“I come from a family of veterans, but it’s my brother’s journey that truly lit the fire in my soul. He served eight years in the Army. He was willing to sacrifice everything for what he believed in. But when he got out, he was damaged.

“He saw so much, and he never wanted to talk about it. I would catch him rocking himself to sleep at night. Then one day, he just up and left. I’d get in my car and ride all night looking for him, and I’d always find him under a bridge with homeless veterans he’d met. This went on every day. He’d leave, I’d bring him home, clean him up, feed him, but he’d go right back out there.

“I fought tooth and nail with the VA to get him help, get him benefits. I don’t know, I think they’re just overwhelmed with so many veterans needing assistance. But these people fought for us. They sacrificed so much, including their mental health in a lot of cases. When they come home, they should have something to come home to.

“Lioness Touch is my answer to this urgent need. It’s a nonprofit committed to restoring dignity, and providing housing and hope for homeless and elderly veterans, as well as displaced veterans who lack identification and need a safe place to rebuild their lives. We’re still in the development phase. But we’re working hard to establish transitional homes where veterans can heal and rebuild. We want to launch job-creation and empowerment programs that honor every individual’s gifts. And we want to build a network of community outreach and holistic care that meets people where they are, providing support and care tailored to their needs.

“Our slogan is: You fought for us. Now let us fight for you. Everyone deserves a chance to start again, with love, not judgment. We’re not trying to give a handout. We’re trying to give a hand up.”

— Danquole “Shaun” Robinson

For more information on Lioness Touch, check the website.

The post She has big heart for homeless vets appeared first on The Baytown Project.

“In 2009, I was raising my kids. I was doing weddings. I was teaching group fitness. I was doing all this stuff, then my voice kept going out.

“I was a fitness instructor for 17 years. So I had a lot of vocal cord abuse. I would lose my voice for weeks, then it would come back. After a lot of testing, they decided it was from reflux. My esophageal sphincter was wide open. So everything was coming up, and it was burning my vocal cords.

“One of the top surgeons in Texas performed the surgery, and I had some bad side effects. I wasn’t able to swallow hardly anything. Even my saliva, I would start choking. It was absolutely horrific.

“Over time, things got a little better. My voice would come back. I started teaching again. Things seemed to be good. Then, all of a sudden, it deteriorated again. I needed a second surgery.

“I was feeling so bad. I didn’t want to eat. I still have issues. Eating is not fun for me. I can’t swallow normally. I’ve not eaten solid food since 2011. I’m on a very soft diet. When I do eat, it takes me a couple hours. Because as soon as I start ingesting something, I start having esophageal spasms. I have the same issues with drinking anything.

“So during the course of the day, I’m not eating or drinking. And people are asking, ‘How are you able to do anything?’ I say, ‘It’s God’s strength in me. He’s called me to do this.’ Because physically, it makes no sense.

“A couple years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I think that everything I’ve struggled with kind of falls under that. But had it not been for all those struggles, this place would not be here. My illnesses kind of put me back into the Lord’s will for my life. I know without a doubt, this is what he created me to do.

“He’s surrounded me with an unbelievable army of family, friends, staff and volunteers to make this what it is today. Even though it’s hard — sometimes with my health, I’m really down for the count — this ministry is a dream come true.”

— Nikki Rincon

Nikki is executive director of Hearts and Hands of Baytown, a ministry of Iglesia Cristo Viene church.

Related:

• Food ministry ‘delivering hope’

The post Chronic health struggles can’t stop her appeared first on The Baytown Project.

“I made a mistake. I used the wrong address for a food fair location. I caught it, but I knew some of the flyers had already gone out.

“I was worried that some people might go to the wrong place, so I drove out there early that morning. I was so glad there wasn’t a line. It was just one car.

“When I got out to speak with the gentleman, and let him know he could follow me to the correct location, he told me his story. He had just started a new job and moved his family here. But shortly thereafter, the company made cuts. He got laid off. It was one of those last-in, first-out things.

“He was a young guy. He had a wife and two small children. And he said, ‘I’ll be real honest with you. My wife and I have not eaten in a couple days, because we’re making sure the kids are fed.’ I told him to follow me to the food fair.

