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2 odessa living magazine A At Revive Skin Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful skin. Our transformative skincare treatments can address a variety of concerns, including skin conditions like rosacea, melasma, acne scarring, active acne, dull skin, wrinkles, aging skin and pigmentation. We also provide preventative options to maintain skin health and slow down the aging process. We understand that each patient is unique, and that's why we take a personalized approach to skincare. 432.203.4764 | reviveskinclinictx.com 6954 East Highway 191 | Odessa | fi
3 hometown living at its best Robyn Crosswhite MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and is the founder and lead aesthetic provider at Revive Skin Clinic. Robyn believes that a thorough patient consultation, including patient goals and skin analysis, is crucial to providing excellent treatment options. Safety and education are always at the forefront of everything we do, and we continuously strive to learn the most up-todate treatments and safest techniques. Robyn's dedication to education is unparalleled. She is currently pursuing a postmaster dermatology NP certification to deepen her understanding of dermatological disease processes and other therapeutic modalities that can promote skin health. With her dual focus on medical dermatology knowledge and artistic eye, Robyn is uniquely positioned to provide the best possible care to her patients. Come visit us at Revive and let us help you achieve your skin goals! 5 STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS: “Absolutely incredible experience! Robyn and her team are beyond wonderful!” “Passionate about helping their patients.” “Very welcoming atmosphere!” “Very professional, helpful and full of knowledge!” Services: Aesthetics • Neuromadulators • Dermal Facial Fillers • Full Facial Balancing and Rejuvination • Advanced Skin Treatments Facials • Signature Facials • Skinwave Hydrofacial • Dermaplanning Laser Services complete skin rejuvenation that targets signs of aging. powerful acne treatment that eliminates the major factors causing acne helps patients with melasma and hyperpigmentation to achieve clearance with a safe, effective, and tolerable treatment. NeoSkin also effectively tightens and rejuvenates skin.
4 odessa living magazine Contents 10 PLATING UP A STELLAR REPUTATION Starting as a dreamer with a food truck, Chef Alejandro Barrientos has made a name for himself in the culinary arts including winning the 2023 season of Chopped. 18 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Trinity Oaks Permian Basin Banquet 20 SMALL BUT MIGHTY Twins, Rhett and Anderson Davis were born EXTRA small and mighty. This is their story. 30 MOTHER MOJO Liz Faught has cheered for the Panthers for decades and handsewn thousands of nameplates on their playoff jerseys. 38 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry 40 FROM HOPELESS TO HELD Birthright of Odessa is making a difference for expectant mothers through love, compassion, and practical resources for unplanned pregnancies. 50 SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE Check out some of Odessa’s camps and activities, make a summer bucket list, and create memories and meals with Kids in the Kitchen. 20 38 40 10 On the Cover
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6 odessa living magazine S Odessa Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ~ Colossians 2 : 6-7 SCHOOL IS OUT, THE SUN IS OUT, SUMMER IS HERE! I don’t claim to have a green thumb but do enjoy gardening and working in the yard. There are somany correlations tomy faith found in the dirt like being diligent in keeping the weeds (sin) at bay. Sometimes they look deceptively pretty but if left to grow can have huge roots and be hard to get rid of. I speak from personal experience of a beautiful weed that looked like a succulent. I thought, “it fills a space in the flowerbed, I’ll leave it.” When it grew too big and I tried to pull it, the root was two feet deep and almost impossible to pull without leaving some behind. You see the parallel to life’s constant struggle with sin? Just like plants that need the sun to grow, we need the Son to grow. Thankfully, no sin is too big, no root too deep. Jesus has defeated my sin and yours and I am so grateful for His undeserved gift of grace. As you read this issue, my hope is that you are uplifted by the people and organizations featured that are making Odessa a great place to live and encouraged to follow suit in improving your community. Enjoy reading about Chef Alejandro Barrientos who, stepping out in faith to share his culinary talents, recently won Chopped (pg 10), Liz Faught lovingly dubbed “Mother Mojo” who is using her time and talent to impact generations at Permian High (pg 30), Birthright of Odessa who is serving expectant mothers with support and resources showing Christ’s love in practical ways when they need it most (pg 40), and other Odessians that fill these pages. Praying your summer has more flowers than weeds, Lindsey WRITERS Avery Pullin Susan Turner Haley Ragsdale Jamye Clough Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations content@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Hey Odessa! Katie Audas Sales Account Executive katie@hometownmedia.group PHOTOGRAPHERS The MOR Collective Angela Gonzales Photography ON THE COVER Photo by The MOR Collective
Your Plan. Our Promise. Our students’ plans? Pursue their passion. Graduate debt-free. Land their dream job. Our promise? Make it happen. www.utpb.edu As the academic heart of this thriving region, we deliver smart, savvy leaders into communities across the U.S. every year. With over 50 degree and certificate programs available, a diploma from UT Permian Basin, part of the world-renowned University of Texas System, is recognized by employers in every industry. Students who want to have a successful future know that UTPB is the best option – an affordable, modern school that thinks large and lives local. 7 hometown living at its best
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11 hometown living at its best Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos provided by BARRIENTOS FAMILY Plating up a Stellar REPUTATION Starting as a dreamer with a food truck, Chef Alejandro Barrientos has made a name for himself in the culinary arts including winning the 2023 season of Chopped.
