The Academy Education Program, which launched in 2022 at The Storehouse of Collin County, offers language skills, job skills, and life skills training, is one the first steps in helping the neighbors on their journeys to transformative change. On Saturday, June 3, staff, board members, donors, and mission partners came together for the Academy’s third graduation ceremony, recognizing 118 students who completed the 12-week English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Since The Academy launched last June, the language program has grown from 40 students in the summer, to 90 students in the fall, to 118 in the spring.

“Many of our neighbors have college degrees or higher but struggle to contribute to the workforce due to the language barrier, which is a significant deterrent to long-term transformation,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse. “This type of growth illustrates the desire of this largely immigrant population to seek transformative change, and we are so proud of all of these outstanding neighbors who have shown perseverance and dedication, attending class every Saturday for 12 weeks and also studying at home while working to support their families.”

Kicking off The Academy’s third graduation ceremony, Director of The Academy Ligia Urrego shared her joy in watching the graduates attend class faithfully and practice their speaking and writing skills. She encouraged them to continue to work hard and grow their skills to build a better life and brighter future.

“One of my favorite moments of this semester was on the first day of class,” said Urrego. “That morning I was providing instructions in each classroom level. At my final stop, I walked into the highest level of our ESL classes, where I gave all my instructions in English, and all the students responded in English. I stopped and realized we only spoke in English, which is the goal of this program. This represents growth and transformation!”

This semester The Academy also offered life skills classes including blood pressure prevention and management; job skills training with Microsoft Word and Excel classes, Forklift and Workplace Safety certifications; and a new six-week Automotive Repair Certification course in partnership with Collin College Continuing Education. Six neighbors were honored at the graduation for completing this course.

Students Andrea Flores and Daynier Marzo provided remarks on behalf of the students and thanked the volunteer teachers. Flores is from Venezuela and just completed her second semester. She is the mother of three children. Marzo, who is from Cuba, has overcome many challenges to fulfill his dream of building a better life in the United States. He just completed his first semester and recently married.

“In addition to changing our lives, you are part of our family and have made us feel valuable, safe, and one of the most important feelings for an immigrant – the sense of belonging,” said Andrea Flores. “When you leave your country, you lose it, and it’s hard to get that feeling back in a new country. The Academy has given it back to us every Saturday with support and encouragement. It has changed my life and my family, too. I will carry with me through time what The Academy means to us.”

Daynier Marzo began his remarks by saying that this was his first speech. He shared how much all the teachers at The Academy meant to him.

“They teach you not only English,” shared Marzo. “They teach you to be better. I always wanted to feel useful, and they showed me how to do it with love in every word they say. I will never forget the first time I went to pick up food with them. They gave me more than that – they gave me blessings and knowledge. They support everybody unconditionally and passionately. Everyone has a definite time in life and a role in the story of another. The Academy team arrived in my life as the peace in the storm. Someday I won’t be studying English on Saturday, but I will be feeling that love forever.”

Denny Mosseller, a retired Southwest pilot and instructor who has been teaching ESL since the pilot program, shared his experience as an ESL Teacher and how his students' efforts inspire him to continue volunteering in The Academy every Saturday morning.

“When all the volunteer teachers began one year ago, we didn’t realize the incredible journey we would embark on,” said Mosseller. “We knew the challenges but didn’t know we were about to engage with equally passionate, determined neighbors committed to building a life in the U.S. This only fueled our desire to make it happen. It has been so rewarding to see their progress and is a privilege to help them meet their goals.”

During the ceremony attendees enjoyed a rendition of “When You Believe” performed by Camille Skye in English and Spanish alongside a presentation featuring the history of The Storehouse and launch of The Academy.

After the awarding of certificates to the students, the 19 ESL teachers were recognized for their contributions to the program. Representatives from St. Andrew Methodist Church's Grace Connection Group were given special recognition for providing the ESL students with weekly snack packs throughout the semester. The group received a thank you card signed by all the ESL students.

The Storehouse also honored Omar Valdez with Aspire, the nonprofit partner which provides the curriculum for The Academy’s language program. Valdez closed the program with words of encouragement for the students, reminding them to spend some time each day with their workbooks over the summer.

