The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast

Paul Cannon

Want to find a Houston-area place to volunteer that is right for you? Listen along as your host Paul H. Cannon interviews local Houston-area mission leaders and participants about their mission and how you can be a part of something bigger right here in Houston, Texas.When Paul H. Cannon was in his late 20s, He was the missions coordinator for a bible study class of 165 people at Second Baptist Westway Campus in Houston. One of the challenges he ran across was finding local mission projects for the class to participate in. "If only there was a website where you could go and learn about a large group of opportunities at once," Paul thought.It was from this idea that Meet Houston Missions was born. As a partner and the marketing manager for Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers,  Paul now had the means to create what he was missing.  It started out as a simple series of Zoom videos and has not evolved into a weekly podcast.If you are in the Greater Houston Area and a Mission looking for volunteers, I want to talk to you! If you are someone in the GHA who needs volunteer hours for a school group, or church group project, or you just want to be a part of something bigger, this show is for you. Follow our podcast and visit: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/meet-houston-missions/ to learn about the opportunities that are literally surrounding you!Meet Houston Missions guests do not have to be affiliated with any group or religion. If your organization is boot-on-the-ground helping people in our area, email Paul at pcannon@simmonsandfletcher.com for guest opportunities.Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. Learn more about the firm at: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com.  It has been serving the Houston community since 1979.

  1. Jul 8

    Meet Houston Missions: Autism Meets Faith

    On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Holly Odogwu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Meets Faith. Autism Meets Faith was founded in 2021 when Holly’s daughter was diagnosed with autism at only four years old. After the diagnosis, Holly became aware of four key barriers for children on the autism spectrum and the families raising them: isolation, rejection from faith communities, unaffordable therapy, and nowhere to turn that was sensory-friendly. Resolving these barriers became the purpose of Autism Meets Faith. The mission proudly serves the Greater Houston area and operates across four counties: Houston, Montgomery, Liberty, and Chambers Counties. Autism Meets Faith provides programs, including Explorers’ Club and Family Fun Days, that allow children with autism to engage in creative, sensory-friendly activities that are informative while still allowing them to be kids. Additionally, the mission offers programs aimed at the families of children on the autism spectrum that allow them to learn about the condition, equip them with practical tools and resources, and provide an encouraging support system. Autism Meets Faith aims to enhance the lives of children on the autism spectrum and the families raising them through creative programs, community partnerships, and meaningful support that meets families where they are.  Autism Meets Faith Programs For children who have been diagnosed with autism and the families that raise and support them, finding a community that understands what they are going through can be difficult. Many families face difficulty finding sensory-friendly activities, programs, and support systems, which often prevent children on the autism spectrum from being able to explore, create, and feel as if they belong. When children and families need somewhere to turn that understands their situation and can offer ways to help, Autism Meets Faith is there with free programs for families. Two of the main programs the mission offers, Explorers’ Club and Family Fun Days, are centered on the children. The Explorers’ Club program is a pop-up program across the Greater Houston area that holds weekly sessions where children can learn, socialize, explore, and be themselves while families build a community together. The program combines play-based learning, social skills development, sensory exploration, community playdates, virtual learning opportunities, and family engagement so kids can learn and grow while having fun. Additionally, the Family Fun Days program is a once-a-month program where children on the autism spectrum can play with other kids just like them, and parents can connect with other parents going through the same situation. The program is held at ABA clinics around Houston, where families can gather for sensory-friendly celebrations, games, and community building.  Other programs that Autism Meets Faith provides are more focused on providing resources for the parents and families of children diagnosed with autism. One of the services the mission offers for parents is Parent and Caregiver Workshops, which are educational workshops featuring professionals and experienced advocates from the autism community. These workshops teach families about autism and equip them with practical tools, resources, and encouragement as they navigate life with a child on the spectrum. Additionally, Autism Meets Faith knows that caring for a child on the autism spectrum can be rewarding but also challenging, so they offer a Mom's Time-Out program. The program gives mothers and caretakers an opportunity to relax, recharge, and bond with a supportive community that knows exactly what they are going through.  Other Ways to Help If you want to help Autism Meets Faith but cannot volunteer, there are other ways to help. One way you can help is by attending the organization’s fundraising events. One upcoming event for the mission is Bridge 2026, held on November 7, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston location. Bridge is a one-day summit that brings awareness to communities about autism and provides resources and support for families with children on the autism spectrum. The event allows attendees to build meaningful relationships with experts, providers, and other families while learning about practical strategies and insights that parents can begin using immediately.  Contact and Info  The website address is autismmeetsfaith.org. On the site, you can find more information about the organization’s mission, upcoming events, and ways to donate or get involved.  You can call the organization at (832) 224-1147 or email them at admin@autismmeetsfaith.org.  Autism Meets Faith is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. All donations made are tax-deductible as per the IRS guidelines. Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  2. Apr 30