12 odessa living magazine Growing up inOdessa, Alejandro Barrientos developed a passion for cooking through barbeque. To him it was a natural connection for guys to stand around a flame and enjoy time together. His passion morphed into a dream. Chef Barrientos was classically French-trained at Odessa College, then became sous chef at Midland Country Club. One day fate stepped in when his brother discovered a food truck for sale. He called Alejandro to come buy it, and the dream became a reality. InNovember 2014he andhis wife Stephanie opened their food truck, Curb Side Bistro. At the time the food truck industry was new to the area with less than five trucks. In fact, the city did not even have food truck permits available, and operating food trucks had to get health department permits. “It wasn’t glorified,” Barrientos said. “This was not a side hustle for me. I am a chef. This is what I do.” On their first day Curb Side Bistro sold out. Some early days were tough though, and at times they only sold a mere $20 worth of food. The Barrientos kept pursuing their dream and traveled West Texas to get their food and their brand out into the communities. By 2017 they were able to open a brick-andThe Appetizer
13 hometown living at its best mortar restaurant, located at 3816 Andrews Highway. Throughcommunity support andword of mouth, Curb Side Bistro’s restaurant thrived. Chef Barrientos takes pride in transporting customers to different locations through the art of food. He said, “We are cheaper than a plane ticket or a hotel. We can take you somewhere different from through what we set in front of you.” Thenin2021, thechefhimselfwas transported somewhere different when he got the chance to compete on Beat Bobby Flay. The experience of cooking alongside the renowned chef was surreal. He was impressed with Flay’s hustle and knowledge and was most excited when Flay praised his use of spices and herbs. To receive such a compliment from a chef who has tasted everything was a remark he will always hold dear. Back home Chef Barrientos is deeply immersed in the community of Odessa— something he promised God he would be if given the opportunity. Along with partners such as Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy, & Conaway, P.C., Curb Side Bistro serves a Thanksgiving meal for anyone who desires one in the area. In 2022 they served over 1,600 meals complete with turkey, ham, dressing, sides, desserts, and the whole spread all free of charge. Barrientos is quick to point out that it is only through community partners that this is possible. Everyone chips in. Whether it is financially or by bringing supplies from their family’s pecan trees, the entire community pitches in. This winter when freezing rain hit the streets, Curb Side Bistro opened their doors for those wanting soup. The first day alone they ran out after serving 500 bowls of soup. They continued serving while the weather kept food services such as Meals on Wheels closed. Chef Barrientos’s commitment to Odessa is equaled in their commitment to him. The Main Dish
After being such a popular destination in town, Barrientos has made a name for himself in the national ranks as well. In 2018 he was selected amongst thousands of entries as a winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for a slider he created for their Blended Burger Competition. To compete chefs had to create a hamburger with a patty made of 30-40% mushrooms. The top five burgers in the country were awarded a James Beard Award, and Chef Barrientos was the only winner from Texas. As a result, he had the chance to serve up his creation at the Beard House in New York. Witheverybite thathecreates, ChefBarrientos looks at what emotion he can bring out in the person enjoying it. A true artist, he is always looking for new ways to take a traditional dish and make something new with it. It is no wonder he has impressed from the Basin to Broadway and all in between, and ultimately sealing his name as a premier chef by winning Chopped in an episode that aired in April. As he continues to create, be on the lookout for what is next for Chef Alejandro and Stephanie. You never know what the Barrientos will be cooking up! † The Final Course 14 odessa living magazine
15 hometown living at its best See a provider 24/7 on your smartphone, tablet or computer. www.mchodessa.com/mymch MyMCH is a convenient way to get care. Care designed around you. Now you can have a video visit with a provider from the comfort of your home - on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Get started now! Download the iOS or Android mobile app OR visit www.mchodessa.com/mymch MyMCH is ideal for: Rash Acid Reflux Pink Eye Cough & Cold UTI Sinus Infection Headaches General Questions And More GET CARE 24/7 FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE OR COMPUTER.
