HOUSTON – “A true witness rescues lives.” (Proverbs 14:25). This statement embodies the very essence of Somebody Cares America/International, an organization that is touching the lives of people worldwide. Driven by a compassionate spirit and an intense desire to reach the needy, Doug Stringer founded this non-profit organization in 1981. On October 15th – 17th, 2006, Somebody Cares gathered in Houston with speakers from chapters and affiliate ministries around the globe to celebrate their 25th anniversary. They shared their testimonies of how God’s love in action is impacting our world!

Marlene Yeo has been the Director of Somebody Cares New England (SCNE) in Haverhill, Mass. since its inception in 2003. She shared the success and vision of this chapter, at the celebration, stating, “We are missionaries to our own cities…we have a mandate from God.”

SCNE successfully teamed with the Department of Social Services in Mass. to develop a more effective foster care model to promote foster care awareness. The model set forth is already being developed in other cities. SCNE also holds food drives, provides disaster emergency training, and ongoing service throughout the year. They are true advocates for those in need and role models who inspire others to action.

  • Somebody Cares Lowell is Born

In 2005, the Hurricane Katrina aftermath gave birth to yet another chapter as Cindi Webster, Director of SC Lowell in Mass., set up a local church as an emergency shelter. To date, SC Lowell has trained 42 emergency response citizens, set-up a mobile soup truck and developed a medical, legal, and parental aid program available one Saturday a month. Webster shared her heart and the passionate purpose of Somebody Cares as she sang, a cappella, her original song “We Will Reach Them One Person at a Time” at the anniversary celebration.

  • Somebody Cares Affiliate Ministries go Global

Somebody Cares has many affiliate ministries that reach all corners of the globe. James and Andrea Alvarez are doctors who left their medical practice to make a difference in the lives of those who might never have been touched by caring hearts. Their practice is located in the dump of Rio de Janeiro; serving families and orphans living in these extreme conditions.

Serving under the umbrella of Brazilian Kids Rescue Mission, an affiliate of Somebody Cares, the ministry collects unused food from the market and distributes it amongst the homeless; meeting their most basic needs. They don’t stop there, however, as they also provide meals and an education through the school they founded, with various programs addressing literacy, hygiene, etc. The Alvarez’s truly personify a heart to serve!

Acts of compassion that are impacting the world can be found in each and every chapter and ministry of Somebody Cares. Founder Doug Stringer said it best; “We will be the light that shines…we will be the tangible expressions of God’s love.”  Yeo expressed the heart of the ministry by saying “The one person under the bridge…don’t forget the one.”  Jesus called us to “serve the least” (Matthew 25:45) – Somebody Cares has heard the call and is responding. May God continue to bless their efforts for another 25 years plus!

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