    Meet Houston Missions - Freedon Church Alliance

    On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Christa Freyhof, the Executive Director of Freedom Church Alliance. Freedom Church Alliance was founded in 2013 to guide churches in the battle against human trafficking as they pray, give, and volunteer with frontline, gospel-centered ministries. The mission has over 35 churches across Houston in The Alliance that focus on human trafficking awareness outreach, anti-trafficking efforts, and providing immediate needs for escaped trafficking victims. The mission also provides educational resources and offers support to trafficking survivors.   The Fight for Freedom Book Freedom Church Alliance offers The Fight for Freedom book, a comprehensive and interactive justice discipleship tool that educates people about trafficking and guides them from awareness to action.  The Fight for Freedom book can be purchased on the Freedom Church Alliance website for $40.  Unified Collaboration Services Freedom Church Alliance collaborates with churches around Houston and other trusted partners to combat human trafficking, starting at the point of raising awareness, all the way to the frontlines. Through these collaborations, the mission is able to provide various services to help those who are looking to escape or have already escaped human trafficking. One service Freedom Church Alliance is able to provide through collaboration is digital outreach. The digital outreach service operates as a secure digital platform where survivors can gain access to trained volunteers offering hope, prayer, and connections to vital resources. Another service the Alliance collaboration provides is the GoBag Project. The GoBag project is a Houston-based initiative where volunteers help provide and pack respite care items into GoBags that are then distributed to survivors through local anti-trafficking organizations and law enforcement. Volunteer Opportunities With only 1 full-time staff member and a handful of part-time staff members, Freedom Church Alliance heavily relies on volunteers to ensure that trafficking awareness continues to spread and that survivors are provided with the tools necessary to move forward. As a volunteer, you may be able to help create and package GoBags, which are filled with items like clothing, toiletries, and food, and provided to survivors who have recently escaped trafficking. As a volunteer working with the digital outreach program, you will use the secure platform to text potential trafficking victims and offer support services. Contact and Info The website address is https://freedomchurchalliance.org. On the site, you can find more information about the mission, how to donate, and how to sign up for volunteer opportunities. You are also welcome to call them at (346) 646-4489, email them at info@freedomchurchalliance.org, or message them through the Contact Us page on the website. Freedom Church Alliance is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. All donations made are tax-deductible as per the IRS guidelines. Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  3. Apr 23

    Meet Houston Missions: Young and Old United (Compassion)

