Our History

    Helping Hands of Ennis is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by a group of concerned Christian men and women who saw a need to provide uniform, consistent, and consolidated help for the needy of Ennis, Texas.

    The mission statement of Helping Hands is "To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty, and welcome strangers as commanded by our Lord, Jesus Christ in Matthew 25: 34-36."

    Its policy aim - to provide temporary assistance in times of family or individual crisis; fills a gap between the time of crisis and qualification of federal assistance, or (best of all) giving the extra boost that makes such assistance unnecessary.

    Eighteen years ago when Helping Hands of Ennis first opened its doors, it was a one-room operation located in the old Optimist Pool Building on Crockett Street. Entirely dependent on volunteers, it soon became apparent that a full time director was necessary. Marie Dyess rose to the position in 1988. That same year, the agency moved to the Fellowship Hall of St. Tomas Episcopal Church, then located on Tyler Street. In 1990 Helping Hands became an affiliate of the United Way of Greater Ennis. This affiliation greatly increased the capacity of Helping Hands to provide service in Ennis.

    In 1992, Helping Hands of Ennis moved to the Park Street location where it served the citizens of Ennis for twelve years. In 2005, the agency relocated to 604 NE Main St. Current paid staff members are: Judi Hejny, Executive Director; Rose Cervantes, Director; Tisha Brown, Thrift Shop Manager; Pablo Barajas, maintenance; and Dee Dee Rageon and Paddy Shaw, thrift shop workers.

    Over the past nineteen years, Helping Hands of Ennis has grown from a one-person operation with limited services and resources to a large, complex organization with a fully equipped food pantry, information and referral service, financial assistance, school programs, and thrift shop.

    All of this has been made possible by the many volunteers and donors who support Helping Hands.

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