We saw it every day; a longer line of cars waiting for food at the Joanne Watford Nutrition Center, more online applications for rent assistance, thousands of new clients that have never needed our services before. We knew it was a buy year.

For the 12 month period that makes up NAM's fiscal year, October 2020 - September 2021 NAM saw an increase in clients served to the total number of more than 136,000 clients served. NAM could not begin to serve so many families without your support. Over 2,000 volunteers served more than 36,000 hours at NAM during the year.

Here is a breakdown of some of the client services provided:

Client Services received funding from different sources to address the needs of those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and the Winter Storm.  NAM aided 28,410 individuals with an array of services such as: food, rental and utility assistance, homelessness prevention, clothing, transportation, minor repairs , prescription medicines, and referrals.  Many of those experiencing the need for emergency rental assistance were first time clients.

The Joanne Watford Nutrition Center provided food for 31,307 individuals and 10,076 families. As part of the Senior Food Program, 722 low income seniors received monthly supplemental groceries.  More than 2,284 families received Thanksgiving meals and Holiday meals.  NAM in partnership with the Houston Food Bank and Spring ISD hosted a series of Super Site Food Distributions.  Through these distributions 10,256 families received healthy food.

Meals on Wheels provided 244,714 nutritious meals to 1,416 homebound seniors and disabled individuals in 24 zip code areas. In addition, 300 individuals received Saturday frozen meals and monthly grocery deliveries. Through the Common Market partnership fresh vegetables and fruits were also made available. As prescribed by their physicians, 20 seniors received weekly nutritional supplements.  Thanks to 785 dedicated volunteers the program never stopped delivering meals.  Through Houston Humane Society the homebound senior pets received food.

The Learning and Vocational Training Center provided 284 adults with financial education and coaching. NAM in collaboration with Harris County Department of Education, served 1,242 students through orientation attendance and/or enrollment into GED and ESL classes. NAM’s THRIVE program provided 88 vocational scholarships, with 95 jobs obtained. The Workforce Connector Program served 386 clients with vocational training, financial literacy, job search, and assistance referrals.

The Family Violence Center provided assistance to 256 survivors which lead to 56,950 services such as case management, crisis intervention, shelter referrals, and legal advocacy.  The FVC Hotline received 4,510 calls from victims in crisis or individuals seeking assistance.

Young at Heart Senior Center served 184 seniors who participated  in virtual activities such as physical fitness, dance, French and general well-being classes totaling 1,242 activities for the whole year. Approximately, 97 daily telephone reassurance calls were made.  The 60+ Café congregate meal program served 8,040 meals and provided 209 rides to the Senior Center. Through the congregate meal program 6,742 frozen and shelf-stable meals were delivered by NAM’s Meals on Wheels.

The Pediatric Health Center provided care for 1,728 children in 5,921 patient visits, 1,103 case management services and 30,248 ancillary services such as information, referrals and follow-up.

Housing Services funded by government grants, aims to prevent homelessness and help families become self-sufficient.  Overall, 178 clients received an array of services such as case management, housing placement/search plus other supportive services.

Behavioral Health Services was launched on June 3, 2021.  Through referrals from all of NAM's programs as well as direct client requests, NAM served 52 clients and provided 184 hours of direct therapy services in the form of child, adolescent, adult and family counseling.

NAM collaborated as a Navigator Organization for the Houston/Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Through this special project, NAM assisted 1,945* eligible clients by referring them to the designated agency for further rental assistance.

*These clients are not counted in our NAM clients helped as it was a special project.

Moving Waters Houston, a non-profit organization that provides showers and hygiene products to homeless clients in the community,  has been collaborating with NAM since May 2021 to provide its services  at NAM. Since that time, they provided 68 showers, 73 hygiene kits and 34 individuals received clothing through NAM’s Resale Shop. 

Through numerous collaborations and partnerships 942 individuals received a variety of services on-site at NAM.

Thanks to all of you for supporting these services that make a difference in so many lives.