Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Robertson.
Laura , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I received an email from Voyage about inspiring stories, all I could think was, “I don’t feel very inspiring.” But I am inspired. I’m inspired by Jesus—and by so many Texans and Houstonians God has placed in my path to learn from. I’ve had the privilege of gleaning wisdom from people who truly love Jesus and love others. I’m also inspired by my family, who I love deeply, and by my friends—who I affectionately call my “Board of Directors.” My life is richer because of them, and I’m so grateful God has assigned these people to walk alongside me, speak truth into my life, and serve with me.
I’m especially inspired by the struggles of the people I love the most. Their experiences push me to find ways to bridge the gaps—whether that’s access to resources, hope, or support—so others don’t have to walk the same hard roads alone. Life is about relationships, and I believe we’re meant to know each other, to show up, and to carry one another’s burdens.
In 2020, while I was working at Samaritan’s Purse, my world started to fall apart. One thing after another seemed to unravel. My daughter entered an abusive relationship, and at the same time, my own 15-year marriage was struggling and eventually came to an end. I found myself overwhelmed—I was broken. Sometimes people ask me how I made it through so many low points—and all I can say is, Jesus. God is good, even when life is not. He carried me when I couldn’t carry myself.
I’m also a Lolli to my sweet grandgirls, and they will never fully know how much they’ve changed my life. Loving them has shaped me in quiet, powerful ways. They’ve softened my heart and given me new perspective. Because of them, I serve people with more tenderness, more patience, and more purpose. They remind me daily of what really matters.
I love to travel. Recently, my daughter and I both graduated from Liberty University. I didn’t walk the stage after high school due to a rebellious streak, and in many ways, I robbed my parents of that milestone. But 25 years later, I had the chance to make it right. To celebrate our accomplishment, my daughter Joli and I took a trip to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Every culture has its own beauty, and it was incredible to experience and learn from each one.
I’ve always loved reading stories about people—there are so many inspiring individuals out there. I could probably name a hundred just here in Houston. Currently, I have the joy of serving as the Executive Director of The Mountain on MastersRoad. Our initiatives are designed to help people overcome obstacles. They’re inspired by God and the incredible individuals we’ve met along the way—and they’re led by some truly remarkable people, too.
We host The Mountain Back 2 School Bash led by one of my favs, Kelly Blehm and inspired by the LA Dream Center’s version of the same event. I love the Dream Center—the people there and the way they love Jesus and serve others is contagious. We also have The Mountain Community Garden, which teaches people about God’s creation, how to grow their own food, and helps fight food insecurity.
Last year, we launched the Diaper Day Bank in honor of my beautiful friend Debbie Parrish, who has gone ahead of us to heaven. Debbie challenged us to put our money where our mouth is and walk alongside parents in need. That program has now grown to include car seats and car seat safety.
The Well Food Pantry serves over 600 families each week under the leadership of Richard Arriaga. As a team, we’re always asking how we can serve our guests better—whether that’s through a client-choice model or by providing healthier, more dignified food options. We also help meet needs through other nonprofits like Communities in Schools and CarePortal. One of the greatest privileges of this work is getting to connect and collaborate with so many amazing organizations throughout the Houston area.
Outside of my role at The Mountain, I love serving with an anti-trafficking organization whose mission is to end sex trafficking, through prayer, awareness, intervention and restoration, with Sanctuary Foster Care Services, which supports the foster care community. I’m also excited to serve alongside Isaiah 117 House once their home is completed—they’re creating a safe, comforting space for children entering DFPS custody, and that work truly matters.
In addition, I serve on the board of The Acacia Center, an organization founded by Lara Elliott, who is committed to helping people find the right counselor for their needs and providing financial support for those facing cost barriers. I deeply believe in the power of counseling and am passionate about making it more accessible to anyone ready to take that brave step toward healing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Many of my deepest struggles have involved my family—who I love so much. My oldest daughter entered an abusive relationship and was, at one point, forcefully taken from our home by her boyfriend at the time. Nothing will break you more than watching your child go through something like that.
Around the same time, my 15-year marriage started to fall apart. I was dealing with the hurt of betrayal by someone I love and trusted, while also coming to terms with the fact that I had failed to truly see him, validate his feelings, and love him well. That season was painful for all of us—but especially for my youngest, my son, who had to witness the unraveling of two parents he loves dearly. Watching him carry that kind of sorrow was heartbreaking.
Then my middle child went off to college, where she was sexually assaulted. That is her story to tell—but as a mother, the pain of knowing your sweet girl experienced that is something I’ll never forget.
Through it all, God was kind to me. These experiences opened my eyes to where I needed to grow and how I needed to love my family better. They gave me what I now call a Godly grit—a resilience rooted in faith. It’s that grit that compels me to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
*To whoever is reading this, be kind with this information. Much of my story includes the struggles my girls have endured. They gave me permission to share.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working in disaster relief and community support across Houston. I started with Samaritan’s Purse during the Hurricane Harvey rebuild and stayed with them until May 2020. From there, I joined Somebody Cares, focusing on COVID-19 relief and disaster response throughout the Houston area. Each of these roles gave me a front-row seat to what it looks like to meet people in their hardest moments with compassion and practical help. Both of these teams I got to work with are like family and I cherish the time I had with them.
In October 2024, I stepped into my current role as Executive Director of The Mountain on MastersRoad. Our nonprofit exists to serve families in need through initiatives like The Well Food Pantry, the Diaper Day Bank, The Mountain Community Garden, and our annual Back 2 School Bash—which provides backpacks, clothing, and shoes for 2,000 students. We’re also developing a new community hub that will house a food bank, grocery store, café, gym, chapel, and medical clinic all on one campus.
I specialize in building community-centered programs that are both compassionate and effective. I’m known for bringing people together, thinking creatively, and pursuing big, faith-filled ideas with boldness. What sets me apart is my heart for people and my willingness to step into hard spaces with both grit and grace.
I’m most proud of the team I get to work alongside and the way we rally together for our community. We don’t just want to provide temporary assistance—we want to walk with people toward long-term hope and stability. Our love for Jesus and people drives everything we do.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The people, the diversity, the heart of services of hundreds of people loving churches and non-profits around the Greater Houston area and the food! No other city is beating the food here in H-Town. If you think so, I don’t believe you.
Surface level- the traffic is rough. But on a deeper level, what weighs heaviest on me is that Houston is one of the top cities in the U.S. for human trafficking. It breaks my heart that this is happening in our own backyard. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about supporting organizations like Elijah Rising and Demand Disruption that are fighting this injustice head-on. We have so much beauty in this city, but we also have work to do—and I believe Houston has what it takes to rise up and protect the most vulnerable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themountainmr.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themountainmr
- Facebook: @TheMountainonMastersRoad
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/laura-robertson-b7b6b9285
Image Credits
Annie Brow 832-696-8572