“I called my dad, who’s one of our biggest supporters, and asked him to pack up some extra food and meet us there. I also told the gentleman about the Pay It Forward Diner, where he and his family could get a free meal that day.

“He looked like the man on the street who you might be scared to approach: real rough, with tattoos all over his body. But in that moment, he was standing there just crying. And he was hugging me. He said, ‘I can’t even believe this is happening.’

“It’s moments like that — I could go on and on with those types of stories — that makes all the work of our staff, volunteers and partners so meaningful.

“When people hear the name, Hearts and Hands of Baytown, they immediately think of food. But it’s so much more than that. We’re delivering hope. We’re giving dignity to people.”

— Nikki Rincon

Nikki is executive director of Hearts and Hands of Baytown, a ministry of Iglesia Cristo Viene church. Through food fairs and various other programs with community partners, they strive to eradicate hunger and its underlying causes.

Related:

• Chronic health struggles can’t stop her

The post Food ministry ‘delivering hope’ appeared first on The Baytown Project.

“Through my films, I’d like to support non-profit organizations and bring attention to certain causes. Because I lost someone to suicide, mental health and suicide prevention are really important to me.

“Mario Arturo Valverde was my cousin. We were born a month apart. I’ve never been privy to the details. It’s just too much to unpack. To open that wound would be too painful. It broke me down. I was lost for a very long time. I delved into everything I could to cope. I felt a lot of complicated emotions, like ’it should have been me.’ His suicide affected our family profoundly.

“He was only 15 when it happened. I vividly remember hearing the news and driving to his house, where there were sirens and lights from the ambulance and cop cars. It felt unreal then, and it still does.

“I wasn’t as close to him when we entered high school. Our families drifted apart, and we grew apart. I regret that I wasn’t there for him. Even if it was always going to happen, I just would have wanted more time to spend with him.

“It’s affected everything in my life — who I want to be, and how I want to help others in need through films and stories. That’s what helped me understand and convey those really complex emotions, and deal with my personal mental health struggles.

“‘For You’ was the only way I really knew how to remember him and honor his memory. It will be the most important and meaningful film I will ever make.”

— Sergio Valverde

“For You,” a short film produced by Pink-Eye Pictures, features Sergio and several of his cousins.

Related:

• Movie lover inspired to make his own films

The post Cousin’s suicide changed filmmaker’s life appeared first on The Baytown Project.

(5 of 5) “I think of my sister every second that we’re out there. Every girl that we talk to, I see her. Every girl we recover, I see her. I see a part of her in all of them. And that’s her legacy. It’s how her light continues to shine. I get really emotional talking about it because I miss her and think about her all the time.

“When her son’s trial was going on, the media portrayed Nita as this drug addict, which she wasn’t anymore. They portrayed her as this prostitute and whore, this horrible person. It’s important for people to understand that they are forced into this life. These girls are not horrible people. There is a story behind each and every one of them that needs to be told.

“I used to say that my sister was a survivor of human trafficking. But I kind of look back now and think, she never really survived. Her trafficker’s child killed her because of what her trafficker put in his head.

“To see the girls we’re able to recover, and to watch as they begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives, it’s more than incredible. I feel so blessed to be part of this, part of my sister’s dream.”

— Betty Simons

Learn more about Nita Marie’s Angels.

Related:

• Pregnant mom’s life ends at hands of her son

• She fights in aftermath of sister’s death

• Nita’s Angels fights for trafficked girls

• It’s safety first when working on the streets

The post Sister’s light shines through work of Nita’s Angels appeared first on The Baytown Project.

(4 of 5) “When we started going out, I was shaking. I was nervous. I was scared. You’re dealing with very dangerous people. You’re talking about drug dealers and gang members. These trafficked girls represent their money. I didn’t know what to expect. But the more we were out there and the better they got to know us, the more we were accepted. Even the pimps were like, oh, it’s those ladies who are helping our girls. Some of them don’t like us, but they’ve learned to stay away from us.

“The streets are very unpredictable. You just never know what could happen at any given moment. So we always have to be on our toes. We always have to be hyper aware of our surroundings.

