About Community Seeds
Planting Hope Since 2009
Community Seeds began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a community where there are no needy people among us. Founded in 2009 by Bertram Cooper, what started as a humble food pantry has grown into a comprehensive resource center serving families throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Located in the historic former Lone Oak High School building at 602 College Street, our 8-acre campus represents more than just a facility — it's a place where lives are transformed, dreams are cultivated, and communities are strengthened.
Our Mission
To operate as a clearing house for area churches, serving the economically disadvantaged and underserved people of our area with emergency assistance and programs to empower and encourage them to become self-sufficient.
We believe in providing more than temporary relief. Our approach focuses on giving a "hand up, not a hand out," equipping individuals and families with the tools, skills, and support they need to break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting stability.
Our Vision
A community where every person has the opportunity to live a stable, secure, and prosperous life. We envision neighborhoods where families thrive, where children have access to education and opportunities, and where no one faces life's challenges alone.
Our Values
- Faith-Based Service: As a 501(c)(3) faith-based organization, we are guided by the principle that grace is important, but only when coupled with accountability. We serve all people regardless of their faith background.
- Empowerment Over Dependency: We teach resourcefulness alongside providing resources. Our programs are designed to build capacity and create pathways to self-sufficiency.
- Community Collaboration: We operate as a clearinghouse, connecting churches, organizations, and individuals to maximize our collective impact.
- Dignity and Respect: Every person who walks through our doors is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
- Holistic Support: We address the multiple factors that affect families in poverty, recognizing that sustainable change requires comprehensive support.
What We Do
Emergency Assistance
- Utility and rent assistance
- Food assistance and pantry services
- Clothing and basic necessities
- Limited emergency financial aid
Educational Programs
- Adult GED testing preparation
- Computer science training
- Financial planning and literacy
- Job training and certification programs
- Welding certification
Community Services
- Transitional housing program ("At Home Ranch" for senior women)
- Community garden
- Sacred Grounds coffee shop
- Incubator kitchen for aspiring entrepreneurs
Life Skills Development
- Cooking and nutrition classes
- Gardening and sustainability training
- Personal development workshops
- Financial counseling
Our Facility
Our 8-acre campus includes:
- Main Building: 20 classrooms, full commercial kitchen, computer lab, and food/clothing distribution center
- Gymnasium: Fully equipped with restrooms and kitchen facilities
- Maintenance Facility: Over 5,000 square feet of workshop and storage space
- Transitional Housing: Safe, affordable housing options
- Community Garden: Teaching sustainable living practices
- Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop: Community gathering space and job training site
- Incubator Kitchen: Commercial-grade kitchen for food entrepreneurs
Emergency Preparedness
Community Seeds also serves as a designated emergency disaster shelter for Hunt and Rains County. Our facility can accommodate evacuees and their animals, with 4 acres of open land available for emergency housing needs.
Our Impact
- Served thousands of families across Hunt and Rains County
- Connected with over 100 local churches and organizations
- Mobilized more than 100 dedicated volunteers annually
- Provided emergency assistance during countless crises
- Helped individuals achieve self-sufficiency through job training and education
- Created pathways to entrepreneurship through our incubator kitchen
Leadership
Bertram and Mary Cooper, Founders and Directors. With a heart for service and a vision for community transformation, the Coopers founded Community Seeds with the belief that by combining community resources, we can help people get back on their feet and build strong root systems that withstand life's storms.
The Need We Address
According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data:
- 14% of our county's population lives below the poverty line
- More than 17% of children under 18 live in poverty
- Many working families struggle to make ends meet despite employment
These statistics represent real families, real children, and real struggles in our community. Community Seeds exists to address these needs with practical solutions and compassionate support.
Our Approach: Seeds of Change
Like seeds that grow into mighty trees, we believe small investments in people can yield tremendous results. Our comprehensive approach addresses immediate needs while building long-term capacity:
- Meet Immediate Needs: Emergency assistance to address crisis situations
- Assess and Plan: Work with individuals to identify barriers and create action plans
- Provide Training: Offer education and skill-building opportunities
- Support Progress: Ongoing encouragement and accountability
- Celebrate Success: Recognize achievements and milestones
- Give Back: Encourage participants to become community contributors
Community Partnership
Community Seeds operates on the principle that we are stronger together. We serve as a hub that connects resources, organizations, and people. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers, we maximize our impact and ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow and serve, Community Seeds remains committed to our founding vision. We're constantly expanding our programs, strengthening our partnerships, and seeking new ways to plant seeds of hope throughout our community.
Whether through emergency assistance, job training, housing support, or entrepreneurial opportunities, every program we offer is designed with one goal in mind: empowering individuals and families to write their own success stories.
"We will not only provide resources for people, we will teach them how to be resourceful. We are not interested in creating a culture of people dependent on programs."
— Bertram Cooper, Founder
Ready to learn more or get involved?
Call us at (903) 634-5673 or email
info@cseeds.org
.
Visit us at 103 Katy St., Lone Oak, TX 75453.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 335, Point, TX 75472