    On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Jiya Joshi, the Founder and Executive Director of Young and Old United (YOU). Young and Old United was founded after Jiya’s grandmother passed away in 2024, leaving an emotional void in her life. To fill that void, Jiya began volunteering weekly at a memory care facility and quickly found her calling. Inspired by her volunteer experiences, Jiya launched Young and Old United. Young and Old United is a youth-led senior-support nonprofit that aims to create lifelong bonds between youth and seniors, engaging people across generations.  Young and Old United Partnering Program Young and Old United’s mission is to connect young citizens with senior citizens around Texas. To do this, the mission has partnered with several senior living facilities, hospice organizations, Meals on Wheels, and other missions dedicated to senior care.  Additional Services As part of its senior care initiative, Young and Old United creates cheer packages that are delivered to seniors every four months. Each care package contains essential hygiene products, like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, as well as recreational items to ensure that every senior feels supported, valued, and surrounded by kindness. Another service the organization provides is the Pamper Project. The Pamper Project is an initiative where youth volunteers give seniors a full makeover. Volunteers go to the senior care facility to do the seniors’ makeup, hair, and nails, creating moments of joy and confidence. This program helps the seniors feel rejuvenated, valued, and like the best version of themselves. Volunteer Opportunities As a volunteer, you can sign up to help put together cheer packages for the seniors or help with the organization’s fundraising bake sales. Additionally, you can volunteer to connect with a senior in your area. If you want to volunteer for one-on-one sessions with a senior, it is a four-month, bi-weekly commitment. As a volunteer working with the seniors, you may help them make crafts, take them to do fun events like bowling, or just spend time talking with them at the care facility. Ambassador Program  The ambassador program allows students to start their own Young and Old United chapter in their hometown so that seniors across the nation receive the attention and care that they deserve.  Other Ways to Help If you want to help Young and Old United but are unable to volunteer, you can visit the website and donate to the cause. At the top of the Young and Old United website, click on “Donate,” select the method you would prefer to donate through, then enter the amount you would like to donate. Your donation allows the organization to send cheer packages to seniors and take them to do fun activities. Contact and Info The website address is https://youngandoldunited.org. On the site, you can find more information about the mission, upcoming events, how to donate, and how to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Young and Old United is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. All donations made are tax-deductible as per the IRS guidelines. Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  4. Apr 15

    Meet Houston Missions: Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women

    On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Miranda Corn, the Executive Director for the Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women. Refuge for Women was founded in 2009 when the founder, Ked Frank, recognized that despite there being over 100,000 victims of sexual trafficking in the U.S., there were fewer than 1,000 beds for long-term recovery available to trafficking victims.  Upon learning that there were not many places for sex trafficking victims to turn to, he decided to form Refuge for Women. Refuge for Women aims to offer women who have escaped sex trafficking or sexual exploitation the hope, support, and tools needed to live a life of freedom. The mission offers women a multi-year continuum of care program to help them work through and heal from their abuse and empower them to live their lives with dignity and hope.  Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women Multi-Year Continuum of Care Program The Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women offers a multi-year continuum of care program for women who have escaped sex trafficking or sexual exploitation. The program begins with the Emergency House Program, a program that offers victims up to 90 days of housing and services. After residents have completed the Emergency House Program, they move into the Long-Term Program, which lasts for up to 12 months. Upon graduating from the long-term program, women can choose to move into a Transitional Living home. Refuge for Women’s Transitional Living homes provide women with continued physical and mental health services and addiction recovery support, while offering women the opportunity to live alone and work. Volunteer Opportunities With a staff of only 15 people, Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women relies heavily on volunteers. As a faith-based organization helping women with long-term recovery from sexual trafficking situations, this would be a good opportunity for churches, teachers, older teens, and adults to volunteer.  Other Ways to Help One way you can help is by sponsoring a room. The sponsored rooms are the rooms where the residents will spend their time doing daily activities and working through the trauma they experienced. If you sponsor a room, there will be a plaque displaying the sponsor’s name and a Bible verse selected by the sponsor to acknowledge the sponsorship. This is a 12-month sponsorship, and sponsors will have the opportunity to renew their sponsorship at the end of the 12 months. Another way to help is by attending the organization’s fundraisers. Texas Gulf Coast Refuge for Women hosts a Spring Gala to empower survivors on their journey to a new life. This gala is an evening of fun, fellowship, and fundraising that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit the website and donate to the cause.  Contact and Info The website address is https://refugeforwomen.org/texasgulfcoast/. On the site, you can find more information about the mission, upcoming events, how to donate, and how to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Refuge for Women, Texas Gulf Coast is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. All donations made are tax-deductible as per the IRS guidelines. Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  5. Apr 4

