Helping Hearts Houston

What began as a simple idea shared between two Houston mothers and their daughters has grown into an organization of more than 100 young volunteers, ranging from seventh to ninth grade, and it is growing.

Mothers and longtime friends Melissa Goodman and Katherine Plumb, along with their daughters, Logan Goodman, 14, and Mary Plumb, 14, began talking in early 2023 about how to create more opportunities for young girls to serve the community. Other similar organizations existed, but they wanted to create more opportunities. 

The moms and daughters knew each other back when the girls were in kindergarten at West University Elementary School. “Who would have known we would become such great friends and start this together,” said Katherine. The girls are now in eighth grade at Annunciation Orthodox School. 

They sprang into action with a vision and motivation. The concept was simple: bring middle school girls and their mothers together to volunteer throughout the city. They created a small group at first and called it Helping Hearts Houston.

Word spread. 

COMMUNITY OF KINDNESS Helping Hearts Houston offers a rewarding and flexible way to serve the Houston community while building friendships. Mother-daughter duos Melissa and Logan Goodman and Mary and Katherine Plumb (pictured, from left), founded Helping Hearts Houston in August 2024 after recognizing a need for more opportunities to serve the community together.

Helping Hearts now represents girls from eight public and private schools across Houston. Membership has grown far beyond what anyone expected. In its first year, Helping Hearts welcomed 30 members. In the second year, nearly 100 girls and their mothers got involved.

“We were shocked at how quickly it grew and how many families wanted to join with the intention of purely serving the community,” Melissa said. “There was clearly a need for something like this.”

The organization does not charge dues and there are no required meetings. Most importantly, it aims to support and focus on serving those in need. 

“All moms are already balancing so much. Families, activities, careers. We knew we did not want this to feel like another obligation,” Katherine said. “Members can participate as much or as little as works for them. There’s no pressure and no guilt.”

There is only one expectation. Each member agrees to host one volunteer event per year. With around 100 members, that single requirement creates multiple volunteer opportunities every weekend of the school year. Girls and mothers choose which projects to attend, allowing them to get involved in causes across Houston.

Membership for girls can start in seventh grade, with an age cap at ninth, and they do not limit the number of members. Group leaders will hold information sessions starting this spring (contact [email protected] for more or see their Instagram page at @HelpingHeartsHouston). 

A Mother’s Day flower-arranging class.

Each week, Helping Hearts volunteers travel throughout the city to assist organizations such as Bo’s Place, Kids’ Meals, Lily’s Toy Box, Morningstar Senior Living, Hermann Park Conservancy, AniMeals on Wheels, Casa Mateo, Houston Food Bank, Sandal Gap Studio, and more.

Organizations have started to take notice and often contact Helping Hearts directly when in need of volunteers.

“It has been really rewarding to spend my time giving back to others,” said Logan Goodman. “Each organization is different, and I always leave feeling proud of the small difference I am making in the lives of others.”

Although service is the foundation of Helping Hearts, the group also prioritizes connection and friendship. Annual social gatherings include a summer swim party and a Mother’s Day floral arrangement event where girls and mothers make bouquets and enjoy time together.

The connections made are a bonus for the girls. “My favorite part of helping hearts has been all the relationships Logan and I have been able to form,” said Melissa. “We run into people all over the city that we know from Helping Hearts. Logan is applying to high schools right now and feels like she will know so many familiar faces, no matter where she chooses to go next, because of the friends she’s made volunteering in this organization.”

“Each event is so fun. Different members sign up for each activity, so it is always a new mix of girls. I have made so many new friends from all over Houston,” said Mary Plumb. “It is special to have this time with my mom. I have also been able to figure out the organizations that I love supporting.”

One creative project, known as Heart Cards, became a favorite effort on its first go and they plan to do it again. The girls painted more than 200 small canvases featuring colorful hearts and handwritten inspirational messages. The cards are placed in baskets at support centers, community offices, and organizations throughout Houston, free to anyone who needs encouragement or support.

Shopping for holiday gifts for children to support BEAR - Be A Resource for CPS Kids.

“Each piece of art is amazing. It is impossible to pick a favorite,” Logan said.

“I hope anyone who has one can look at it on a hard day and feel encouraged to smile,” Mary said.

Another relationship that has flourished is with MorningStar Senior Living. The girls made a one-time visit where they helped with crafts and bingo. The event quickly became a monthly volunteer shift. The girls now know residents by name and the residents prepare stories and jokes to share with the girls. 

“The girls have grown so much building relationships with the residents,” Katherine said. “Both our girls and the residents look forward to each visit.”

Volunteers also serve at Sandal Gap Studio, an organization dedicated to closing the gap between society and individuals with disabilities. Their efforts have left a lasting impact. While on site, the girls received an impromptu art lesson from renowned artist Sevy Marie Eicher from the Down Syndrome community. 

Helping Hearts does not restrict which organizations members can serve, so girls are encouraged to follow their interests. Leaders say it has been meaningful to watch members discover what matters to them and build confidence in their ability to make an impact.

“For the girls, Helping Hearts is more than community service. It is a source of fulfillment and joy,” Melissa said. “They are learning about the world, building confidence, and experiencing how powerful compassion can be.”

The momentum is not slowing down. Helping Hearts volunteers recorded more than 675 service hours within the first three months of the second membership year, and leaders expect that total to continue rising.

For many young girls, Helping Hearts has also become a way to form friendships outside of existing social circles. For parents, the work provides something equally meaningful: a front-row seat to their children’s show of compassion through service.

“It has been such a gift to share this with Mary,” Katherine said. “We get to watch our girls grow, but we also get to grow right alongside them.”

As Helping Hearts prepares for its second full year, the organization remains committed to its core purpose. Service without pressure. Connection without expectation. Kindness without limit.

“We talk often about the ripple effect,” Katherine said. “When you show kindness to someone, they may go out and show kindness to someone else. That matters. Kindness is contagious.”

Editor’s note: Membership is open to girls beginning in seventh grade. Information sessions for interested families will begin this spring. For more details, contact [email protected] or follow the group on Instagram at @HelpingHeartsHouston.