Someone please steal this idea and replicate it in your community! It is just the best idea EVER, providing free child care and quality parenting resources to single parents who so desperately need it! Our family has known Jenny Johnson, whose brainchild POD is, for well over a decade and we have been blessed by her relentless pursuit of Jesus and His word and her enthusiasm in sharing the gospel with kids.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Matthew 19:14.
I first became aware of Project One Day, aka POD, when a good friend, Ann Petty, told me about this Christian ministry that had recently received a grant from Project Flourish to single moms and their children. The founder and Executive Director, Jenny Johnson, had the idea of a model that was so unique as it offered free early child care (6 weeks to 3 years) in a Christ centered setting in exchange for the Mom's to work one day a week. This was in June of 2021 and POD was getting prepared to open in September and was looking for volunteers to assist with some ideas to help the outside of the home be fun and child friendly. Since those early days of visiting POD I have seen the impact it has on young babies, toddlers, as well as their Moms. The mission of POD is simple yet profound; to bring the love and safety of Jesus Christ to infants and toddlers of economically at-risk families. This is a game changer not only for the children but also for the mothers!
In September of 2024 we will be moving into a new space at Sharpstown Baptist church in southwest Houston where we can expand our reach to more single mom's and their young children. Project One Day has seen the Lord's hand on this ministry as He has provided every step of the way to bring vision and donors who have caught the spirit of what this ministry is all about.
Evelyn Smith
Board Member since September 2023
I have had the privilege to serve on the Project One Day board since the beginning in 2019. It has been a blessing to see God provide time and again. What started off as a vision has been a reality for 3 years. God has been so faithful to allow us to come alongside single parents of young children and help support them on their journey. As a pediatrician, it warms my heart to see these little ones getting loving care in a Christ centered environment. There is so much to gain by investing in the lives of infants and toddlers and their families. I welcome anyone to learn more to contact me at wendy.badgwell@podhouston.org
I have been associated with Project One Day (POD) from the beginning! I was the navigator to POD while it was asking for funds from Project Flourish at First Presbyterian Church. It has been a blessed challenge to see the Lord's blessings as this project has developed and now is getting ready to grow from a house to a Center in Sharpstown. He has provided donors and support all the way!!! Thanks God.