Bonita House of Hope, a transitional housing facility for ex-offenders as described in its brochure, held a large kick off ceremony last Wednesday night, for supporters and friends throughout the Houston community.
Emcee for the evening was Channel 11s news anchor, Chau Nguyen. Guest speakers included retired NBA basketball star Robert Reed, Bishop James Dixon III, representatives from City Councilman Jarvis Johnson and Peter Brown, and Sharon Phillips of Washington Mutual bank.
Staff of the facility that spoke included founder/president Tyrone Evans, Tracy Shipman, Pastor Katrina Haskins, Melody Burr, and board member Pat Kiley.
The event was planned to initiate a years fundraising for the facility. To that end small donations of $55 a day to sustain a woman, or $85 for the woman and her children, was suggested, or support for a new calendar project, where $2500 would earn an ad on a months page.
Bonita House offers a safe and caring environment operated by qualified staff, 24 hours a day, providing stable, affordable, transitional and permanent housing, drug education and relapse prevention, substance abuse treatment, 12 step meetings, case management, psychotherapy, job training, job readiness, GED and employment preparation, life skills and vocational training, spiritual develoopment, HOPWA (IOH) program, HIV/AIDS specific workshops, parenting education and childcare classes, nutritional services, healthcare services and transportation.
Those wishing to support the program by volunteering money or funds, can get in touch at 713-691-0900.