Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” --Philippians 2:4-8
Dear Friends and TEAM Supporters,
September 30 completed another year for TEAM, and a new year began on October 1. These dates define our fiscal year, around which we also experience additional activity. October 1 saw an army of volunteers performing our annual inventory of the TEAM Food Pantry and Resale Shop. With meticulous preparation, Colleen Chalker (Food Pantry Manager) and Cheryl Jordan (Shop Co-Manager) led preliminary activities and day-of instruction for the physical count of every item in our Food Pantry and Resale Shop. Between then and the end of the calendar year, our treasurer Mark Miles will be working with our auditor through the process of completing our annual audit.
Fiscal 2020 has included some unique challenges as we all have navigated the peculiarities of the COVID pandemic. Comparing our ministry numbers to previous years is a fool’s errand, so I would like to give you an overview of TEAM’s efforts through fiscal 2020.
During the course of these 12 months (October 2019 – September 2020), TEAM served 1,252 households representing an approximate 4,950 individuals. Of these households, 699 came to TEAM for assistance as first-time clients. In these same 12 months, TEAM handled 3,525 client visits, provided 2,418 grocery orders, 790 clothing vouchers to our Resale Shop, and wrote $335,693 in checks as assistance for rent, utility bills, auto repairs, dental and medical treatments. The Shop in Tomball, TEAM’s Resale Shop, produced $227,113 in revenues for TEAM despite being closed for two months and afterward reopening on a more limited shopping schedule (Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10AM – 3PM, expanding to 4PM beginning November 3). Shop revenues are important in covering the lion’s share of TEAM operational expenses such as utilities, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and the salaries of our small 5-member staff.
TEAM’s ministry is possible only because of the tremendous support of the Tomball area community by way of volunteers, donations of food and “stuff” (that TEAM sells), financial support of individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses, and grants from a variety of sources. We thank you all for your partnership and support!
We have begun our new year, Fiscal 2021. As we look ahead, we continue to think about avenues of growth for TEAM’s ministry to the Tomball community. We covet your prayers as we love our neighbors and consider how we may better serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
J. Barry Hart, Jr.
Executive Director