Poverty Study/Action Committee

The Poverty Committee focuses on study and action related to the problem of poverty in the Houston area. We are trying to learn about the many dimensions of poverty through reading, viewing short films and inviting guest speakers to our meetings. We are are seeking opportunities to help alleviate poverty in our city and surrounding areas.

Dominican Family Poverty Committee takes an afternoon to make hundreds of lunch wraps for kids in Houston.

Committee meeting

Next gathering: Saturday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom (Email Shawna)
Discussion of volunteer opportunities and Module 10 from Confronting Poverty website.

Meeting followed by Book Study (see below)

Three organizations that the committee works closely with are:

Angela House - The mission of Angela House is to successfully transition women into society after incarceration.
Kids' Meals - Kids’ Meals mission is to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free healthy meals, year-round to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children and through collaboration provide their families with resources to end the cycle of poverty.
San Francisco Nativity School - Breaking the cycle of poverty through a quality Christian education: San Francisco Nativity Academy of Houston, a non-tuition based private Christian school, empowers low-income students to reach their full potential through a challenging curriculum, spiritual development and familial support within an extended day and extended year.
TMO - The Metropolitan Organization is an organization of institutions that works with local policymakers to encourage them to speak and act for the common good of our local community. TMO focus issues include immigration, work, health, education, gun safely, and police reform.

To study different aspects of poverty, the committee holds book discussions open to all.

Next book: When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett

Discussion will be about chapters 9 and 10. View video review of the book

Book discussion: February 19, 10:00 a.m. All are welcome!!
Email Shawna for Zoom information.

Other books we are looking forward to reading:

The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You by Dina Nayeri
No Place by Todd Strasser

Previously discussed books:

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson.
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mothers Will to Survve by Stephanie Land
The American Way of Eating by Tracie McMillion
Revive Us Again by Rev William Barber
The Leavers by Lisa Ko
The Time Is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister

As the Dominican Family keeps growing, we rely on dedicated members to help us strengthen our mission. We accomplish this through the active participation of our members in our committees. Please contact Shawna Callaghan if you have any questions or wish to get involved.