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Trinity Oaks Trinity Oaks Permian Basin hosted its 3rd Annual Banquet on Saturday, April 1, 2023, and raised over $200,000. Trinity Oaks provides once-in-a-lifetime hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences to combat veterans, families suffering from terminal illness, special needs children, and underprivileged youth. This year’s Banquet was presented by NMR Pipeline and held at Saulsbury Hangar with a cocktail reception, dinner, program, raffle, and a live auction. Jay Hendricks and Shelby Landgraf did a wonderful job as emcees. Attendees heard from Bubba Saulsbury, an avid supporter of Trinity Oaks. Trinity Oaks also held their 3rd Annual Clay Shoot presented by OVINTIV onMarch 31st at Windwalker Farms in Stanton with a lunch, raffle items, and a gun board. Over time, they have impacted tens of thousands of people across Texas through their programs including Youth Outdoor Activities, Heroes Celebrations (veterans and first responders), and DreamTrips for people impacted with a terminal illness hoping to fulfill their last outdoorbased wish. Trinity Oaks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 on the premise that active participation in the outdoors is a powerful, healing, and fundamentally life-changing experience. Trinity Oaks is a network of volunteers that exclusively use hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences to fundamentally change, heal, and make a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit www.trinityoaks.org PERMIAN BASIN BANQUET John Stewart, Tess Talley, Andrew Talley, Stephanie Martin & Justin Martin Andrew Talley, Jonathan Underwood & John Stewart Devin Meluso, Isai Guzman, Steven Lopez, Myrna Schrim, Justin Martin, Whitney McKee, Stephanie Martin & Marco Montalvo Colby Marler, Taylor Weems, Tracey Smith & Brett HOMETOWN Happenings Photos by THE OILFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER Bubba Saulsbury
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20 odessa living magazine Written by JAMYE CLOUGH | Photos provided by THE DAVIS FAMILY SMALL but Mighty
21 hometown living at its best Parvus Sed Potens - means “Small but Powerful (Mighty)” in Latin. Twins, Rhett and Anderson Davis were born EXTRA small and mighty. This is their story. TTwins, Rhett and Anderson Davis were born prematurely at 35 weeks and weren’t getting enough oxygen, so they spent 20 days in the NICU at Medical Center Health System, Odessa. Rhett Ethan was named after his Uncle Ethan, a firefighter. He weighed 4 pounds 2 ounces at birth. Anderson Lea was named after Kelby’s brother Kade Anderson, a Marine, and Lea is her mother, Kelby’s, middle name. She weighed 5 pounds and 4 ounces. Anderson was born two minutes ahead of her brother. Small babies, yes! Scary situation? Of course! But this family had faith. Maybe they weren’t going to have to move mountains, but they would if they had to. Wende Rae Photography
22 odessa living magazine Parents, Kelby and Garret Davis have been married for 13 years. They had been trying to get pregnant for 8 years. After 5 years of fertility treatments, they were elated and so thankful to God for this blessing. They were pregnant with triplets. Unfortunately, earlier in the pregnancy, “We lost baby B. Anderson and Rhett were babies A and C” says Kelby. When the time finally arrived for the twins to go home, Garret and Kelby were beyond excited. Rhett andAnderson grew and flourished and, with time, developed their own personal ities. Kelby describes “Rhetters” as more “social, funny, and independent” and Sissy (Anderson) as “shy in publ ic, athletic, and very sweet.” The Davises settled into their crazy, blessed life with two babies.
