How We Help
We are a coalition of churches
working to reduce the effects of
poverty in the local community.
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Basic Necessities
Emergency Services-Central
The work of the Christian Community Service Center started with Emergency Services-Central providing a food pantry for Houston residents. This outreach program strives to help low-income clients in Southwest and Central Houston who are in crisis situations.
Emergency Services-Southwest
In August of 2008, CCSC was delighted to take over the operation of a second food pantry. Located at the Gethsemane campus of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (6856 Bellaire Blvd.), this center provides another location where community members in crisis can receive help.
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Children/Youth Programs
Back To School
Since 1986, CCSC has delivered resources to low-income students through our Back To School program. Today, students from pre-K through 12th grade receive grade-appropriate school supplies and a clothing/shoe gift card so they can confidently begin the academic year on equal footing with their more advantaged peers.
Louise J. Morgan Vision Care Program
CCSC established the Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program to remove barriers from families needing eyeglasses for their children. Each academic year, CCSC partners directly with schools in particularly underprivileged parts of our service area to provide eye exams and glasses to students whose families are in need of this service.
Jingle Bell Express
Jingle Bell Express began as one of the first outreach programs of Christian Community Service Center. In 1980, volunteers under the guise of “Santa’s Helpers” provided Christmas cheer for 40 needy families. The program quickly expanded, and thanks to the generosity of many wonderful Houstonians we now support about 2,500 children and their families at Christmas.
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Employment Support
JobNet
JobNet provides free skilled coaching, workshops and essential computer training for participants. Job loss and job searches are challenges that no one should have to face alone. JobNet staff and volunteers with broad industry experience are ready and waiting to help job seekers make a job search plan, create and polish resumes, refine interview skills, and improve computer skills in our state-of-the art lab.
Martha’s Way
Martha’s Way is a training program for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding a residential housekeeping business. The 42-hour curriculum is offered in Spanish and covers professional development, business development and technical skills for eco-friendly housekeeping. More than 2,100 people have graduated from this program since it was launched in 2003. Graduates have access to job leads, additional training, and other support.
Professional Home Caregiver Training Program
CCSC’s newest employment program provides free training to enable people to work as caregivers. Caregiving is a rapidly expanding field that supports older adults and other populations who need assistance with daily activities. Our 50+ hour nonmedical training course covers relationship building, technical skills, hands-on support techniques and dementia care. The program is taught by staff and volunteers with broad medical experience and education. It also provides business and marketing strategies to find and keep clients. Participants who complete the course will be prepared to work for an agency, open their own business and/or work directly for families. Graduates also receive job leads, coaching, and other support.
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Community Garden
Since 2000, CCSC has maintained a Garden on the grounds of a CCSC member church. The Garden is now located at the Gethsemane Campus of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. The CCSC Garden’s vegetables and fruits are tended to and harvested by volunteers.
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CCSC & Natural Disaster Relief
CCSC’s Role During a Natural Disaster
CCSC is a service provider to those undergoing daily silent disasters such as unemployment, low wages, hunger, and a lack of other basic needs, we are not first responders or experts in disaster relief. However, there are effective ways the agency can serve the community when a disaster hits the Gulf Coast.
During a crisis, CCSC will continue to serve its regular clients while also serving disaster victims through its existing programs. CCSC may adjust policies to serve these victims and can also connect clients, particularly first-time clients, to other agencies and resources. In addition, CCSC can become a clearinghouse of information for its member churches, especially those churches serving as Red Cross shelters.
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