“English learning is about progress, not perfection,” said Valdez. “Continue to work a little every day and remember we are all here to help you.”

For more information on The Academy and volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.thestorehousecc.org/academy

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The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 by St. Andrew Methodist Church under the name of Seven Loaves Community, which provided food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 5,000 families on average access Seven Loaves each month. The Storehouse provides clothing at no cost through Joseph’s Coat as well as case management through Project Hope. The Academy provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Area teens, 14 and older, interested in joining the YLC are encouraged to volunteer at The Storehouse to experience how their service can impact the lives of neighbors seeking assistance

The Storehouse of Collin County celebrated the hard work and commitment of 40 students from 13 area high schools while honoring the group’s seniors and leaders in the second class of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) on April 15 during the council’s final meeting for the academic year. The YLC was established in 2021 to provide high school students with leadership experience while fulfilling the mission of The Storehouse to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. Three members of the 2022-23 class with the most volunteer hours were honored with the inaugural David A. Huerta Student Volunteer Award: Isaias Gonzalez (103.5 hours), freshman, Harmony Science Academy; Theresa Wootton (83.75 hours), junior, John Paul II High School; and Connor Seibel (66.5 hours), sophomore, Jasper High School.

Huerta, the award’s namesake, first began volunteering at The Storehouse in 2017 at the age of 14.  Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Huerta and his family came to Plano as immigrants seeking asylum from the political and economic unrest in their home country. Even at a young age, Huerta knew the importance of giving back and began volunteering at The Storehouse as a food cart runner, and later, as a Spanish translator assisting hundreds of neighbors weekly. He played an instrumental role in founding the Youth Leadership Council during his senior year at Plano West Senior High School. A student at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in finance, Huerta continues to serve as a YLC Advisor while also working part time with The Storehouse team.

“David Huerta epitomizes the type of student leader the YLC aspires to develop – individuals who value giving back and who recognize the importance of working alongside others to better their community and uplift their neighbors,” said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor, The Storehouse. “We look forward to recognizing outstanding members of the YLC with this meaningful award for many years to come.”

“Being a part of the YLC is a huge commitment for these students,” said David Huerta. It’s been a joy to witness the growth of each of our student leaders developing important skills such as planning and leading meetings, public speaking, and problem solving.”

Additionally, Aiden Chastain, a junior at Plano West Senior High School, was recognized for achieving 100 percent attendance by participating in all required YLC activities, including a meet and greet, orientation, a summer volunteer session, a midweek food bagging and planning session, eight service days, and eight YLC meetings.

The YLC meets on eight Saturdays from September to April, 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., volunteering and learning about the programs of The Storehouse, including distributing food to neighbors. The group volunteers during the first half of the morning and participates in a council meeting immediately following. This schedule gives members an opportunity to serve The Storehouse neighbors directly, while developing leadership skills, community perspective, and life skills. On Saturday mornings, The Storehouse serves an average of 650 families with approximately 75 pounds of food. The students load bagged food onto carts, deliver the food to the neighbors’ cars and converse with the neighbors throughout their mornings of service. From August to April, this year’s class completed a total of 1,626.25 volunteer hours.

“While The Storehouse is blessed with many youth volunteers, our YLC members are the crème de la crème,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County. “We created the YLC to provide students an opportunity to serve their neighbors while developing life and leadership skills, and this year’s class excelled in all areas with creativity, innovation, and love and care for our neighbors.”

Fifteen seniors were recognized for their year of service: Anna Norris, Avery Cendana, Caroline Freeman, Carly Raspberry-Moore, Christy Liu, Grace Duran, Grace Pritchett, Hope Smartt, Kate Webb, Lourdes Brown, Mackenzie Murphy, Mia Blank, Nora Dufresne, Victoria Hathaway, and William Dai. The seniors shared some of the most valuable leadership lessons they learned which included the importance of organization and planning, teamwork, communication, empathy, accountability, adaptability, connection, kindness, and patience.

Additionally, nine students (squad leaders) were recognized for their efforts in helping plan and execute the YLC's objectives and activities this past year: Ajay Raghavan, Charlotte Blank, Grace Duran, Katherine Happe, Lourdes Brown, Mia Blank, Nora Dufresne, Raghav Gupta, and Theresa Wootton.

