Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Hidden Gem is at the forefront when it comes to making a positive difference in people's lives, whether they or loved ones were crime victims, recovering addicts, or those trying to get back on their feet after traumatic experiences.
Although the nonprofit has a prominent location at 115 S. Seventh St. in Gatesville – just across from the Coryell County Courthouse – it blends in with the surroundings and can be easy to miss.
Featherston is hoping to make more people aware of the services that are offered by Hidden Gem, and also make people more aware of the location.
"Our focus is families in crisis, whatever that may be," she said. "A lot of our clients come from victims’ services through the district attorney's office, but we offer several different services. We can help someone who lost a loved one and who is overwhelmed.
"One client is in her 50s and is going through a divorce. Her husband had taken care of the finances and everything, so we are helping her get insurance and many other things.
"We help people from all walks of life. A lot of what we offer is peer to peer support. Sometimes, people have gone through very difficult times and have overcome that, and can help others who are struggling, too. That can make a big impact on someone's life."
Classes are available to help people earn their GED, cope with relationship struggles and challenges, recover from addiction and its aftermath, and to help people secure housing.
"One of the biggest things that is new is that we have our first transitional housing client," Featherston said. "That is one of our biggest projects. We were able to help her find a job, take GED classes and participate in our ‘Let Your Chains Fall’ addicts program."
The client has made a commitment of at least six months to participate in Hidden Gem programs, and evaluate where to go from there.
"That's one of our biggest goals to get to a point where we can help people in need get housing," Featherston said.
A donor has made three houses in the Jonesboro area available to Hidden Gem for transitional housing. Although these houses need repairs, supporters of Hidden Gem are working to see if volunteers from the military might be able to provide assistance.
"We are in the beginning stages of that – it's very exciting," Featherston said
One other option that local residents will have through Hidden Gem are finance classes.
"We want to help people get on their feet," Featherston said. "The classes are open to anyone, but we are especially reaching out to young singles and hope to help them before they get into debt."
Featherston said Hidden Gem was able to help seven people get indigent health care, and works to connect people with the right resources.
Hidden Gem is funded through grants and donations, and frequently has fundraisers.
If you are interested in either the services Hidden Gem offers, or want to make a donation, call 254-206-3003 or visit hiddengemfamilycenter.com. More information is also available on the Hidden Gem Family Center Facebook page.
The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
There will be an open house at the facility at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.
