John Oakly
Joseph “Cowboy” Benson
Sonya P. Urquhart
My name is John Oakley, I arrived in Houston from Indiana approximately two months ago. I came here to relocate and to start a new life. Upon arriving here, I had very little money and didn't have a place to stay, so I had to turn to the social services here that were available to the homeless and those in need.
I started staying at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Mission and was directed to SEARCH. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I started using their laundry and phone services, trying to maintain my physical appearance while looking for a job. I also started asking questions about what the programs here consisted of. I wanted to see if these programs could get me back into the job field. That is when I met a case manager who has been one blessing in my life. She convinced me to enter SEARCH's Job Training program.Since enrolling, meeting, and talking to several other employees on the staff, my attitude really changed. I realized that the people here really do care about me and what they can do to help me become self-sufficient.
My given name is Joseph, but my friends call me Cowboy. I am 54 years old. I am a father, a grandfather, and I survived two tours of duty in Vietnam without a scratch. I have a degree in business. I used to be a licensed chef and worked until 1991, when I lost both of my legs in a car crash that I should not have survived. After that crash, I lost everything. I used drugs to help me escape the horrors of my life. I have been drug free now for 6 ½ years. God kept me here for a reason!
I am sure that when most people drove past me living under the Pierce Elevated, they considered me a throwaway human being…a black man, addicted to drugs, sitting in a wheelchair. I saw the looks of pity on their faces. To be quite honest, most people just looked away. Everyone had given up on me, including myself. I had too many strikes against me. Then I met the crew of SEARCH’s Mobile Outreach program. They got me into a drug detox program immediately and in time, were able to convince me to come in from the cold and use the services that SEARCH offered. Though I went through many hard times, they would not let me give up.
What they didn’t realize at SEARCH was that they would be stuck with me forever. I love my job at SEARCH. I hope my story will inspire you to help others. And finally, I hope you take the time to volunteer or schedule for a tour, because it will be my voice you hear when you call.
My name is Sonya P. Urquhart, my daughter Kejuana Nichols is a daycare student at the House of Tiny Treasures. The first time that I heard about the House of Tiny Treasures was during a very rough time in my life. My daughter and I were homeless and residing at the Star of Hope Shelter.
I wanted to seek employment and my daughter needed daycare services. I was blessed with an appointment, and I went out to visit the daycare. I fell in love with it at first sight. My daughter has been attending the House of Tiny Treasures since then.
Because I had the relief of knowing that my child was in great hands, I was able to find a great fulfilling job and peace of mind. My daughter is growing physically and mentally. The House of Tiny Treasures also makes sure that your child is being taken care of: shot records, check ups and hearing test.
This past Christmas was one of the best that I've ever had. All of my children were given great gifts as was myself.
The next thing that I have been blessed with is housing, which through SEARCH, and the diligent efforts of my case manager, I will be moving to more suitable housing.
There are many great people at the House of Tiny Treasures. They have all been positive and have made a great impact on mine and my children's lives.
The people at the House of Tiny Treasures are more than just teachers and case managers. They are family.
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