The Helping Hand of Hope was founded in 2005 by Mr. Gregg B. Torres and family. Purpose: In thanksgiving for the many blessings received and to give back to society and the community, and for the rehabilitation of wayward youth in need of guidance and rehabilitation.
*The main emphasis of the organization is for the rehabilitation of youngsters who fall in the hands of the law for minor infractions that do not require incarceration.
*For helping the elderly who need their lawns mowed or roof patched and other minor needs.
*For the homeless and hungry under the bridge.
*For alleviating the poor in funds, poor in health, and especially poor in spiritual graces.
*Reason for the organizing the Corporation: Mr. Torres said that being a sinner in his thoughts in what he does and in what he failed to do, he decided to do something positive for others and push and pull them to the gates of the Lord's kingdom, no matter their religion.
*He added, "In a nutshell, the organization and the exemplary helping hands from adults chosen from the different local churches to help the youngsters develop their minor skills in carpentry, mowing the lawn of simply helping the refurbishing the athletic parks in the community."
*Location: The 3 1/2 acres at 145, 151 and 157 Greenlawn Drive. But now Mr. Torres FOUND THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY for HH of H. just as we read in Exodus 33:3. After having taken long walks, I took a 5 1/2 jog along the dry rivers of the hill Country, praying, dreaming, planning and swimming. I found a beautiful two-acre area on the south side of the Nueces River and approximately 7.5 acres, just as beautiful, on the north side of the river that caught my attention as an ideal place for organization.
I investigated and talked to the owner and explained to him my dream of establishing a camp for the rehabilitation and use of youngsters who fall in the hands of the law for minor offenses, such as graffiti, fighting, and the minor infraction not requiring jail time. I further explained to him that I have worked successfully with such children for eight years until we lost the place where we used to work. He offered me a great price, and I will make monthly payments. I will put up all I have financially and will build a retreat center on the land, especially for the youngsters.
While all the rivers in the area are drying up, this place has a crystal-clear blue hole, and lots of water 15 feet deep with a beach-type side of sandy gravel gradually sloping on the other side of the river where the youngsters could swim and dive from the cliff. I barbecued on the grounds while a few children I hand taken, canoed, hiked, swam, and played soft ball fr just talked, sang and prayed.
The good Lord has been super good to us. Other acreage in the area is not as pretty and sells for $150,000 an acre. He let me have "our" property-to-be for approximately $80,000 at $700 a month, so that we can start building a sort of mini retreat center where we can push and pull other closer to the gates of God's Kingdom, no matter their religion. Together we are strong!
MEMORIES OF THE HUMBLE PAST OF THE HELPING HAND OF HOPE
Our organization started off with humble beginnings. We helped dysfunctional families who for various reasons such as poverty, illness or age, were having difficulties in life.