The 2023 YLC members attend the following high schools: Prince of Peace Christian School, McMillen High School, iUniversity Prep, Fairhill School, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, John Paul II High School, Shepton High School, Frisco Memorial High School, Trinity Christian Academy, Plano West Senior High School, Jasper High School, JJ Pearce High School, Plano East IB, and Harmony Science Academy Carrollton.

“We opened registration for the YLC 2023-2024 cohort on Monday, April 17, and all 50 spots were filled by 5 p.m.,” added Skye, YLC advisor. “As someone who did not grow up in Plano, I am in awe of how young people in this community care so passionately for others and make a commitment at an early age to give back and serve others. We are thinking of ways to continue growing and improving the Youth Leadership Council as we enter year three of the program. While the YLC roster is full for the coming year, we welcome all high schoolers to sign up and volunteer at The Storehouse to experience our mission and help us serve our neighbors.”

To volunteer, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.

To learn more about the YLC, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/youth-leadership-council

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The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 by St. Andrew Methodist Church under the name of Seven Loaves Community, which provided food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 3,000 families on average access Seven Loaves each month. The Storehouse provides clothing at no cost through Joseph’s Coat as well as counseling and case management through Project Hope. The Academy provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Stevensshares the new structure for The Storehouse’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution, which enables the nonprofit to serve more families and engage more volunteers to help 

Josh Stevens, who began as the new director of the Seven Loaves Food Pantry at The Storehouse of Collin County in August, has always loved helping people. For the past 25 years, he has worked as an athletic trainer, helping those going through difficult times get back on their feet – a job he describes as similar to his new position at The Storehouse.

“In sports medicine as well as at The Storehouse, the goal is to help people get back on their feet, feel stronger, and experience transformation,” added Stevens.  In both fields you are always making needed adjustments. Weeks may consist of the same type of work, but all come with different variables, which can make them very different. As an athletic trainer you are always monitoring progress while making adjustments for recovery and strength. At The Storehouse weekly variables might include varying numbers of volunteers, different types and amounts of produce and other items to distribute, or even weather changes that can affect distribution and processes – all requiring decisions that are swift and effective.”

Stevens first learned about the work of The Storehouse in 2018 when his oldest son, who was then in the fourth grade, had to do a project for school on a nonprofit. This resulted in the father and son duo spending a morning shadowing The Storehouse’s Executive Director Candace Winslow through all the processes involved in providing food to hungry families each week, which proved to be quite educational and inspiring.

Stevens and his wife, Amanda, who worked at Highland Park United Methodist Church, once attended a Sunday School class at the church, which Candace Winslow taught. Following the class, Winslow and the couple engaged in a conversation about faith and life, which made an impression on Stevens.

In the spring of 2022, Winslow reached out to Stevens to share that the position of food pantry director at The Storehouse would be coming available and inquired if he knew of anyone who might be interested. The previous food pantry director, John Horan, had come out of retirement to take the position in 2021 and planned to stay for only one year but ended up staying for almost two.

Stevens thought of a contact he knew who might be interested in the position but thinking back to his experiences at The Storehouse and his conversations with Winslow, it was not long before he was thinking about the position for himself. After many hours of thought and prayer he decided to make a change in his life and take the position.

“A pastor once told me that your calling is the intersection of what makes your heart beat and what makes your heart break,” said Josh Stevens. “I have found that intersection at The Storehouse of Collin County. It absolutely breaks my heart that there are 650 families come to get food at The Storehouse twice a week. I knew that serving at the Storehouse was exactly where I needed to be.”

For Stevens, a typical week at The Storehouse is from Tuesday to Saturday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, The Storehouse receives food deliveries, inventories items, and estimates a specific number of bags to prepare. Volunteers help sort the items and prepare the individual bags for families so that all items are ready for distribution on Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays, sorting and bagging preparations take place again to prepare for the Saturday distribution, from 8:30 – 11 a.m. Approximately 100,000 pounds of food comes in and goes out of The Storehouse each week.

