Since 2000, JOY AND PEACE Community Development Corporation (CDC) has been a beacon of hope and practical assistance across Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are dedicated to serving God's people from all walks of life—meeting them exactly where they are with unconditional love, dignity, and practical support.
Our Story: Born from Empathy and Faith
Our foundation is built on firsthand experience with hardship. Our founder, Apostle Saddie Elliott, began this journey from a place of profound personal trial—facing near-homelessness in a foreign country with a critically ill child, surviving on nothing more than pocket change, a cup of water, and vending machine crackers.
That experience birthed a deep, unshakable compassion for the vulnerable. Knowing what it feels like to lack a well-balanced meal, basic utilities, or a support system, Apostle Elliott was commissioned by God to establish JOY AND PEACE CDC. For over 35 years, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that the hungry are fed, the broken are comforted, the incarcerated are remembered, and spiritual leaders are equipped.
What We Do: Our Four Core Pillars
We take a holistic approach to community development, addressing immediate physical needs while nurturing spiritual growth and personal rehabilitation through four dedicated arms of ministry:
Elliott Kitchen
Providing hot Sunday meals, nutrition assistance, and essential care packages to individuals and families in need.
Prison Ministry
Offering unconditional love, reading materials, and transition support for ex-offenders, parolees, and probationers.
Women’s Ministry
Providing a safe faith-based support network and material aid for domestic abuse survivors and at-risk children.
Clergy One Stop Shop
Handcrafting and distributing premium, customized liturgical items, prayer shawls, and clergy towels for faith leaders.
Our Impact & Approach
We believe in going above and beyond standard charity by adding a personal touch of excellence and compassion to everything we do.
- 100% Volunteer-Led: Our entire team is composed of dedicated volunteers giving from their own hearts and resources to serve the community.
- 800+ Served Quarterly: We actively nourish, clothe, and resource hundreds of individuals and families across Greater Houston every three months.
- 35+ Years of Dedication: Led by an accredited teacher, preacher, and mentor with over three decades of hands-on community leadership.
- Holistic Restoration: We minister to the whole person—inside and out—helping individuals rebuild their dignity and transform their lives for the better.
Our Guiding Scriptures
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."
— Matthew 25:35-36
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
— Philippians 4:13
Join Our Mission
The need in our community is growing, and our vision is to expand into a larger facility so we can reach even more lives. Because we are an all-volunteer organization, we rely on the generosity of partners, donors, and volunteers to carry out this assignment.
Whether through prayer, financial contributions, or volunteering your time, you can be part of spreading hope and healing across our community.