    Meet Houston Missions - Adult & Teen Challenge

    On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Carlos Piñero, the Program Manager of Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas’ Houston Men’s Recovery Center. The Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas’s Houston Men’s Recovery Center provides residential, faith-based programs for men to overcome addiction, transform their lives, and rehabilitate into society while maintaining their sobriety. The mission aims to provide effective solutions for individuals struggling with life-controlling drug and alcohol issues and connect them with individual and biblical counseling, spiritual support, and relapse prevention.  Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas Services  One of the services Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas offers is a Christ-centered residential addiction recovery program. The organization offers several men’s and women’s campuses across Texas where those seeking to end their addiction can stay. This program offers participants a place to stay while they receive group and individual biblical counseling, parenting classes, spiritual support, relapse prevention assistance, anger management classes, drug and alcohol education courses, and social/recreational activities with others seeking recovery.  Another service that Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas offers is aftercare support following completion of the residential program. Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas also offers an internship program with hands-on training for graduates who want to give back by pursuing ministry with the organization. Sponsorship Opportunities As a non-profit organization, Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas does not receive state funding and relies heavily on sponsors and donors. There are multiple ways that those looking to sponsor the mission can participate. One way you can sponsor the mission is by sponsoring a student either monthly for $35 or yearly for $420. This sponsorship provides the student with all the materials they may need to successfully complete the program and live a life of sobriety. Another way you can sponsor Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas is by sponsoring the yearly Come Alive Gala.  Volunteer Opportunities Although they are a nationwide organization, Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas relies on volunteers to help those looking to escape addiction and reintegrate into society. As a faith-based organization helping people work through addiction. Other Ways to Help 1)  In May, the organization is hosting a Come Alive Gala to support addiction recovery. The location and time of the event can be found on the official Come Alive Gala website. 2)The Angelic Resale Shop accepts clothing, furniture, household goods, electronics, and appliance donations and resells them at a discounted price. 100% of the net proceeds from sales are used to provide Christ-centered addiction recovery services. Contact and Info The website address is teenchallengetx.org, and the Houston campuses website address is houstonmensrehab.com. On the site, you can find more information about the organization’s mission and ways to donate or get involved. Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  6. Feb 24

    Meet Houston Missions- Society Prosper

    In this episode of Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher local missions podcast, we meet Megan Langham, the founder and president of Society Prosper. Society Prosper is a Katy, Texas mission, founded in 2020 for the purpose of breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect.  Society Prosper helps to provide funding and guidance so that children who are survivors of child abuse and neglect can get qualified therapy that enables them to cope with the abuse and overcome its effects. Society Prosper focuses on helping survivors break the cycle of child abuse. Society Prosper has a number of volunteer opportunities at their annual fundraisers, as well as their planning committees. They are in need of volunteers and ambassadors in order to get the word out about the organization and its goals. Some of their fundraising events that help raise money to go towards scholarships to help children get therapy include their Healing in Bloom fashion show and their Casino Night fundraisers.  To learn more about Society Prosper, visit https://www.societyprosper.org The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  7. 02/24/2025

    Meet Houston Missions: JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16

    On this episode of the Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Andrea McClairne, the founder of JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 was started in 2023 when Andera McClairne felt a calling from God to support, teach, and empower young women leaving the foster care system. The mission is based in the greater Houston area and provides assistance programs and support to young women leaving the foster care system and entering the world on their own. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 aims to provide a safe place for young women to stay and learn valuable life skills so that they can learn how to successfully live independently without turning to darker professions. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 offers mentorship, education, and life skills courses, counselors, and therapists to young women leaving foster care. Additionally, although they do not yet have a home, JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 hopes to build a home in the future where girls leaving foster care can turn to for guidance and support. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 Services The organization provides many services that put young women on a path to being successful in their newly independent lives. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 provides therapists and counselors to young women leaving foster care because they know that living independently can be difficult, and they want to provide the girls with a safe space to take care of their mental health so that they don’t have to face them alone. Another service that JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 offers is life skills teachings and mentorship. Many of the young women leaving the foster care system are not prepared for life on their own yet. JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 meets with these young women to teach them basic survival skills, such as cooking, how to be successful in college, and budgeting. Additionally, JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 provides mentorship for young women learning how to be on their own.  JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 Future Goals JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 is currently searching for a home to provide for the young women coming out of foster care. This house would serve as a transitional home where the young women could have a safe place to stay and prepare for life independently. The organization’s goal is to have the young women stay in this home for about a year and a half to help them get to where they need to be mentally and emotionally and teach them basic life skills. Volunteer Opportunities As a volunteer, you may help provide support and assistance to the young women leaving foster care by talking to them, helping them with classwork and studying, and teaching them basic life skills. Additionally, JJ’s Home of Refuge 3:16 needs volunteer therapists and counselors. Contact: The website address is jjshomeofrefuge.org. You are also welcome to call them at (832) 603-9145 or email info@jjshomeofrefuge.org.  The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.

