Advocating for Our Neighbors on Capitol Hill

This past Wednesday was a full and meaningful day in Washington, D.C. as Mother Suzanne and Ed Carrette joined leaders from across Texas and the USA, alongside the Episcopal Health Foundation and Bread for the World, to bring the stories of Alvin-area families directly to our elected officials.

We met with the offices of Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, visited with Liam Regan, Legislative Assistant to Congressman Randy Weber, and delivered advocacy materials to Representative Troy Nehls. Our message was simple: hunger is not a political issue—it is a human issue.

Drawing from our experience at Grace Episcopal Church and through our partnership with the Houston Food Bank, we shared what we see every week: families struggling to keep food on the table, seniors forced to choose between groceries and medications, and local food banks working tirelessly to meet growing needs.

We urged Congress to:

• Protect and strengthen SNAP and WIC programs

• Prevent cost shifts that could burden states and reduce food assistance

• Restore the collection of critical food insecurity data used to guide policy

• Support proven global nutrition and health programs that save lives and promote stability

The reality is that charitable organizations, churches, and food banks cannot replace the impact of federal nutrition programs. We can help, and we do help, but ending hunger requires all of us working together.

We are grateful for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the families, seniors, and children we serve every week in Alvin and Northern Brazoria County. Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue this important work.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” — Matthew 25:35

The Vickie Arendell Ennis House

An Honor Befitting a Lifetime of Service

Grace is proud to celebrate one of our own, Vicki Arendell Ennis, whose lifelong commitment to serving others has been recognized with the naming of the new Women’s Center of Brazoria County shelter in her honor. As Executive Director for nearly 30 years, she dedicated herself to helping countless women and families find safety, hope, and a path forward.

A faithful member of Grace for many years, Vicki has shared her gifts as organist, Vestry member, Grace Guild leader, Verna Browning Committee member, loyal Pumpkin Patch volunteer, Fish Fry volunteer, and faithful money counter. Throughout her years at Grace, she generously shared her wisdom, experience, and unwavering spirit, offering guidance and support to countless individuals both within our parish family and throughout the wider community.

Beyond Grace, Vicki served as a founding board member of the CHN Network, where a magnolia tree has been dedicated in her honor, participated on law enforcement hiring panels, was recognized as a Martin Luther King, Jr. award recipient and Soroptimist Woman of the Year, and received numerous other honors reflecting her extraordinary commitment to serving Brazoria County.

While the shelter now bears her name, her true legacy can be found in the lives she touched through her faith, leadership, unwavering spirit, and dedication to others. She raised three of her five children at Grace, and her daughter Anna—her favorite child, according to at least one source—remains an active member of our parish family today.

We invite you to read the accompanying article and join us in celebrating a life of service that has made our church, our community, and countless individual lives better.