“My husband went out there with us one time, and he was blown away with what he saw. He was like, ‘This is dangerous. This is scary. I can’t believe this is what you’re doing.’ But he’s kind of calmed down. Really, he’s my biggest supporter. I’m lucky to have someone like him. Now, before I walk out the door, he’s checking: ‘Do you have your guns on you? Are you fully loaded? Do you have your extra magazines?’ He’s checking to make sure I’m prepared. That if something happens, I can defend myself.

“It’s awful to see these children out there being trafficked. We’ve recovered girls as young as 12 years old. So while this can be considered dangerous work, it’s worth it. If we can get them off the streets and back to their families, or on a path to a new, safe life, it’s definitely worth it.”

— Betty Simons

Related:

• Pregnant mom’s life ends at hands of her son

• She fights in aftermath of sister’s death

• Nita’s Angels fights for trafficked girls

• Sister’s light shines through work of Nita’s Angels

The post It’s safety first when working on the streets appeared first on The Baytown Project.

(3 of 5) “In May 2015, my sister came to me and said that she was starting an organization. She was going to call it Nita’s Angels. She wanted to help girls like herself who were being trafficked. She told me, ‘I don’t want to see other children have to go through what I went through.’ So I said, ‘Whatever help you need, let’s do it.’

“We were excited about it. In June she started filing paperwork to get her 501(c) status. But in September, she was killed. She never got to see the organization get off the ground and start doing the work. I knew I couldn’t let this end with her death. So I decided to continue Nita’s Angels.

“For 4 1/2 years, from the time she died to when my nephew finally went to trial, I did a lot of volunteer work with anti-trafficking organizations to learn as much as I could. About a week after the trial, I started filing all the paperwork and putting together our program. We got our 501(c) status last year, and we’ve been going strong ever since.

“We partner a lot with with an organization called The Entity Haven. We go to Houston trafficking hot spots two or three times a week, from about 9 p.m. until 3 or 4 in the morning. We do outreach where we provide drinks, snacks, condoms, hand warmers and things like that for girls who come up to us. And we just have conversations with them.

“If they are adults, our goal is to get them out of their situation and into programs that help start to rebuild their lives in safe locations. We don’t ever try to force them out. Their traffickers are often drug dealers and gang members, so there’s a real fear factor. If they want to exit, they will volunteer that information to us. It’s a decision they have to make when they’re ready.

“I’m proud to say that we’ve had some pretty good success. In the last month alone, we’ve helped quite a few girls exit and begin rebuilding their lives. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what Nita wanted.”

— Betty Simons

They also help trafficked minors, working with family members and the Houston Police Department.

Related:

• Pregnant mom’s life ends at hands of her son

• She fights in aftermath of sister’s death

• It’s safety first when working on the streets

• Sister’s light shines through work of Nita’s Angels

The post Nita’s Angels fights for trafficked girls appeared first on The Baytown Project.

Name
Angel Middleton

Age
43

How long have you lived in Baytown?
11 years

Most interesting fact about you
I’m almost embarrassed to say it. I’m 43 years old, and I’ve never learned to roller skate.

Background
I’m originally from Miami, Florida. My family and I relocated to Houston in 2004. In 2008 we found ourselves in Baytown, and we’ve been here ever since. It’s kind of reminiscent of Florida, with all the palm trees and water.

I’m the mother of four (ages 27, 23, 21 and 15), and I have two beautiful grandchildren. My family are my biggest fans. I’m also blessed to have the support and encouragement of the best friend in the world, who happens to be their dad.

I own GNE Massage and Wellness Spa, as well as a non-profit organization, Grace Never Ends Inc. I admit to being a workaholic, maybe because I grew up seeing the women around me work much harder than most. I have a do-it-yourself work ethic. If I don’t have work to do, I think something is wrong and create work for myself. At 43, I’m just learning how to relax. I’ll have it mastered soon.

I’m the oldest of four, and I come from a really large, loud and colorful family. We are definitely some larger-than-life characters. Family is extremely important to me. Women, like the ones in my family, are often the glue that holds it together. I learned at an early age that women can do everything. Oftentimes, we pour ourselves into caring for the ones we love and put caring for ourselves on the back burner. We burn ourselves out.