  8. 10/20/2024

    Meet Houston Missions: Building Bridges of Hope

    This episode of Meet Houston Missions features Bill Nash, the co-founder of Building Bridges of Hope. Building Bridges of Hope was founded 43 years ago after Bill’s son was miraculously healed from cancer. It is a music-driven mission that seeks to help children overcome difficult lifetime events. They have two primary mission events today—Champions Kids Camp and Texas Best Music Fest. Champions Kids Camp Building Bridges of Hope’s main mission event still today is that they partner with the Carolina Creek Christian Camp near Huntsville to provide children who survive traumatic events such as serious car accidents, illnesses, or other personal losses with an opportunity to attend a camp with kids dealing with similar life events. This partnership has been ongoing for 23 years now. In the first year, Building Bridges of Hope took 30 children to camp. Champions Kids Camp today is a summer camp that runs from Sunday through Friday and involves over 200 children and volunteers. Kids get to enjoy fun and fellowship with other kids dealing with similar traumatic life events. The camp is for children ages 8-12, however, many kids return to participate as leaders in training from ages 13-16. At the camp, children get to participate in numerous outdoor activities such as: ·        Ziplining ·        Learning to fish ·        Swimming in the pool and the lagoon ·        Motorboating ·        Playing basketball After each meal, the children meet in a group to sing songs and learn about Jesus. The camp takes place in July. How to Help Champions Kids Camp Building Bridges of Hope relies on scholarships to allow the children to go to camp regardless of their financial situation. Additionally, in order to run Champions Kids Camp, volunteers are needed to fellowship with the campers, teach them activities such as fishing or sports, and provide a safe environment. If you wish to provide a sponsorship or volunteer, read more below or visit Championskidscamp.org. Sponsorships Every child who attends the camp costs $500.00. They attend via scholarships that are donated or supplied by grants. 40% of the children come from foster care. Building Bridges of Hope depends on individuals, churches, and businesses for sponsorships that determine how many children they can take to camp each year. Volunteers Building Bridges of Hope relies on volunteers to teach the kids skills and direct events at the camp. Texas Best Music Fest Texas Best Music Fest is a festival put together by Building Bridges of Hope to raise money for scholarships and raise awareness of Champions Kids Camp. They bring together musicians from across the country to put on a concert annually in June at Moes Place in Katy, Texas. Visit TexasBMF.com for more information on attending or volunteering to help with this event. Golf Tournament Fundraiser In addition to the above, Building Bridges of Hopes has a second fundraiser on October 21st each year which is a golf tournament. The tournament is held at the River Bend Country Club. To volunteer, sponsor, or enter a team contact Building Bridges of Hope by visiting bbofhope.org. Meet Houston Missions is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C.  Host Paul H. Cannon is a partner at the firm. The video for this podcast can be seen at Meet Houston Missions: Building Bridges of Hope.

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About

Want to find a Houston-area place to volunteer that is right for you? Listen along as your host Paul H. Cannon interviews local Houston-area mission leaders and participants about their mission and how you can be a part of something bigger right here in Houston, Texas.When Paul H. Cannon was in his late 20s, He was the missions coordinator for a bible study class of 165 people at Second Baptist Westway Campus in Houston. One of the challenges he ran across was finding local mission projects for the class to participate in. "If only there was a website where you could go and learn about a large group of opportunities at once," Paul thought.It was from this idea that Meet Houston Missions was born. As a partner and the marketing manager for Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers,  Paul now had the means to create what he was missing.  It started out as a simple series of Zoom videos and has not evolved into a weekly podcast.If you are in the Greater Houston Area and a Mission looking for volunteers, I want to talk to you! If you are someone in the GHA who needs volunteer hours for a school group, or church group project, or you just want to be a part of something bigger, this show is for you. Follow our podcast and visit: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/meet-houston-missions/ to learn about the opportunities that are literally surrounding you!Meet Houston Missions guests do not have to be affiliated with any group or religion. If your organization is boot-on-the-ground helping people in our area, email Paul at pcannon@simmonsandfletcher.com for guest opportunities.Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. Learn more about the firm at: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com.  It has been serving the Houston community since 1979.

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