“...truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matt. 17:20
24 odessa living magazine Then tragedy struck on August 31, 2019. A mass shooting occurred in Odessa. The Davis family was in their car, stopped at a red light, when shooting erupted. Kelby jumped from the front seat into the back to try and protect the twins. At 17 months old, Anderson was hit by bullet fragments in the face and chest. Anderson was flown to UMC Lubbock while the family drove there. Upon arriving at UMC, “Anderson had surgery on her mouth and chest to remove pieces of bullet shrapnel and sew up her wounds” said Kelby. She adds “Following her release from UMC in Lubbock, Anderson had follow-up surgery and procedures in Odessa at Medical Center Hospital.” The teeth she lost will be replaced with new ones as she grows. 7 victims lost their lives in the incident. 22 were wounded, including Anderson, the youngest. Kelby continues, “We ‘look back’ on the events of August 31, 2019 daily. We discuss them openly and honestly as a family, with our children, and with others in hope that our sharing and reflecting will shine a light on God and the hope and healing he provided alongside our family, friends, and community.” The Davises are reminded daily of how supportive their family, church, and community have been. The Davises are active members at their church, The Bridge, where Kelby is on staff for Discipleship. Garret is an administrator at MCHS. Kelby shares their story often through various opportunities and she told us that it “never gets less emotional sharing how our family was forever impacted by the tragic events of that day.” Kelby posted on Facebook on the second anniversary of the incident “… people take comfort in celebrating the good in the midst of the worst of times. I know this because this is exactly how I walk through grief and heartache. Not everyone is that way because we all grieve differently, but God knew we needed a community of people around us that knows how to walk through tragedy with us.” She continues “They choose to be our community, our family, and walk beside us in ways I didn’t even know we needed.” Rhett and Anderson welcomed their new baby brother, Maverick Michael (Michael is Garret’s middle name and Garret’s grandfather’s name) in October of last year, on his great-grandfather’s Wende Rae Photography
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26 odessa living magazine 82nd birthday. Maverick was born with Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which is an irregular heartbeat. He spent two weeks in the NICU as well . He is doing fine and is expected to outgrow it. We leave you with a quote from the young, Rhett Davis. Kelby was tucking the twins (age 2 at the time) into bed one night…it was the one-year anniversary of the shooting…she was telling them, “'God was with us that day...God held y’all that day...God sent us angels that day...when God is with us we will always be okay.’ After I finished, both of my babies replied with the most innocently sweet, ‘Yeah Mama!’ Then Rhett said, ‘That’s because God lives in our hearts Mama.’ And that right there, is the most important part of our story." TheDavis family is thankful forChildren's Miracle Network. They were honored to serve as the Medical Center Health System’s 2021 Miracle Family. They are eternally grateful and blessed by the many dedicated nurses, doctors, and staff at Medical Center Health System, UMC Lubbock, and all first responders. †
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Meet theWriter: Avery Pullin discovered her love for writing while growing up on her family’s farm inwestern Arkansas. In 2012 she shifted from the Pig Trail of the Ozarks to the tumbleweeds of Midland, Texas. She and her husband, Cash, are proud to raise their two kids in his hometown. Today she shares her passion for writing as a teacher at The Hillander School. I Written by HALEY RAGSDALE Photos by THE MOR COLLECTIVE and provided by LIZ FAUGHT Liz Faught has cheered for the Panthers for decades and handsewn thousands of nameplates on their playoff jerseys. MOJO Mother In Odessa, it is easy to find those that bleed black and white. With years of a successful high school football program, Permian fans number in the thousands. However, one fan has outlasted coaches, athletic directors, andmany, many players. “Gosh yes, I ’m a big football fan! It started back in 1970. My daughter was in the band and my husband was a close friend of the band director. My husband was a deputy sheriff so he would escort the band buses to all the games,” Faught said. Their love of the Panthers continued to grow as the Faught’s other two daughters became involved with the pepettes and cheerleading at PHS. Faught’s skill with a needle and thread created the first Mojo flag in 1973. “I had never made a f lag before, but I sewed the very first seventh flag over Texas. They still use that same flag today. One flies out in front of the school and the first one I made is in a frame at the welcome center.” she explained. 30 odessa living magazine
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32 odessa living magazine “One time that flag came up missing and I had a pretty good idea who took it. So, I told that person, I want that flag in a paper sack on my porch in the morning. And sure enough, it was on my porch the next day. My husband was the sheriff, so I am sure he was afraid not to bring it back.” The Faught’s followed the band for years until Liz’s husband passed away. She worked as the registrar at the high school until 1997 when she retired but she certainly hasn’t slowed down. “I have been helping the flag crew. They needed a female sponsor and Alan Jones asked if I would go along for the ride,” she said. Now at 87 and a half, Faught can be found substituting at the high school on a daily basis, attending all home and away football games, and sewing. “I love substituting in the classroom and getting to know the kids. I especially like getting to know the players that I sew jerseys for. I think they feel closer to me. For the most part, they are disciplined kiddos that are really wellbehaved and well-mannered,” she said. She started nameplate sewing in 2005, when then coach, Darin Allman had priced out names on jerseys for five dollars each.
