Grant in Action: Northwest Assistance Ministries

Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of individuals, some names in this article may have been changed.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 14, 2025) – St. Luke's Health-The Vintage Hospital is proud to share a powerful testament to the transformative impact of its community partnerships, more specifically the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program, highlighting the story of Sarah, a woman who, through dedicated support from the Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) Behavioral Health program, has begun to reclaim her life after years of profound trauma.

Sarah's journey began with a childhood marked by significant challenges, including parental mental illness, an adoptive home that became a source of abuse, and a failed marriage that led to homelessness and the heartbreaking loss of her children. The cumulative effect of these experiences manifested as severe psychological distress, including psychotic episodes, hospitalizations, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When she arrived at NAM's Behavioral Health program, Sarah felt a profound sense of hopelessness, struggling to envision a different future.

It was through St. Luke's Health’s generous funding that NAM was able to provide Sarah with the consistent, specialized care she so desperately needed. This vital support allowed for a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to her healing.

"At St. Luke's Health, we believe in the power of community and the profound impact that targeted, compassionate care can have on individual lives," said Elizabeth Ortega, President of St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital. "Sarah's story is a vivid illustration of how our investment in programs like NAM's Behavioral Health initiative directly translates into hope, healing, and true transformation for individuals in our community."

NAM's therapy program provided Sarah with evidence-based interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to process deep-seated childhood trauma and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help her understand and regulate emotional responses. Crucially, the therapeutic relationship itself became a cornerstone of her recovery. Having experienced betrayal and abandonment from every caregiver in her life, learning to trust was a groundbreaking step. Her therapist served as a model for healthy relationships, providing consistent care and unwavering support.

While the changes were gradual, they were undeniably profound. Today, Sarah is not only enrolled in college part-time, demonstrating her belief in her own potential, but she has also secured part-time employment, building both financial stability and a renewed sense of self-worth. In a defining moment, she took a meaningful step toward independence and built a space she could truly call her own.

"Sarah's progress underscores the core mission of St. Luke's Health: to serve and care for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of the communities we touch," added Ortega. "Her story is not just about overcoming adversity; it's about the profound strength of the human spirit when met with the right support at the right time. Our collaboration with NAM ensures that individuals like Sarah have access to the resources they need to not just survive, but to truly thrive and build a future."

Sarah continues her commitment to healing, recognizing her own agency and learning to accept the help and support she deserves. Her journey exemplifies how St. Luke's Health's commitment to community health extends beyond traditional medical care, directly contributing to the restoration of lives and the building of a healthier, more resilient community.

About St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital

St. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital is nationally-recognized for providing high-quality, compassionate care to Northwest Houston communities including Willowbrook, Champions and Tomball. With the resources and expertise of the St. Luke’s Health system, St. Luke's-The Vintage offers the latest advancements in diagnostic and surgical services, including heart care, lung health and orthopedics. St. Luke’s Health is a member of CommonSpirit. Learn more at commonspirit.org/vintage.