trainings #MHFA

**Giving Back: A Path to Gratitude and Growth** As professionals, we're often driven by a desire to achieve success and progress in our careers and personal lives. But what happens when we feel like we're not moving as fast as we'd like? When the journey seems long and arduous, it's easy to get stuck in a mindset of frustration and discontent. But I want to share with you a powerful truth that has transformed my own perspective and sparked a sense of gratitude in my life. It's the practice of giving back. For me, that means volunteering at local homeless shelters and participating in annual counts to help those on the streets find shelter. It may seem like a small act, but the impact it has on me is profound. As I walk among the homeless, listening to their stories and struggles, I'm reminded of the immense privilege I've been given. I'm reminded of the roof over my head, the food on my table, and the opportunities that have been presented to me. It's a humbling experience that fills me with gratitude and empathy. Giving back has a way of shifting our focus from what's lacking in our lives to what we already have. It's a powerful reminder that our success is not solely defined by our achievements, but by the positive impact we have on others. So, I want to encourage you to find ways to give back, even when you feel like you're not moving as fast as you'd like. It might be as simple as volunteering at a local soup kitchen or helping a friend in need. The act of giving back can be a powerful catalyst for growth, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. I want to challenge you to take one step towards giving back today. Whether it's donating your time, resources, or expertise, make a commitment to make a positive impact on someone's life. Share your story with me in the comments below. How have you experienced the power of giving back in your life? What kind of impact have you made on someone else? Let's celebrate the ripple effects of kindness and generosity together! Together, let's spread love, kindness, and gratitude far and wide! #givingback #kindnesstoall #gratitude #empowerment

𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗼𝗿 – 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 I am so grateful for what I get to do for a living that I am sharing my gratitude with you and our community. Truly, I have so much to be thankful for, not the least of which is being able to serve our community. As my way of saying “thank you,” I want to help you and your family this Thanksgiving season. In turn, you get to hear a “thank you” from your family by taking care of the things you have been putting off – getting your estate plan updated or done. To ensure your loved ones know exactly what to do and how to handle your things after you are gone, schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session. Normally, the fee for your Life & Legacy Planning Session is $750, but in the spirit of this season of gratitude, we are waiving this fee for those who complete the pre-session homework in advance. Just by doing the homework you will feel more organized than ever before! Plus, when you make an appointment now, I’ll donate $100.00 in your name to our local community food bank. So by taking care of YOUR family, you will also be taking care of a family who needs your help this holiday season. Contact us today to claim this offer ▶️ https://lnkd.in/gTuTMnVb #estateplan #willsandtrusts #powerofattorney #healthcaredirectives #guardianship #protectyourfamily #kidsprotectionplan #assetprotection #legacy #familylegacy #buildyourlegacy #estateplanningattorney #nyestateplanningattorney #personalfamilylawyer #nymom #nyparent #fourcornerslegacylaw #PFLinstashare #legacylaw #pfl #chathamny #columbiacountyny #chathammom #hudsonny #hudsonmom