I saw it and swore I wouldn’t do it when I grew up. Yet, I found myself recreating that same scene. I was trying to do it all and succeeding, just like the women before me. I didn’t know how to accept help, take a break or say no, even when it was desperately needed. Call it a pride thing. I was overwhelmed, overworked, overly stressed, financially strained, and I felt under-appreciated. It was a recipe for disaster.

I hated my job. It paid well, but it was just that — a job; no passion behind it. I did the work-from-home, stay-at-home mom thing, too. But I was still just as, if not more, stressed and tired. I had no time for myself. I was juggling life, work and my son’s illnesses, and recovering from my second car accident and major surgery. I was in the darkest place of my life. I struggled with my weight from stress, overeating and lack of energy. It was a killer combo. I developed body image and self-esteem issues. I found myself irritable and isolated all the time. I didn’t want to be bothered with anyone or anything. I just wasn’t me. I battled depression and stress-induced anxiety for a long time.

Through therapy, prayer, support of friends and family, and learning to make myself a priority, I’m in an amazing place in my life now, and it’s only getting better. I finally found my passion. It’s helping people feel like their best selves, especially encouraging women to take care of themselves — mind, body and spirit. And in giving back to say, ‘Thank you. I appreciate you.’ That message can mean the world to someone who desperately needs to hear it.

Goals
Early in my massage career I focused more on the medical aspect, the physical benefits. I worked primarily with the special needs population and active seniors. In building a relationship with my clients, I also got a chance to bond with their families. I started developing a new appreciation for the caretakers of the world. It reminded me of myself and the caretakers that I grew up emulating.

The concept of GNE Massage and Wellness Spa, and Grace Never Ends Inc., was born. I began catering packages to help people relax, de-stress and receive relief through therapeutic touch to aid in recovery from stress, trauma, injury, training, etc. — total wellness. That, in addition to gifting massage, event planning and other services to those who couldn’t afford it, has become my passion.

I hope to obtain a space just as unique as the community of people I serve to accommodate the combined efforts of GNE Inc. and GNE Premier Services LLC. I want to continue to grow, provide better service and give back to the community on a larger scale. I have a huge vision. Things are slowly beginning to manifest, and I couldn’t be happier.

Challenges
I almost shut it all down after three crucial blows dealt to me by life. First time was a few years ago due to physical setbacks. I was in four car accidents during the course of a year. One was an almost fatal rollover accident on Christmas Day 2016. Lesson: tomorrow isn’t promised. The second was when my son, who had finally gotten his kidney transplant after over a decade of fighting kidney failure, began to reject the kidney for the second time. Lesson: take care of yourself. The third was when God called my beautiful grandson home to be with him. That almost took me out. Lesson: appreciate life.

From it all I realized that there is something greater than us. It’s the power that lives within us that causes us to grow stronger with adversity, overcome any obstacle, dig deep and stand firm when we feel like we are going to fall apart. To keep progressing and pursuing our dreams despite the circumstances. Pain produces passion, becomes purpose.

Happiest or saddest moment
The saddest moment in my life was when I questioned my existence. I didn’t know who I was, why I was here and what I was supposed to be doing with my life. The happiest moment was realizing my purpose, relentlessly pursuing my vision, and watching it manifest now.

Advice
Collaboration — working together — is key. Just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you have to. It’s OK to take a break or say no sometimes. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity. Put pride aside and learn to better give and receive help when needed. Lastly, give each other grace.

Reading/watching
Favorite reads right now are “Fervent,” “Becoming,” “The Worn Out Woman” and “Girl, Wash Your Face.” I’m not much of a TV person, but I do watch a lot of educational videos regarding my field on YouTube.

Favorite thing to do in Baytown
I love to visit Baytown Nature Center and sit by the water or relax in the butterfly garden under the gazebo. It’s beautiful.

This profile was received through the Submit Your Story page.

The post Angel Middleton: businesswoman overcomes obstacles appeared first on The Baytown Project.

“I would like to help start a program, a housing thing, where people who were ready to get off the streets could come in and have like 10 to 14 days to get acclimated. They would have to act right to be there. And if they were feeling us and we were feeling them, and they wanted to go to work, we could find a job for them somewhere. The more people who showed up, the more talents there would be, and the more things would develop. It would be kind of like an underground job corps. You know, a place where if you need someone to work for a day or two, they don’t have to jump through all sorts of hoops.

