No organization reaches 120 years of age without having gotten more than a few things right. Enter Family Houston, a human services nonprofit that has been dishing out assists to uplift households with a holistic suite of services.
For those who subscribe to the philosophy that families form the starting lineup of a community, supporting the family unit means a three-point shot for Houston. Guests who attended the 2024 Pillars of Strength Luncheon on Thursday, May 2, at the Revaire received that message as though shouted from a megaphone. As former sportscaster and Houston Rockets play-by-play announcer Bill Worrell Jr. alluded to in his role as emcee, Houstonians are empathetic rebounders, quick to put up a shot when there’s a need to be met.
The same can be said about event honoree Chris Shepherd. After a successful stint as a restaurateur, the chef of Underbelly fame went on to establish the Southern Smoke Foundation with his wife, Lindsay Brown, to support the food and beverage industry. The organization has dished out more than $11.6 million via its Emergency Relief Fund program for this often overlooked workforce.
For board chair Sergio Leal, who teaches compliance at the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, it’s the strength and resilience of returning veterans, children and adults facing mental health struggles, and families caught between poverty and a living wage — served by Family Houston — that fuels both the board and staff to keep going into overtime. Leal took time during the program to recognize their contributions and to welcome Family Houston president and CEO Ken Sheirr, who took over the reins of the organization in January.
In a video, A-game personalities including attorney Rusty Hardin, former NBA star Calvin Murphy, Houston Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green, and United Way of Greater Houston president and CEO Amanda McMillian acknowledged the critical function of Family Houston in helping others help themselves.
The luncheon’s program featured a conversation between Worrell and NBA player, coach, and mental health advocate John Lucas II. This amicable tête-à-tête — two friends reunited because of their shared basketball history — turned into a courageous display of vulnerability as they shared their respective stories of addiction, recovery, and sobriety.
“There’s not a single family that has not struggled,” Lucas told the attentive group, explaining that many people have difficulties living life on life’s terms. Moreover, he advised changing behavior to meet goals instead of changing goals to meet behavior. Without the gift of desperation, he continued, one cannot recover. When Worrell claimed that Lucas hadn’t changed in four decades, a lighthearted moment emerged from Lucas’ response.
“That’s not a compliment,” he quipped.
When pressed for advice he would give a young NBA hopeful, Lucas replied, “Embrace the person that you could be.” Lucas' hope for the Houston Rockets? That the young team can only get better from here.
Despite the day’s challenging weather conditions and rain hindering attendance, the “Text to Give” moment surpassed previous records. Additionally, Hardin's generous donation triggered a matching gift from the G-Unity Foundation, adding another layer of generosity to the event that raised more than $327,000.
Seen in the full-court press were Jewish Family Services CEO Carl Josehart and Sam Jacobson, Jenny and Hogan Miller, Kevin Dunlap, Joan and David Dunlap, Rachael Tobor, Melanie Lowther, Renae Vania-Tomczak, Deborah Grabein, Kathy Artiga, Connie Leon, Johanna Watson, John Whaley, and Debbie and Stephen Costello.
Photos by Quy Tran & Si Vo
Bill Worrell and John Lucas.
