South Montgomery County YMCA awards Faith Bible Church highest volunteer honor

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Every year the South Montgomery County YMCA recognizes an outstanding volunteer for his/her generosity of spirit, hard work and compassion for others. This year we are pleased to announce that a very deserving organization and community partner has been named this year’s YMCA Volunteer of the Year – Faith Bible Church.

Ethan Collins, representing Faith Bible Church, was presented with the award at the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Annual Celebration on Tuesday, November 18 at the Hilton Americas hotel. He joined 32 others, each representing an individual YMCA center.

“It has been a blessing to our Church family to participate in this small way,” explains Ethan. “To see the generous support from our community, local service organizations and the Y staff and volunteers, is heartwarming. As our church continues to look for ways to have an impact in our Community, the YMCA has given us an absolutely fantastic platform to serve through. We praise God for his faithfulness and for the partner He has provided our Church family in the local YMCA”.

The YMCA and Faith Bible Church have collaborated on several different programs for the last couple of years, to meet the basic needs of hundreds of children and their families. These programs include "Good News" Clubs created in local YMCA Caring Community Centers and in after school programs here in the Woodlands and surrounding communities. These groups spread Christian values and Faith based teaching to children enrolled in these programs. Children were given opportunities to attend Faith Based events such as Summer Splash at local pools, field trips to Camp Gospel Lakes, and seasonal carnivals at the Caring Community Center’s apartment complexes. In addition, Faith Bible Church hosted the YMCA outreach summer camps providing a safe and fun place to pray and play! The summer camps offered an opportunity for fellowship for both children and teens working with staff from both the YMCA and Faith Bible Church and included daily devotions and ministry. One of our largest joint efforts includes the seasonal outreach programs we host at Faith Bible Church. Operation Backpack provides backpacks and school supplies to 400 outreach children annually. At Christmas, the annual Angel Tree program provides gifts to families in need serving 500 children, teens and adults. The church generously provides their facilities, resources, volunteers, supplies and support in every way needed.

“Faith Bible Church positively influenced the community through their giving spirit,” said Landrum Turner, Executive Director of the Shadowbend YMCA. “We are so proud that this organization gives so much of their time and resources to support the local YMCA and impact the lives of individuals and families. Their dedication makes the YMCA and the community a better place for everyone. The YMCA has been blessed with the opportunity to establish a community partnership with Faith Bible Church. Looking towards the future we are proud to continue to work together striving to meet the needs of our outreach programs and strengthening families in our community in spirit, mind and body. God works miracles and bring people and programs together to serve His purpose.”

Throughout the year, the YMCA relies on volunteers to assist in different capacities. Volunteers come from different walks of life, but all have one trait in common - a desire to help others. Together, volunteers empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA, visit www.ymcahouston.org.