Texas Governor Recoginizes Spirit-Filled Ministry in an Unusual Way

Somebody Cares America has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism award by the Governor of Texas’ One Star Foundation for the ministry’s work in Winter Storm Uri response, long-term rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey, and meeting community needs in multiple ways during the COVID crisis.

Doug and Lisa Stringer will be part of a virtual online ceremony honoring the recipients on Nov. 3 and will join with other Governor’s Award recipients in person at a later date.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, announced the recipients of the annual awards on October 11th. Other winners include Chuck and Gena Norris, who received the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as recipients in various other categories.

These awards—presented in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation — honor the exemplary service of individuals and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities through service and volunteering in the past year. Awardees were selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact on the community, and inspires others to get involved in their cause or community.

“We were surprised that we were nominated for one of the Governor’s Excellence Awards,” said Doug Stringer, “and truly humbled to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award. There are so many deserving people and organizations that could have been chosen. We are honored to be receiving it on behalf of all our team, volunteers, and partner churches and organizations.”

In a press release, the Foundation stated:

“During times of disaster, Somebody Cares America (SCA) mobilizes local churches and partner organizations to serve communities by providing financial and material resources along with training, manpower, leadership, and expertise. As a result, churches and their members become a volunteer army equipped to meet the needs of their neighborhoods.

“In every region of Texas and following every major disaster, SCA partner volunteers have distributed meals, supplies, and resources and assisted those affected…Following Winter Storm Uri, SCA distributed plumbing supplies to address problems created by the freezing cold and provided nearly $100,000 in community grants and individual assistance to those impacted.

“In response to COVID-19, SCA supplied thousands of N-95 masks to first responders, medical professionals, and others throughout Texas. In the greater Houston area alone, SCA gave out $280,000 in funding as well as valuable in-kind gifts through dozens of partner churches and ministries to assist with hardships caused by the pandemic.”

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