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36 odessa living magazine “I said I can do it cheaper than that. I can do 3.50 a shirt. I have never seen a wrong name on a jersey on the field.” she said. She also mends jerseys throughout the season. “This one boy I started calling buckshot because he had so many holes during the season,” she explained. Faught sews for hours on campus, in a conference room Dr. Styles arranged for her a few years ago. She said, “I have to pin on the names and get them nice and center. It can take me a little bit to make sure they are lined up. It usually takes about 20 minutes a shirt.” The sea of black and white uniforms is deep with junior varsity players getting moved up to varsity for the playoffs. “I sew anywhere from 60-88 jerseys each season. If we are playing at home, it’s a black jersey, with white letters. If we are playing away, white jersey with black letters.” With a football dynasty like Permian, it’s hard for this mega fan to pin down a favorite season, but the 1988-89 season was extra special . “Gary Gaines was the head coach; we were the National champs. Well, that is just hard to forget. ESPN came to the auditorium. It was so exciting. I did so love Sharon Gaines,” she said. Once football season wraps up, Faught is on to cheering on basketball, baseball, and orchestra just to name a few. “I do like basketball. It’s nice to be inside when it’s a little warmer. I love all the girl sports too,” she said. “The more kiddos you can get to be active and involved the better off they are going to be.” In between al l her cheering, she is a devoted grandmother to eight grandsons and one granddaughter. Decades of sewing, and thousands of jerseys later, Liz Faught is a legend in the halls of Permian High School. A true champion for kids on and off the field. †
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The West Texas Food Bank presented its new Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry Truck at Pecos Middle School. They were able to serve 800 students before the week-long Spring Break and give out 16,000 pounds of produce for them to take home. The different produce included apples, zucchini, oranges, grapes, onions, carrots, a head of lettuce, strawberries, and potatoes! WTFB will be able to take fresh produce across the 24,000 square miles and 19 counties they serve to communities that do not have easy access to these commodities. The Oxy Farmer’s Market Mobile Pantry will also be used for food demonstrations with a dietitian and for produce drops at senior living apartments. MOBILE HOMETOWN Happenings Photos by WEST TEXAS FOOD BANK Pantry
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Written by SUSAN TURNER | Photos by MANCHA PHOTOGRAPHY and provided by BIRTHRIGHT OF ODESSA Birthright of Odessa is making a difference for expectant mothers through love, compassion, and practical resources for unplanned pregnancies. to Held From Hopeless A “Amother’s love” is the termwemost often hear to describe the outflowof unconditional love a woman pours out on her children. She is the giver of love, no matter what her children have gotten into, no matter what age they have attained. But there are times when a mother needs to feel that unconditional love, herself. She needs a river of grace and support flowing back to her, lifting her out of crisis on a current of hope. Since 1984, women facing unplanned pregnancies have found the Odessa chapter of Birthright International their fountain of love—and hope. MaryHolleywas instrumental in opening a streamof hope forwomen facing unplanned pregnancies. She can pinpoint the very moment she became involved. Believers know that chance meet ings don’ t just happen by chance. “I met a woman sobbing in an alley,” Mary recalled. “She had just terminated her pregnancy, and the grief of that reality fell heavy on her shoulders and on her heart. I felt called to help this woman and others in her situation. I had three children of my own, however. I did not know where to start. It was a couple of years after meeting that broken-hearted girl that Birthright of Odessa came into being. My family was very supportive, and a lot 40 odessa living magazine
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42 odessa living magazine of prayers went into our decision.” As He often does, God only showed Mary a little of His plan at a time, but He gave her this scripture from Zechariah, “...not by might, nor by power but by My spirit.” Soon the doors began to open. “When my youngest child started kindergarten, I began volunteer ing at the Bi rthr ight chapter in Midland. They gave me a box with a copy of a Birthright Charter and literature and said, ‘Go start one.’” Mary called Birthright International, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario for guidance and information. Starting a chapter was a big commitment. Prayerfully and methodically moving forward, she reached the point of no return when the January 2, 1984 edition of the Odessa American carried an article stating that Mary Hol ley was starting a Birthright International chapter in Odessa. “My phone and address were in the paper, and I received over 100 calls in two weeks,” she recalled. “People started donating items, and from that point, there was no going back. God just did it.”
