Second Mile Mission Center — Local services in Missouri City

I encountered two of the worst community volunteers with Second Mile today. I have been going to Second Mile for over a year to obtain food for my client and had no issues when I coordinated w Cathy. Recently they have added new volunteers who have been very difficult to coordinate with. They do not communicate with one another when I have emailed the coordinator for appointments, and then they asked me to contact their food service line to which I did and when I showed up they could not locate my appointment. I have remained patient with their staff, however today when I came in to provide a consent form to continue to pick up food for my client after submitting the form, and an accommodation was made for me to receive food without an appointment (even though an appointment form was filled out at the facility), I received a call from their volunteer Brenda, who questioned why I didn’t have an appointment and why I am not “following instructions.” Brenda was and has been continued to be condescending during my interactions with her and lacks communication skills amongst her peers, subsequently adding to an uncomfortable feeling when I am coming in to receive food to deliver to my client. I was informed initially to contact Becky, another volunteer who generally does not respond to emails where I have provided pertinent information about the clients I am providing assistance to. Today Brenda proceeded to accuse me of hanging up on her, when the phone disconnected and I called her back as well as left a voice message. I received another call from their executive director, Sarah and upon answering she proceeded to float her title and tell me that I can no longer pick up food for my client, as I was asking for clarity on where the issue lies, Sara spoke to me in a derogatory and hostile tone, as where I did not understand why I was unable to pick up food when I have adhered to the multiple changes with how they wanted food pick ups to occur even though volunteers Brenda and Becky have provided contrasting information on the organizations updated protocols. I returned to Second Mile and requested to speak with Sarah, whom had also invited Brenda where they both attempted to interrogate me about today’s visit where I received food without an appointment. As I was trying to explain, Sarah began speaking over me as she had done when she called me initially and I had to respectfully redirect the conversation and address her inappropriate and aggressive behavior towards me. I do believe Brenda intentionally miscommunicated what happened even though she was not present during my initial visit at Second Mile to account for anything and she made an assumption in regard to the dropped call. Sarah continued to talk over me and demanded to speak with my supervisor as if I had done something wrong. The conversation did not appear to be conducive to addressing barriers to assist my client so I thanked them both for their time and proceeded to leave. Brenda appeared to be fine with the way the executive director, Sarah aggressively spoke to me. As I was leaving, Sarah continued to follow me down the hall, talking very loudly about how I am not welcomed there, and proceeded to follow me outside to scold me even more. I had to let Sarah know that her demeanor and tone was uncalled for, and it is not only disrespectful, but it is unprofessional to communicate with anyone in that way. I explained that before having to coordinate with Brenda and Becky, I never had any issues with completing check ins and receiving food and that I would be reporting her to Second Mile’s board of directors for misrepresenting the organization and jeopardizing the agency with her lack or professionalism. I work with mental health clients and both children and adults and I have never experienced the level of aggression Sarah imposed on me. I am sharing my experience because I do not want another case worker or client to be subjective to this type of behavior.. it is unacceptable. I would like an apology from both Sarah and Brenda for...

This place is such a blessing to the community, and every time I come here, I’m reminded how much they truly care about helping people. Whether you’re picking up food, shopping for affordable items, or taking part in one of their programs, you can feel the kindness and compassion from the staff and volunteers the moment you walk in.

During the weekdays, you can pick up food inside the food pantry. It’s always well-organized and runs smoothly, even when it gets busy. The volunteers are friendly, patient, and respectful, they make you feel comfortable and never judged. The pantry is clean and stocked with a great variety of items: fresh produce, meats, canned goods, and sometimes even extra goodies like desserts or household essentials. They really do their best to make sure everyone gets something useful.

On the weekends, food pick-up happens in the back area. It’s just as organized as during the week, and the line moves quickly. The volunteers work so hard to make sure everyone is taken care of. You can tell they put a lot of heart into what they do.

Another thing I love about Second Mile is the Opportunity Shop. They always have the best deals! You can find clothes, shoes, home décor, small furniture, kitchen items, and more — all in great condition and at super affordable prices. Everything is clean, neatly displayed, and easy to browse. I always end up finding something good when I go in.

But what really makes Second Mile special is that it’s not just about food and shopping, it’s about growth and empowerment. They also offer classes to help people learn English and Spanish, as well as workshops on how to manage money and improve financial habits. It’s amazing that they give people the tools to build better futures, not just meet their needs for the moment. You can tell this organization truly cares about helping the whole person, not just handing out food.

The overall atmosphere is always positive and uplifting. Everyone from the staff to the volunteers treats you with respect and genuine kindness. They greet you with smiles and take the time to listen if you need help or have questions.

Overall, Second Mile in Missouri City is an incredible resource for the community. Between the organized food pantry, weekend distributions, the affordable Opportunity Shop, and the educational classes, this place goes above and beyond to serve with heart. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend visiting whether you’re looking for support, want to volunteer, or just want to shop for a great deal, you’ll leave feeling grateful...

They will help you get food you just have to suffer a little mishandling and discrimination to get it. I've gone here several times and could no longer take how rude and possibly racially biased one of the employees behind the counter is. She doesn't like people coming for help who are not of a hispanic background. I watched her on several occasions make black help seekers move aside who were already there and push her hispanic counter parts/ associates to the front of the line(she is hispanic with long black hair she usually sits to the right of the woman who appears to be caucasion and older). I watched her (short hispanic woman with long black hair) assist hispanic people with care and concern and African american/ black people with indifference and annoyance. I no longer go here for help as I would rather not deal with that type of treatment. I did report the issue nothing of course was done. They said she was following procedures. It seems she has to follow the procedures for other ethnicities but she doesn't have to follow them for her friends family and those who share her ethnicity. Special treatment? Why the difference in treatment? I don't know if she is a racist or separatist but I get overwhelming anxiety at just the thought of...