HOUSTON — When leaving violent situations at home, milestones like birthdays are often put on the back burner.
“In the midst of not having a home, feeling like you’re not important, becomes normal,” said Tammie Nielsen, communications director for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters shelter.
The shelter in Pasadena is for those experiencing violence. Nielsen said the shelter takes care of necessities, but organizations like The Birthday Joy Program take care of life’s milestones for residents, some of whom stay for several months.
“There are not a lot of programs dedicated to celebrating a kid on their birthday,” said executive director Kim Jackson.
Birthday Joy does it all. Decorations, games, food, and presents are all set up in the shelter’s cafeteria once a month.
Jackson said everything is donated or sponsored, and every resident is invited to attend.
Kids celebrating a birthday that month receive gifts from their wish list, and even personalized items, like a pillowcase with their name embroidered on it.
“It gives them a sense of home, no matter where they go,” Nielsen said.
While adults at the shelter worry about finding birth certificates, shot records, and figuring out their next steps, Nielsen said they appreciate the program stepping in to help.
“Having someone in the community come in and help your kid celebrate their birthday – that’s a load lifted off their shoulders.”
The Birthday Joy Program also provides a “Birthday Fixin’s” bag, which is a party in a bag that is given to low-income families.
The program also prepares and hands out Joy Bags to children on their birthdays at several area school schools.