43 hometown living at its best Birthright Odessa officially opened in April 1984. In their first year of operation, they did around a thousand pregnancy tests and served about a thousand families each year for many years. Though the numbers have come down since Covid-19 restrictions and the advent of telemedicine and online resources, Mary knows the next woman that comes through the door may be the one most in crisis. “Just in the last week or two, we have helped three people in very hard circumstances,” she said. “There have been so many people we have encountered. We have long since stopped thinking we have seen it all. Two years ago, a lady called on a cold day in February. The man she was with had gotten into trouble with the law. She was living in her car and lost her children for a while. She was pregnant and had no place to go. We put her in a hotel for five nights, then we got her into a home. We spoke to her after her baby was born. She had gotten a job and was doing very well.” This is just one example of the countless testimonies of the life-altering difference Birthright has made. “I have brought girls home to stay Lane Oliver and Christian singer Matthew West
44 odessa living magazine under my roof,” Mary said. “My husband and I went to a very scary area to pick up one of the girls who stayed with us. This woman desperately needed to leave her circumstances. She stayed with us until we could get her into a Family Promise. Unfortunately, she left the shelter, and we lost touch with her. Several months later, we encountered her when my husband was in the hospital . She was working there, had a beautiful daughter, and had enrolled in school. She was a much happier young woman in a much better situation.” “The essence of Birthright is love” is a quote fromBirthright International’s founder, Louise Summerhill. Women facing crisis pregnancies are embraced with warmth and compassion. From this non-judgmental environment flows the unconditional love and support that can make all the difference to a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Services are free and confidential . The support does not end after the birth of the baby. In addition to pregnancy tests, Birthright of Odessa offers peer counseling and practical help as well as referrals for prenatal care, adoption, food assistance, life skills, and parenting classes. Maternity and baby clothes, diapers and other mom and baby care supplies are dispensed from their clothing rooms. Not every need the center fills is of a traditional nature. Since Birthright strictly operates on donations and does not receive any government funds, they havemore leeway in the help they are able to give their clients. Situations often come up that are totally unexpected. “We do a lot of improvising,” Mary said. “When local housing cannot be secured, we have helped women go to other places where help can be found. We have driven women to maternity homes or provided bus tickets or have given clients gas money and even bought propane once
45 hometown living at its best when a person’s supply ran out.” Birthright Odessa is not affiliated with any church, but the organization’s success traces to a remarkable group of volunteers led by the Lord. “We celebrated our 39th anniversary this past April,” Mary said. “I have gotten to know some wonderful people over those 39 years. We all juggle lots of things, but the commitment to women remains. Our volunteers come from the ranks of retired teachers, nurses, counselors, and all walks of life. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, but at the heart of their service is compassion.” The mission is challenging, but these volunteers are undaunted. “Our secret weapon is prayer,” Mary said. “Even if someone calls and hangs up, we can pray for them. The most fulf illing part is when someone comes in feeling overwhelmed, and they leave with hope, feeling encouraged that they have an option to keep their child, and that we will be there to help them through this challenging time. We know we cannot reach everyone, but if we serve one, we have served a generation.” As mentioned, Birthright receives no governmental support. While word of mouth is their best outreach, they hold an annual community event sponsored by dedicated supporters. Birthright welcomes financial contributions as well as donations of maternity and baby items but is unable to provide baby furniture. If you would like to contribute to Birthright’s mission, or if you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, visit their website at birthrightodessa. org or they can be reached at 432-332-0081. If you need immediate help, 24/7, call 800-550-4900. †