“We could not have found a more perfect person for food pantry director than Josh Stevens, who has seamlessly joined our Storehouse team and become a valued and beloved contributor,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse. “His deep faith and commitment to helping others is evident each day as he serves our neighbors with the empathy, encouragement and engagement we value as an organization.”

Stevens is now busy preparing for the holiday season with the team. This year, The Storehouse plans to extend its Thanksgiving Distribution over a three-week period during the regular Thursday and Saturday food pantry distribution days, beginning on November 3 through November 19.

“Not only will this additional distribution time allow The Storehouse to serve the larger numbers of families coming for food, but it will also engage the help of more volunteers wanting to serve during the holiday season,” added Stevens. “We need to fill 669 volunteer spots over three weeks to serve a total of 4,000 to 4,500 families.”

Additionally, due to the supply chain and cost issues surrounding turkeys this year, The Storehouse will be providing chicken as well as fish as well as more side items than in past years. 

“The turkeys are scarce this year not only due to supply chain issues but also because of a national outbreak of avian flu that has spread across the United States,” added Stevens. “Additionally, inflation is affecting the cost of sides and staples needed. The Storehouse plans to provide more side items this year than in past years. Additionally, we invite the community to sign up to volunteer through our website, at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.”

“We obviously could not serve these families without the generous support of others as well as the many volunteers who make it all happen,” added Stevens. “Thank you to everyone whose love for our neighbors will help The Storehouse feed thousands of grateful families this Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for your help during the holiday season as well as throughout the year.”

A lifelong resident of Dallas, Stevens and his wife, Amanda, live in Lake Highlands with their two sons, Brady, 13, and Tucker, 11. Stevens went to Richardson High School, where he first began serving on the sidelines taking care of injured athletes. With a passion for helping others and a love of sports, he attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) for his undergraduate degree and University of Tennessee, where he received a master’s in sports medicine. He interned with the Dallas Cowboys and worked at SMU for ten years. For the past seven years, he worked as an athletic trainer at Scottish Rite Hospital.

To volunteer or donate to The Storehouse, visit https://www.thestorehousecc.org/

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The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 by St. Andrew United Methodist Church under the name of Seven Loaves Community, which provided food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 3,000 families on average access Seven Loaves each month. The Storehouse provides clothing at no cost through Joseph’s Coat as well as counseling and case management through Project Hope. The Academy provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

In an ongoing, strategic effort to serve neighbors holistically and create long-term transformation,The Storehouse of Collin County has launched a fourth program called The Academy focusing on the development of language skills, life skills, and job skills for those enrolled. Thirty percent of classes will be offered internally while 70 percent will be offered externally through collaborations with local colleges, trade schools, and other partnerships. The Academy joins three established Storehouse programs: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, and Project Hope.

Working in partnership with Aspire (formerly LIFT and Aberg Center for Literacy), The Storehouse began a 10-week pilot program June 4, offering ESL classes to neighbors each Saturday, through August 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. Class attendees each paid $40 to cover the cost of the textbooks and other course materials.  Scholarships were provided to neighbors who could not cover the costs of the class.  Aspire is a nonprofit educational organization which provides the curriculum, training of instructors, and assessments of students as well as additional support. Seventy-five students, the majority of whom are immigrants from Venezuela, Colombia, Bulgaria, and Brazil, are enrolled in the pilot. Initial assessments, which were conducted for placement of students within five classrooms, indicated that 52 percent have a college degree or higher but are unable to contribute to the workforce due to the language barrier.

According to Linda Johnson, CEO of Aspire, who collaborates with partners across the Dallas area, this is a unique situation. “The majority of ESL students we serve are low literate in their native language. This is a well-educated group and well-disciplined, and we are excited to partner with The Storehouse and watch the students advance and achieve success.”

The idea for The Academy began in 2021 as part of The Storehouse’s monthly neighbor assessments created to help the team not only get to know the neighbors better but also to enable them to make informed decisions for planning services. Thirty-four percent of neighbors surveyed indicated interest in ESL classes.

