Katy, Texas (July 27, 2006) – CompassionKaty.org was launched during Katrina to serve as a portal for volunteers into the community.  Since that time, it has helped over 1,500 Katrina evacuees, facilitated by hundreds of volunteers.  “We are getting the word out in the community that we are a resource that can ‘make things happen’ and there are still daily needs that a person of influence and resources can meet,” says Diane Walker, Executive Director. “It is amazing to see people show up and find out about the many projects we are working on” she says.  To date, CompassionKaty.org, a ministry of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, has facilitated help for Katy Christian Ministries, Breath of Life Children’s Clinic, Katy Home Savers, the YMCA, Katy Independent School District, the Krause Center, Pregnancy Help Center, and many others.

The first annual Katy ServeFest was already in the planning phase when The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch was contacted by CityFest Houston.  They were planning community projects in schools and for children throughout the greater Houston area.  “It has just become a God thing,” says Jerry Edmonson, Lead Pastor of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch.  “Churches all serving together to bless the city of Katy.  That is what it is all about.”  So, Katy ServeFest joined forces with CityFest Houston and was launched 7/22, when over 30 community volunteers descended on Faith West Academy to paint an entire wing of the school campus.  According to Steve Nordlander, the construction organizer, the value of this ServeFest community project was is excess of $7,500 and meant 32 gallons of paint were used to apply a new look to the interior of the school.  “We even rebuilt a wall that was in need of repair,” he said.  The headmaster, Raul Hinojosa, walked through and saw all the work that had been completed and he was amazed by the community support.  To see a video montage of the work, log onto www.compassionkaty.org

The work is not over.  Phase II of the project starts Saturday, August 5^th at 8:00 am at Faith West Academy located at 2225 Porter Road in Katy.   Volunteers can  participate by registering at Compassionkaty.org  Area churches are partnering to provide campus wide assistance to help Faith West Academy get ready for school.  “We will be doing everything from carpentry, painting, and landscaping, to a food drive also benefiting Katy Christian Ministries,” says Diane Walker, Director of Compassion Katy.  “We chose Faith West Academy and they agreed to accept our support because so many community-active parents are so connected to the school,” says Diane.  The bigger picture is that CompassionKaty.org was chosen to be a supporter of CityFest Houston coming in October (www.cityfesthouston.com).  “We are so excited to play an active role in the community and are looking forward to serving our community with the help of local churches and volunteers that make good things happen for people in need,” says Diane.