18DEC10 Spring Valley Cycle - Memorial Assistance Ministries Summary

Our workshop is full again, thanks to the successful efforts of Jim Osbon at Houston Cycling Centers, Bob King at Memorial Assistance Ministries, and our own Dan Monson. This new partnership may serve as a model of a new supply chain. We leveraged the marketing power of HCC, the need within MAM, and MAM’s willingness to donate to CRM on a per bike basis for the cost of parts/repairs.

Two great new stories! As I posted on our blog (and thereby Facebook), MAM notified CRM on Thursday that they would be bringing one of their clients on Saturday, and they would like to have a bike for him. None of the CRM inventory was ready for use. As always, God’s timing is perfect, and Saturday morning when we arrived at Spring Valley Cycles at noon, there was a beautiful polished aluminum Cannondale MTB. The right size, and more importantly – in great condition. We test rode it around the parking lot, did a safety check, and presented it to Timothy Owens. He is part of MAM’s employment services program, and rides to and from his different job sites. He and his wife are starting a security and investigation service, and the bike allows him greater access and mobility and expand his available service range.

We got front page coverage in the Memorial Examiner. Paper dropped today.

You can read it online here.

Amanda is a mother who is having to move out of her apartment on very short notice because the complex is being demolished. Her story was featured on KPRC ABC Channel 13 News last week. Amanda's children attend Rummel Creek Elementary, and when the RCE PTA learned of the families that live in the complex and have children at RCE, parents stepped in to help them. Amanda rides her bikes to and from work. She repairs them herself when they need it. Sarah Tyler pick up her old bike that is in need of much repair and provide her with a bike in much better condition allowing Amanda to travel more safely. Amanda smiled when she received the bike and said it will fit her better.

Next event: Rummel Creek PTA ReCycle Day, 15JAN11 9am-2pm. Come out and me out newest partner – the Rummel Creek Elementary PTA. As part of their recycling program, we have partnered with them to have a ReCycling Day. We will be accepting bikes of all types at the school (625 Brittmoore Road, 77079). We presented to a packed house of 4th grade parents in December, and we expect a great turnout. We have already taken in 5 bikes from RCE families. We will need full size trucks (at 2pm) to haul bikes at the end of the event, and people to help take in inventory, and gather donor information.

I have a few more t-shirts and one polo available for purchase. They are white on black (like the logo at the top of this page. $20 for the t-shirt, $40 for the polo, and of course, the proceeds go to help purchase parts to keep us going!

Watch for a very desperately needed workday announcement. Anticipated date – 15 or 22 JAN.

Thank you for a very successful workday, and a year of helping spread freedom and hope one bike at a time. In parting, I want to thank Taylor Benson who helped me summarize the thoughts in my head, and provided us with a biblical reference that describes our efforts well.

“…and by my works will I show you my faith.” – James 2:18

Pay it Forward and—Merry Christmas!

David

Rummel Creek Folks help evicted woman - CRM gives bike.

Sunday, December 19, Chain Reaction Ministries was able to deliver a bicycle to someone who really needed a better bike. Amanda is a mother who is having to move out of her apartment on very short notice because the complex is being demolished. Her story was featured on KPRC ABC Channel 13 News last week. Amanda's children attend Rummel Creek Elementary, and when the RCE PTA learned of the families that live in the complex and have children at RCE, parents stepped in to help them.

Amanda rides her bikes to and from work. She repairs them herself when they need it. Chain Reaction Ministries was able to pick up her old bike that is in need of much repair and provide her with a bike in much better condition allowing Amanda to travel more safely. Amanda smiled when she received the bike and said it will fit her better. She was grateful to all for their care and generosity.

Submitted by Sarah Tyler

Pay it Forward,David

Houston Cycling Center - MAM Intake Day Summary 18DEC10

Chain Reaction Ministries, in partnership with Houston Cycling Centers and Memorial Assistance Ministries, collected 15 used bikes to be refurbished. MAM notified CRM on Thursday that they would be bringing one of their clients, and they would like to have a bike for him. None of the CRM inventory was ready for use. As always, God’s timing is perfect, and Saturday morning when we arrived at Spring Valley Cycles at noon, there was a beautiful polished aluminum Cannondale MTB. The right size, and more importantly – in great condition.

We test rode it around the parking lot, did a safety check, and presented it to Timothy Owens. He is part of MAM’s employment services program, and rides to and from his different job sites. He and his wife are starting a security and investigation service, and the bike allows him greater access and mobility and expand his available service range.