The enthusiasm for this new Storehouse program is evident in the smile and the heart of its director, Ligia Urrego, a native of Bogotá, Colombia, who has been a volunteer with The Storehouse for the past 10 years and served as a board member for two years before taking the director role. She first learned about The Storehouse when volunteering with her daughter, Natalie, through National Charity League. She also volunteered with her son, David, while he was in high school. Her husband, William, also from Bogotá, has been a regular Saturday volunteer for food pantry distribution and is now one of The Academy’s ESL instructors. Natalie also volunteers on Saturdays.

“The response to this program has been overwhelming and emotional for both our neighbors and volunteers,” said Ligia Urrego, director of The Storehouse Academy. “Since day one, our neighbors have expressed how welcome they feel, how touched they are that the team prays for them, and how much this program means to them. They are working hard and are very eager to learn. My husband William told his class that he understands their desire to learn English and the struggles they face. He and I both came to this country from Colombia and did not know English. Knowing this puts his students at ease. The Academy enables us to meet our neighbors right where they are and provide them with critical skills for long-term transformation.”

When Candace Winslow, executive director of The Storehouse, first asked Urrego, a board member at that time, if she would consider becoming director of the program, she was unsure at first, but her love for the neighbors is strong, and her desire to see them finish the courses and speak English proved to be the deciding factor.

“Language is our neighbors’ biggest barrier,” added Urrego. “When my husband and I came to the United States from Colombia, we each began our journeys with ESL classes before we could begin college. We put ourselves on the same level as our neighbors. We know from personal experience that learning English will be transformative for each of them.”

While serving on the board’s vision committee, Ligia began research to see what would be needed to launch a successful program. That is when Urrego discovered a nonprofit called Aspire, providing literacy services and classes to those seeking a better way of life. The organization, which had been providing services online during the pandemic to other partners, was just beginning in person classes once again. After a meeting with Linda Johnson, Aspire’s president and CEO, Urrego and Winslow realized the two nonprofits had strongly aligned values and began to move forward.

“The Storehouse is one of our most important partners,” said Linda Johnson, MBA, Ph.D., president and CEO, Aspire. “The organization is well respected, has deep relationships with its neighbors, and is expertly run. We look forward to growing this partnership to meet the needs of all neighbors.”  

Johnson serves on site during the weekly Saturday classes along with two additional Aspire staff members – Cassy Lujan, volunteer director, and Omar Valdez Rocha, ESL program director. Storehouse volunteers, who go through training with Aspire, staff each classroom serving as the instructors.

“We would love to expand the program and add additional classrooms, but we need additional volunteer teachers as well as monetary donations to meet the overwhelming response,” added Urrego. “Please know that this is such a rewarding experience. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer.”

Following the summer pilot, which concludes on August 13 with a graduation ceremony, the program will officially begin in September. Fall classes include ESL Classes, Forklift and Workplace Safety Certification (which has already filled due to so much interest from the current ESL students); computer classes; Modern Automotive and Repair Certificate and Administrative Professional Certificate, both Collin College collaborations; Navigating the School System; and a Diabetes class and a Blood Pressure class, both offered in collaboration with Golden Cross.

“The Academy is going to change my life,” said Juan Hill, a student in the summer ESL pilot program. “I am not only learning English but making long lasting friendships. The volunteer teachers welcome me with so much love every week and give me all the tools for my learning. The Storehouse cares for me and my family in such a special way, and I will cherish all they do in my heart forever.”

“We live in such a culturally divisive time, and this is a program that unites both men and women with multiple languages from multiple countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Bulgaria, Brazil, and the United States,” added Winslow. “We see our neighbors as neighbors and not as refugees, foreigners, or poor people. Everyone in each room is different, but The Storehouse Academy has brought us all together with a common goal. If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity, we hope you will consider joining our team of instructors and visit our website. With additional volunteers, we will be able to expand the program to more neighbors, who are working hard to change their life trajectories.”

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The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope, and The Storehouse Academy. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves Community which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 3,000 families on average access the Seven Loaves Food Pantry each month. The Storehouse also provides an opportunity to receive clothing at no cost through Joseph’s Coat as well as holistic assessment, counseling, goal setting, and referrals to community resources through the Project Hope relational program. Through the new Academy’s course offerings, neighbors may enroll in free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333