Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries will formally introduce its Tomball Benevolence Network initiative—a program that connects residents in need to resources and services available throughout the Greater Tomball area—during an inaugural fundraising and awareness event April 14.

TEAM, a nonprofit organization, provides food, clothing and financial aid to residents in need in the Greater Tomball area. According to 2016 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.1 percent of people in the city of Tomball earned income below the poverty level in the 12 months prior.

“TEAM’s goal is to move beyond a ‘hand out’ relief ministry to a ‘hand up’ restorative developmental ministry to our neighbors,” TEAM officials said in a statement. “To do that, however, we need the help of many of our neighbors who can provide help well beyond ‘emergency assistance’ that has been TEAM’s hallmark since its founding in 1985.”

TEAM is looking to partner with businesses, schools, churches and individuals who can supply resources and services to residents in need, according to a statement. These partnerships will create a network of assistance options for TEAM’s clients.

According to a statement, resources are provided to individuals vetted by TEAM caseworkers. To grow the TBN, TEAM is looking for community partners who can supply services, such as repairs, tutoring, lawn maintenance and workforce development, for low-income, elderly, disabled or other individuals eligible for community assistance. Financial donations are also needed to grow TEAM’s service ability.

Community partners interested in joining the TBN can contact TBN Community Liason Karen Guiles at
[email protected], visit www.teamtomball.com, or attend TEAM’s ticketed event on April 14.

April 14

'In the heart of Tomball'
The event includes games, live and silent auctions, dinner and presentations about TEAM's work and the TBN. 5:30-9 p.m. $100. Rosehill Collection, 20015 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-6700. www.teamtomball.com/tickets