Asset Building Network: Executive Director's Report from 2007 Annual Report

Asset Building Network, Inc. (ABN) is here to connect people to resources in their community. We are known by our clients as the agency that listen and provide Hope in time of need. I am very grateful to God for trusting us with the Mission to reach out to those who are in need, in crisis, and needing somebody to come alongside to provide them with the emotional support and resources in their distress. The United Way of Texas Gulf Coast, Houston Galveston Area Council (HAGC), Frees and Simmons Foundations, and many others made 2007 a great year for Asset Building Network, Inc. There are many stories about lives that ABN has touched, and families in crisis whose situations have changed for good because of our services.

Since 1999, Asset Building Network exists to build and restore individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency through Case Management Services including Advocacy, Counseling, Education, Employment, and Information and Referral to community resources. Asset Building Network, Inc has been a haven of rest for many hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors. We have been that place that opened our door and caring hearts with smiling faces to give hope to those in despair, no matter the situations. We are particularly good at listening to our clients, identifying their needs, and then find restorative solutions to the problems and issues that affect them through Case Management Services. We build our clients with encouragement words to enhance their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, mental and physical well being, and connect them with resources.

I want to personally thank our Board of Directors, especially our Board Chairman for his commitment and dedication to the mission of Asset Building Network, Inc. We are grateful to the leadership of the Houston Long Term Recovery Team and our community partners, and individuals who gave themselves, including those serving through the
Local Unmet Needs Committee, to meet the needs of clients’ on a weekly basis. Your time, talents, funds, encouragements, prayers, and donations were highly appreciated. We are excited to say that we have our three year Strategic Plan developed with the help of the Executive Service Corps of Houston. Asset Building Network, Inc has grown and we are hoping to move into a larger space to make room for our Counselor and Employment Placement Specialist. Here are our accomplishments in 2007:

Support: United Way of Texas Gulf Coast provided essential resources in the form of funding, and Unmet Needs Funding for the emergency needs of the survivors that came through Asset Building Network, Inc., resource center. The office is staffed with two fulltime employees. The amount of phone calls coming through Asset Building Network,
Inc., is a demonstration of the impact that our services have made in the Southwest Community. Mrs. Linda Walker was a great resource to assist ABN to obtained basic household items for hurricane survivors early 2007. We are grateful to Neighborhood Centers-Inc., for being our leadership mentor in fiscal management.