We had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dale Olson, Executive Director of Family Hope Fulshear, a non-profit organization here in our community that provides numerous resources and outreach programs to struggling families in the surrounding area. Olson says, “poverty comes in many different seasons,” which could be a family who has experienced a recent lay off or a single mother who needs help with the water bill.
Family Hope Fulshear was started in 2014 when Dale and a handful of associates were concerned that there was not a social services program exclusively serving Fulshear, like those currently in Katy or Richmond. By combining forces, these trailblazers were able to create a multi-level program to aid families, while incorporating the local community’s involvement. Family Hope Fulshear has three major goals as described by Olson.
- In emergency situations, Family Hope will provide food or financial assistance.
- Olsen describes this as “How can we help you can off your feet?” Family Hope will provide resources such as tutoring, marriage counseling, and job fairs.
- Being a part of a community that serves not only benefits the individual members, but the health of the entire community.
It was very clear when talking to Olsen that this organization is more than a social service program. It is rooted deeply in the strength of the Fulshear community and serving one another. It is about Fulshear neighbors helping one another when an unforeseen circumstances hit. Olsen’s enthusiasm and passion for the mission of Family Hope is nothing less than inspirational. Olsen encourages us, “we are created to serve, the strength of a community is in the compassion it shares.”
Olsen believes that “the secret to living is giving,” and he told us one of the most rewarding ways to become a part of Family Hope is to volunteer at their food fair on the second Saturday of each month, both adults and children are welcome. From 9 to 11am at Riverbend Church, fifty to seventy Fulsher community volunteers gather to serve close to four hundred families in need of food. Many families around Fort Bend rely on this program to feed their families each month. In fact, in the past 12 months alone, Family Hopes has served over 2,900 individuals through their food fair!
Family Hope Fulshear also relies on the generous donations of the community so that they can continue to grow this passionate mission. On June 24th, Family Hope will be holding its 2nd Annual “A Community Who Cares” Gala at the Hemi-Hideout in Brookshire. The event will have a classic car show with over 24 models, silent auction, dinner, and a testimony video from individuals who have been helped through Family Hope Fulshear.
For more information about the Family Hope Fulshear Gala or to become an event sponsor, visit http://www.familyhopefulshear.org/gala/
To learn more about Family Hope Fulshear, visit http://www.familyhopefulshear.org/