Pay it Forward,

David

From Abandoned Bicycle in Lewisville to needed owner in Houston

Randy Grizzle, father of one of my business associates, Kristi Grizzle, likes collecting stuff - especially if it is free! He found a large Mongoose MTB on the side of a road with a sign denoting "Free" on it. He took it in, not really knowing what to do with it. While Kristi was visiting her parents over Thanksgiving, her Dad told of his latest find. Kristi knew exactly where it needed to go. She brought it back with her, gave it to Chain Reaction Ministries, and we fixed up the bike on our 11DEC10 workday. The bike was picked up Tuesday, and placed in service this week with a client from Westside Homeless Partnership! We are broadening our reach!

Thanks Kristi and Randy!

Pay it Forward,

David

Workday Summary 11DEC10

Cleaning up the workshop a week prior was extremely beneficial. Jeff Stones and I organized parts, evaluated inventory, and make a list of parts that we needed. Then I lost the list. But my loss resulted in a great discussion with Jim at Spring Valley Cycles Saturday morning as I purchased parts. I met Jim when Kristin and I first came to Houston. He was leading a spinning class at the Post Oak YMCA. Yet another “Houston—the Smallest Big City in the World” story. Who would have thought that 12 years later I would have a partnership with him.

I think the bikes have started breeding. There were four more bikes in the workshop between the time that Jeff and I prepped the workshop and Saturday. What a blessing. Among the volunteers was Sarah Tyler (who was responsible for the “breeding” - picking up bikes from various places in Houston) brought her three kids, and they washed bikes together. Elizabeth Renton (landscape architect and business associate) and her husband Bill came out and they finished two bikes together. There was great joy in seeing families working together helping to give the gift of freedom. At the end of the day, there are 16 bikes that will find new homes just in time for Christmas. We also pulled in $150 in donations.

Next Saturday, 18DEC10, we will be having a bicycle intake day with our new partners—Houston Cycling Centers and Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM). We will be at Spring Valley Cycles (9414 Gaylord, across from Memorial High School). All of the bikes that we pull in that day will go back to clients in Memorial Assistance Ministries Employment Services program. I am thankful to Mercedes at Westside Homeless Partnership for inviting me to a meeting of various social service groups in the Spring Branch area. I met Bob King at MAM through that connection, and now we have another very worthy avenue for connecting donors to needs!

I have men’s and women’s t-shirts available for purchase. They are white on black (like the logo at the top of this page. They are $20, and of course, the proceeds go to help purchase parts to keep us going! From my last workday summary, I have sat quietly and thought about what I thankful for. Among my blessings are the support and encouragement from each of you on this email blast. Whether a workhorse mechanic, or a simple email—you all help keep this effort moving forward—by your thoughts, prayers, and actions.

Thank you for a very successful workday, and a year of helping spread freedom and hope one bike at a time.

Pay it Forward and—Merry Christmas!
David

Workday Summary 17OCT10

The preparation for the work day started weeks ago. Clark Martinson picked up over 25 bikes from our partner bike store—Bicycle World & Fitness. I had a chance to chat briefly with the owner, Chris, at the Du the Bear Duathlon last weekend. (yes I did it—and actually renewed my passion for riding!) Our connection with the store continues to grow, and I am excited about where it will go in the future.

The day started by pulling out all of the existing inventory our of the Jerusalem Room—our new home at Memorial Drive Christian Church (MDCC). Milt Alberstadt (architect, handyman, neighbor, and great friend) did his magic in reorganizing the room, and hanging pegboard along one wall. There were over 25 bikes in various stages of disrepair ready for the 15 volunteers that came out. We had children washing bikes, youth learning basic repairs, and adults doing some of the dirtier jobs. We had some bikes dropped off in the afternoon, along with collecting $70 in donations.

Mercedes Parrish from Westside Homeless Partnership brought out two client families, and we supplied basic transportation to them— one bike going to the daughter of a client who is studying architecture at the University of Houston. A family adopted by Larry and Susan Pain (MDCC members), received three bikes. At the end of the day, we refurbished 16 bikes, stripped three, and are left with over 12 in inventory awaiting repair.

The day was a great success—with everyone finding a way to help make the reconnection of these unwanted bikes. I am continually energized by hearing new ideas of ways to connect to the community, and people’s interest in supporting this project. Of course, there are the bikes, but also things like graphic design (thanks to Mike Scott for our first release of our website last Friday), food (ChristCare group), and connecting with the community (Dan Monson). We could not do this without the handy work of Clark Martinson and Jeff Stones—the workhorse mechanics. I am thankful to all that helped prepare for the work day, and for those that came out to help in the repairs and room prep.

As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, I would like for you to think about the things you are thankful for, the blessings that God has given you, and how you can keep building momentum for this project. We have more exciting connections to the community in store for the end of the year, as well as a big push post Christmas.

Pay it Forward,

David