Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Bland.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Andrea, but I prefer to go by my nickname, Teena. I was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA, and from a young age, I had a strong sense that there was a better life out there, and I had a desire to explore the world. This led me to join the military, not only to pursue new opportunities and travel but also to create a brighter future for myself and my family. Along the way, I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later pursued a master’s degree in behavioral sciences, further fueling my passion for understanding and addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families.
Becoming a parent to two boys deepened my understanding of the challenges families face, especially those related to economic circumstances. It was through volunteering for years with my local school district that I truly realized the extent of these challenges and felt a calling to make a difference in my community. This calling led me to establish Helping Us Become Better of Missouri City TX ( or what we call The HUBB), a 501c3 non-profit community center in Missouri City, with a mission to give back and help families get on their feet. Drawing from my experiences and the needs I observed firsthand, The HUBB aims to provide essential resources like mental health support, social services, and basic necessities such as food and clothing. Despite facing hurdles along the way, my determination and passion for creating positive change have remained unwavering.
The support of our community and the resilience of those we serve continue to drive us forward. The smiles and gratitude from those we’ve assisted serve as constant reminders of why we do what we do. With a focus on building partnerships and expanding our reach, I’m excited about the future and the possibilities for making an even greater difference in the lives of others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road for us at The HUBB. I embarked on this journey with a passion for giving back to my community, but I had no prior business experience to guide me. However, my educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in behavioral sciences, has served as a compass, particularly in shaping the mental health focus of The HUBB.
One of our initial hurdle was navigating the process of obtaining our 501c3 status. With no prior knowledge of how to accomplish this, I spent months researching and seeking out information to ensure we could establish ourselves as a legitimate non-profit organization. Another challenge arose when I encountered the various prohibitions and legal restrictions associated with fundraising. Despite having numerous innovative ideas, we quickly realized that not all of them were feasible due to these constraints. This forced us to pivot and adapt our fundraising strategies accordingly.
Perhaps our most significant setback came from a sponsorship agreement gone wrong. We had a terrible experience with a sponsor who attempted to take over our programs and events, leading us to terminate the agreement immediately. This taught us valuable lessons about vetting potential partners and maintaining control over our vision. Fundraising continues to be a struggle for us. While we pay for every event out of our own pockets and occasionally charge a small registration fee, the majority of our events are fully funded by The HUBB. We’re currently focusing on learning more about grant opportunities and exploring alternative ways to raise funds independently.
Despite these challenges, our commitment to serving our community remains unwavering. We’re constantly learning, adapting, and seeking out new avenues for growth and sustainability. While the road may not always be smooth, every obstacle we overcome strengthens our resolve to make a positive impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The HUBB of Mo City?
Well, for starters, The HUBB is a non-profit organization based in Missouri City, Texas, with a mission to make a positive impact in our community. We specialize in providing essential resources and support, with a particular focus on mental health services. What sets us apart is our commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals and families, recognizing that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being.
We’re known for our dedication to serving our community and providing accessible resources to those in need. From hosting events that promote mental health awareness to offering year-long food bank and clothing closet services, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our community members. Some of our annual events include the Black Wallstreet Market, where we celebrate and support local black-owned businesses, as well as holiday food drives and giveaways, back-to-school giveaways to ensure every child has the supplies they need to succeed, and our Juneteenth event, which honors and celebrates African American culture and history.
In addition to these events, we’re excited to announce our first-ever Mind, Body, and Soul Expo, taking place on April 27th. This health fair will be unlike any other held in Missouri City, featuring a diverse range of businesses and organizations dedicated to promoting holistic well-being. Some of the participants include Ahava Counseling, TwenTea Company, Rodeo Dental, NAMI, and many others. Attendees can also look forward to food trucks and a children’s area for the little ones to enjoy.
What we’re most proud of brand-wise is our unwavering dedication to our mission and values. Despite facing challenges along the way, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making a difference. We’re proud to be a beacon of hope and support for our community, fostering connections and providing a safe space for individuals to access the resources they need.
What we want readers to know about The HUBB is that we are more than just a non-profit organization – we’re a community-driven initiative fueled by passion and empathy. Our offerings and services are designed to uplift and empower individuals, promoting holistic well-being and fostering a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through mental health support, food assistance, community events, or our upcoming Mind, Body, and Soul Expo, we’re here to support our community every step of the way.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I definitely consider myself a risk-taker. When I first conceptualized The HUBB, I knew there was a chance it might not take off. In fact, in the early stages, I didn’t even have a board in place. Despite this uncertainty, I took a leap of faith and reached out to individuals who shared my goals and vision. Fortunately, they believed in the potential of The HUBB as much as I did, and together, we began building something truly impactful. Every project we undertake at The HUBB is a risk for us. With no external funding sources, everything we do relies on the commitment and investment of our board members. We understand the financial risks involved, but we’re passionate about our mission and willing to take those risks to make a difference in our community.
Risk-taking, to me, is about being willing to step outside of your comfort zone and pursue opportunities even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s about embracing the unknown and having the courage to take calculated risks in pursuit of your goals. While there are always challenges and setbacks along the way, I believe that without risk, there can be no progress or growth.
In the context of The HUBB, risk-taking is essential to our success. It’s what drives us to push boundaries, innovate, and continue striving for excellence in everything we do. While the road may be uncertain at times, I firmly believe that the rewards of taking risks far outweigh the potential pitfalls. Moreover, the unwavering support and appreciation shown by Missouri City residents and small businesses make it easier for us to take risks. Their participation in our events, their words of encouragement, and their motivation inspire us to keep pushing forward, knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the community we serve. Their support fuels our determination and reinforces our belief in the importance of the work we do at The HUBB.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
thehubbmocity.org/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/thehubbofmocity/ ?hl=en - Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/
andreacbland - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@TheHUBBofMoCity
- Other: https://www.paypal.com/
donate?hosted_button_id= B23NQFRL62YD8 and $TheHUBBMoCity for Cashapp
