Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Ryan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janet. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I believe all of our experiences shape who we are today, and though some experiences are wonderful and others are very difficult, I wouldn’t change much about my life’s path. Growing up in a Navy family meant we moved often, and then marrying a military man meant that way of life continued. Though I was always the new kid in school and was often the new person in the neighborhood, it also allowed me to live in 16 different towns plus two European countries. Graduating from high school in Sicily and then just a few years later living in England are definitely one-of-a-kind adventures!
Raising four children whose ages span 24 years while working in sales and marketing, meant by the time I was in my mid 40’s I was ready to really put down real roots somewhere. I remarried, and my husband and my two youngest children and I settled into a small beach town in North Carolina. That’s where I learned a lot about what brings me joy, and learned I really do love to create things – big things. I love to start with an idea, research all aspects of it, and then put it into practice. I was instrumental in starting and managing a lakeside farmer’s market; started an open air market on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean; co-owned a business with a gallery, studios, and retail space with all artisan-made items and even had the pleasure of overseeing the design of and then the installation of a stone labyrinth for the community to use as a meditation and prayer tool. During this same time frame I enjoyed working on the Board of two nonprofits: one provided service to injured military personnel and the other, the local Chamber of Commerce. Dabbling in acrylic painting and working with textiles rounded out the creative portions of my life at that time and I loved it!
As much as we think things will always stay the same, they do change. I went to work temporarily for a nonprofit organization collaborating on two fundraising events, which led to an offer of a staff position. I could use the things I’d learned as a business owner, a volunteer, and in my earlier jobs, but at the end of the day know my work would make a real difference for people who were struggling. After about a year I relocated to Houston again and looked at many, many job listings but only found two that felt right in the whole city of Houston and surrounding area. I sent out a total of two resumes, and firmly believe God led me to Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road, like the road others travel, has been full of ups and downs and I try to focus on the ups, which are wonderful. For example, who knew you could love anyone as purely as you love your grandchildren? That’s a feeling that no one can explain! The downs have been few, though devastating, but as a result I am stronger and less inclined to tolerate unkindness in anyone.
Please tell us about the organization.
I’m the Director of Development for Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM). CAM serves the people of northwest Harris County during times of crisis. Hard times can arise from an unexpected job loss, an illness, a divorce, or a multitude of other reasons including the recent coronavirus pandemic. That’s when CAM steps in, providing a needed helping hand, guiding families back into self-sufficiency. CAM provides financial assistance, primarily toward rent and utilities; food and toiletries through our Food Pantry; home delivery of food to senior citizens and disabled people with mobility issues; one-on-one employment services; year-round ESL & GED classes; and special seasonal programs. CAM’s Client Assistance Counselors work one-on-one with each client, treating each person respectfully, and allowing them to maintain their dignity during this very stressful time in their lives. I am so proud of how we work together as a team, evaluating the needs in the community and then adapting programs to meet those needs. Part of our larger team is a very supportive community including individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches. CAM hosts a Council of Congregations where representatives from area churches of all denominations join with our management staff every other month to share a meal, share ideas, pool resources, and build relationships. CAM serves as the bridge between congregations and our neighbors in need. The Council of Congregations, in conjunction with CAM, responds to human needs and address community issues, all with no duplication of services.
I primarily oversee the marketing and fundraising for the organization and have helped CAM grow to meet the increased amount of need in the community. I get to use my creative skills on the marketing side, and my organizational skills in managing the fundraising and in other areas. What I believe sets CAM apart is how we continuously monitor the services being provided and adjust as needed while continuing to provide those services. For example, families are typically assigned points based on family size to “shop” at the Food Pantry for the items their family enjoys. With social distancing practices necessary, we remained committed to providing food, but safely. So, with masks on, we placed boxes of food into the trunks of cars, requiring no human contact. So far, we’ve fed over 5,000 people who normally would not need assistance, but who have experienced financial loss due to their hours being cut or eliminated at work because of the coronavirus.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Professionally, CAM owns land about a mile from our existing locations and we plan to construct a new building that will allow us to bring all services under one roof. We were in the midst of a Capital Campaign when the coronavirus hit and look forward to again, planning this exciting move! Personally, I continue to experiment with new creative outlets and look forward to trying others I feel drawn to. Mosaic and quilling are the two most recent ventures, but there’s always something new to try!
Contact Info:
- Address: 11202 Huffmeister, Houston, Texas 77065
- Website: www.cypressassistance.org
- Phone: 281-955-7684
- Email: info@cypressassistance.org
- Instagram: cypressassistance
- Facebook: cypressassistance
- Yelp: cypress-assistance-ministries-houston
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