“Walk a Mile Foundation is what I’d like to call it. It would be a nonprofit organization run by street people, recovering addicts and ex-convicts for the purpose of creating jobs and financial opportunities in the communities where we live and where resources like this are desperately needed. I don’t want it to be associated with religion or recovery or government. I’m not knocking any of those things. It’s just that there’s so much of all that out there already. I’m under no illusion about the percentage of people who might actually follow through. But still, it would be kind of cool if people had a chance.

“There’s this slogan I’ve seen on the internet, something like ‘using the homeless and jobless to create opportunities for themselves.’ I’ve been thinking and talking about this forever. It’s been in my heart for a long time. My personal belief is that God put me on the streets because I had this idea developing. I kind of consider it a calling.”

— Donald “Dirty D” Wilfong

(Note: Donald passed away on Jan. 7, 2022. He was 52.)

The post He’s seeking opportunities for people on the streets appeared first on The Baytown Project.

A

He was raised by a strong, loving mother who worked three jobs. She tried to make sure that he did the right things, and she disciplined him when he didn’t.

But as he got older, Allen drifted into waters that eventually led to a stint in jail and completion of a rehabilitation program for drug addiction.

It was during his time in rehab that the idea came to him. He wanted to do something with his life that would positively influence young men in the community.

“I came to the realization that I needed to change my life. My goal was to help others so that they didn’t make some of the same mistakes I made and didn’t have to go through some of the things that I went through,” Allen said.

That’s how YBS Mentoring was born. 

“YBS stands for young, blessed and saved. I was given another chance at life, and serving as a positive male role model for these young kids is the thing that drives me,” said Allen, who turns 31 in September.

Leading by example

He has been walking the talk the past four years as the non-profit organization’s leader.

Classes held two Saturdays a month in Baytown cover topics ranging from the basics of how to shave and tie a necktie, to taking a personal life inventory and the importance of respect.

Sessions also have touched on the dangers of drugs.

“You’d be surprised at how many young people in our area are smoking meth, doing cocaine and openly talking about it,” Allen said. “Some of these kids may have older siblings who think it’s cool. So we try to show them why it’s really not cool and why it’s important to make smarter decisions.”

While more than 60 boys have filled out applications and attended classes, YBS has a core group of about 20 active regulars. They meet at 2401 N. Alexander in a facility provided by Baytown Housing Authority.

With the help of parents and other interested individuals, and support from local businesses, YBS holds charity events throughout the year. Activities have included serving hot meals to homeless people, and collecting and delivering gifts to needy families for Christmas.

Proud moments

Allen is thrilled to watch kids grow from their YBS experiences. Topping his list is 17-year-old Chris Cerino, who now serves in a junior mentor role.

“I continue going to the classes to learn, but I also enjoy being a positive role model and someone the other kids can turn to for help,” said Chris, a Goose Creek Memorial High School student who is involved in more than a dozen clubs and organizations.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from YBS is the importance of staying humble, presenting yourself well, and being a respectable member of the community. When I hear people tell me, ‘You’re such a nice young man, I wish more young people were like you,’ it’s really a compliment to Mr. Allen for all the things he’s taught us.”

Allen emphasizes that his relationship with the young men in YBS is a two-way street.

“As a person, as a man, I still have my struggles. I still go through things in life every day, like everyone else. So these guys are really my therapy,” he said. “Some of these kids think I help them a lot. But honestly, they’re really helping me, inspiring me, at the same time.”

When Allen was growing up, he had what he calls a “weekend dad.” 

“Some weekends he was there and some he wasn’t. Sometimes I’d be sitting on the curb waiting for him to pick me up, like in the movies, but dad would never show up,” he said. 

“So my number one rule with YBS is that I will never leave your child’s life. I will stay involved. I won’t do what my dad did to me.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved with YBS Mentoring can contact Allen Guy through the organization’s Facebook page.

The post YBS Mentoring makes positive impact on youth appeared first on The Baytown Project.