Houston is home to a thriving network of nonprofits that have spent decades addressing the city’s most pressing needs. From supporting children’s education and family well-being to providing health services and community resources, these organizations have built programs that strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities. Their volunteers, leaders, and supporters collaborate across initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective action to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Houstonians every day.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Dream Home Campaign
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
This year, Houston was selected as the largest market for their Dream Home campaign.
“Our goal is to raise $1.5 million with this campaign,” says Rebecca Levine, senior advisor. “All of the money raised will go to funding the mission of St. Jude to ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude,” explains Levine. “Each cancer treatment costs $450,000 per year, and children usually have multiple years of treatment. The Dream Home fundraiser will provide treatment for one child's cancer battle.”
The 3,000-square-foot Dream Home, located in Northwest Houston, is built by Empire Homes at no cost. Tradespeople and suppliers have generously donated labor and materials for everything from the concrete to the flooring, ensuring that all proceeds will go towards childhood cancer treatment.
To purchase a $100 ticket, visit dreamhome.org or call (800) 303-4413. Only 15,000 tickets will be sold. The winner will have the option to move into the home, use it as an investment property, or sell the 4-bedroom house. The newly built home, along with other high-end prizes, will be given away live on FOX 26 Houston on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. dreamhome.org
Harris County Friends of the Library
Harris County Friends of the Library has played a central role in supporting and advocating for neighborhood branches. “A love of books and an appreciation of libraries as a community resource are the only requirements for being a Friend,” said President Fran Serena. Through fundraising events like the Spring Plant and Book Festival, the Buy-A-Book Program, and the Gently Used Book Shelves, the nonprofit continues to sustain area-libraries’ growth.
That growth is now being celebrated with Spring Branch Memorial Library’s 50th anniversary. First dedicated on November 22, 1975, the branch was built with strong community backing, replacing earlier locations dating back to 1950. What began with 51,000 books has since expanded to more than 63,500 items, including a growing e-book collection.
“Over the years, our library has adapted to the ever-changing needs of our patrons,” said Jennifer Finch, branch manager. “We continue the vital role of promoting literacy while also providing welcoming community spaces and innovative programs.” Longtime librarian Maria Madrid added, “The library has undergone significant changes, from the card catalog in 1975 to being fully automated today. The 50th anniversary is a big milestone indeed.”
The 50th Anniversary Open House will be Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 930 Corbindale Road. hcfol.org
Spring Branch Education Foundation
For more than 30 years, the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) has worked to strengthen the connection between Spring Branch ISD and the community it serves. Through scholarships, campus grants, and funding for educational initiatives, the foundation invests directly in students’ futures.
“The Spring Branch Education Foundation was built on relationships,” said Cece Thompson, Executive Director. “That spirit of partnership, with the school district, with families, and with our community, has allowed us to grow and sustain our impact. At our core, we are about investing in students’ futures, and that clear purpose continues to inspire support year after year.”
One example of that support was seen at this year’s Style Show Luncheon, which sold out and raised more than $257,000. “The success of this year’s Style Show Luncheon demonstrates just how deeply our community believes in investing in Spring Branch ISD students, staff and schools,” Thompson said. “Raising more than $257,000 sends a clear message: education matters.”
Events like the luncheon, Thompson added, are about more than funding. “They create space for our community to connect around a shared purpose. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and reminds us that we are all partners in helping SBISD students succeed.” sbef.springbranchisd.com
Bel Inizio
Bel Inizio, which means “beautiful beginning” in Italian, helps women build self-confidence and life skills through fitness. The Houston nonprofit partners with shelters and service agencies to guide participants through an eight-week program that ends with completing a 5K.
Executive Director Kendra Atkins first connected with the organization in 2017 while working in homeless services. “I was instantly drawn to the mission of the organization to empower women and began volunteering periodically,” she said. Even early on, she realized the impact of the program. “The women gained more confidence in themselves and, little by little, began making small changes in their diet and were more aware of their overall health.”
The program is designed to spark long-term change. “Most women who participate in our program have never exercised regularly and aren’t very health-conscious in terms of their nutrition choices,” said Atkins. “This gets them into the mindset of working towards a lifestyle shift.”
Atkins is also grateful for what Bel Inizio has been able to accomplish. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve served over 1200 participants across the greater Houston area with pretty limited resources,” she said. bel-inizio.org