Ruth’s House helps kids go back to school

Hundreds of poor children from northeast Houston who couldn’t afford school supplies and uniforms this year found a helping hand from an old friend. Ruth’s House Assistance Ministry, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc., distributed pencils, paper and other basic supplies to 334 Houston children through its annual Back-to-School program. Ruth’s House also provided 288 school uniforms to needy children.

“This program lessens needy families’ financial strain when readying their children for school,” said Ruth’s House Director Ophelia Webb. Education is important for every child. If we can remove some barriers in children’s learning, then we have done something positive.”

Since 1998, the Back-to-School program has served children in northeast Houston through partnerships with area businesses and donations from individuals, community organizations and church congregations.

Ruth’s House has served individuals and families facing unexpected financial crises in northeast Houston since 1992. Assistance includes the distribution of food and clothing, rent and utility vouchers, back-to-school supplies and special assistance during the holidays. Ruth’s House also hosts innovative programs that empower the needy to successfully support their families.

Lutheran Social Services of the South is the social service arm of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. LSS annually serves nearly 26,000 poor, children and elderly in Texas and Louisiana regardless of religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender or age. Its ministry includes emergency assistance, children’s residential treatment centers, therapeutic foster care, adoption, adult day care, health care and retirement centers and disaster response.