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SWEET SUMMERTIME! Check out some of Odessa’s camps and activities, make a summer bucket list, and create memories and meals with Kids in the Kitchen. UTPB Art Camp June 5-8 June 12-15 morning and afternoon sessions Completed 7th-12th Grade Cost per session: $130 for 1 | $247 for 2 | $351 for 3 | $416 for all 4 UTPB Guitar Camp June 5-8 | Completed 7th-12th Grade | Cost: $30 Ellen Noel Art Camp Teens ages 13-17 | June 5-9 9:30-12PM | Cost: $100 Elementary ages 6-12 | 4 session options in June and July 10AM-12PM Cost: $80 Pre-School ages 3-5 Mom and Me | 4 one-day session options in June and July 2-2:30PM | Cost: $5 Book Club | “Because of Winn-Dixie” | Contact for free copy and activities YMCA Summer Camp Monday thru Friday 1-5PM Ages 6-12 Session 1: June 5-23 Session 2: July 10-28 Cost: $125 member, $150 non-member ODESSA SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2023 Falcon Football Camp July 30th | Ages 5-13 | Cost: $45
Grace Fellowship Church VBS June 19-21 Ages 3 Years- 5th Grade Free SUMMER BUCKET LIST o Eat a snow cone o Memorize a Bible verse o Plant and grow something o Play in the sprinkler o Attend a camp or VBS o Watch fireworks o Camp out in the backyard o Play a card / board game o Host a neighborhood field day o Visit a nursing home o Go to a museum o Find pictures in the clouds o Complete a Summer Reading Challenge o Cook something together o Complete an art project o Go on a scavenger hunt / nature hike o Go swimming o Go on a walk / hike / bike ride o Make s’mores o Write a story from a fun prompt “If I were parent for the day I would…” o Go on a picnic o Have a family movie night o Play flashlight tag after dark o Write a letter to a friend or family member WinShape Camp June 12-16 Completed K-5th Grade Cost: $230
52 odessa living magazine KI TCHEN KIDS IN THE FRUIT POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup fruit of your choice • 1 cup liquid (juice, coconut milk, greek yogurt, kefir…) • 2 tablespoons honey (unless using juice) DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine ingredients in a blender until smooth (can leave some fruit unblended). 2. Pour into popsicle molds (leave ¼ inch for expansion during freezing). 3. Freeze at least 4 hours TIP: Run mold under warm water to loosen them up to remove. Courtesy of Taste of Home
53 hometown living at its best PEANUT BUTTER BALLS INGREDIENTS: • 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter • 1/4 cup honey • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup dry milk powder • 1/3 cup quick oats • 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine peanut butter, honey and vanilla. 2. Stir in milk powder, oats and graham cracker crumbs. 3. Shape into 1-inch balls, cover and refrigerate. MINI PIZZAS INGREDIENTS: • 1 tube of biscuits • 1/4 cup pizza sauce • Pepperoni slices • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese DIRECTIONS: 1. Press each biscuit into a greased standard size muffin cup. 2. Spoon 1 teaspoon pizza sauce onto each biscuit 3. Top with a pepperoni and 1 tablespoon of cheese. 4. Bake at 425F 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
54 odessa living magazine Our Local Branch Has Texas Roots If you’re looking for a new bank in Odessa, choose a bank that calls Odessa home. First Financial has been putting customers FIRST in Texas since 1890. And we’ll do the same for you, with friendly advice and a full range of personal, business and wealth management services. Speak with one of our local bankers today! YOU FIRST YOUR FUTURE FIRST FFTAM.com 3555 Billy Hext Rd.,Odessa, TX 79765 Investment and Insurance Products Are Not a Deposit, Not FDIC Insured, Not Insured by Any Government Agency, Not Guaranteed by The Bank, May Lose Value.
55 hometown living at its best
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