THE BUCKINGHAM HONORS STAR OF HOPE VOLUNTEER

Jim Feaster has devoted seven years of his retirement to serving Houston’s homeless population with Star of Hope. Because of his dedicated volunteerism, The Buckingham senior living community is recognizing Jim Feaster as the third recipient of The Buckingham 2011 Salute to Seniors Award. Marilyn Fountain, director of community relations for Star of Hope, nominated Feaster for the honor.

“Jim and his wife Marge have assisted with many special projects over the years,” said Fountain. “They are exceptional people who love our mission and continue reaching out to the homeless in very special ways. We are so honored to have them as volunteers!”

The Buckingham Salute to Seniors Award is presented quarterly to honor an individual who is making a difference in their community. Qualified nominees are active adults age 62 and above who volunteer their time and talents to their communities, and who also exemplify leadership, spirit, and citizenship.

“Mr. Feaster has really poured his heart into serving Star of Hope,” said Cathy Lightfoot, director of sales and marketing at The Buckingham. “He helps the organization in so many different capacities, and we are so happy to honor him for all he does to serve our community through this wonderful organization.”

After moving from New York State to Houston in 1995, Feaster decided to find an organization to volunteer with and came upon Star of Hope. He started by bringing a group from Friendswood Community Church to assist with lunch once a month. As volunteers from the church trickled off, Feaster recruited friends and family members to help with the monthly schedule.

“I’ve always had a heart for serving those in need,” said Feaster. “The people Star of Hope serves all need an opportunity to get back on their feet. That’s why I’m here. I want to see them become productive members of our society and give them a chance to get their lives turned around.”

After starting in the kitchen, Feaster learned that Star of Hope was looking for someone to help in the eye clinic. After some training, Feaster began helping in the eye clinic one morning each week fitting and dispensing eyeglasses to patients after the doctor completes exams.

In addition to his kitchen and optician duties, Feaster and his wife Marge, both retired teachers, began teaching GED students one morning each week. Jim teaches science and then Marge follows with history and some English. They have also taken on the role of volunteer hosts, where they have been specially trained to meet and greet other volunteers and give tours.

Feaster, 70, retired from teaching after 32 years and then as a purchasing manager for another 10 years. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their two children and four grandchildren.

Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse. For more information visit www.sohmission.org.

ABOUT THE BUCKINGHAM

The Buckingham is Houston’s premier life care senior living community located in the Memorial neighborhood. Situated on a 17-acre site along Buffalo Bayou at 8580 Woodway Drive, The Buckingham offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site at The Plaza at The Buckingham. The community features 205 independent living residences; 43 private assisted living apartments; 16 private memory support apartments; and 60 private skilled nursing suites.

The Buckingham is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit senior living community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, The Stayton at Museum Way under construction in Fort Worth, and Mirador in Corpus Christi. For information visit www.buckinghamhouston.com, or call (832) 426-1372.

Ashley Wessel
Forte Public Relations
12700 Park Central Drive
Suite 1250
Dallas, TX 75251
214-890-7912 ext. 27
awessel@fortepr.com

This release was published on openPR.