Homegrown Nonprofit in Katy on Mission to Transform Lives Through Community Compassion and Generosity
In Katy, a powerful force for good is gaining momentum through the compassion and generosity of Katy Angels, a homegrown nonprofit. Founded on the shared vision of two local business owners, Jake Gottfried, CEO of Lincoln Jacob Construction, and Roderick Batson, CEO of multiple businesses including Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Katy, the duo have built a support system that has become a lifeline for the most vulnerable in the community.
Established just recently in 2023, Katy Angels is grounded in the principle best articulated in Luke Chapter 3 Verse 11, according to Jake: "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one with none. And anyone who has food should do the same." Rooted in faith and driven by purpose, Katy Angels strives to make a tangible difference in the here and now.
Both Jake and Roderick, having been born and raised in the Katy and Brookshire areas, have a deep-seated love for their community. This personal connection, coupled with their own experiences from childhood, fuels their desire to give back. In addition to the founding duo, their wives, Ariel Gottfried and Christina Batson, are part of the leadership team, even including their children to serve the community together as a family.
A "Give Back" event hosted by Katy Angels at The Hangar in Brookshire, where they gave away Jake Gottfried sums up their drive for giving succinctly: "Everything we have been through in our own personal lives since childhood led us here…we can relate to the families and individuals that need help. That makes a difference."
Katy Angels is dedicated to providing groceries and household essentials to families or individuals in need. Beyond immediate relief, the nonprofit also makes long-term impacts through monetary donations to other local nonprofits. This dual approach seeks to "bring hope back where it may be lost or fading," as Jake explains.
Dubbing themselves 'the angels,' Jake and Roderick see their organization as a force of good combating negativity and destructive ideals. They act swiftly, often providing aid the very same day it is requested. Furthermore, they ensure funds are used efficiently, without waste, which allows them to offer more support while keeping administrative costs to a minimum.
Jake Gottfried, left, and Roderick Batson, right, preparing to distribute backpacks Most recently, Katy Angels paid off $3,800 in lunch account balances for Katy ISD students whose balances were in the arrears by $35 or more. When Jake and Roderick learned that children whose accounts become this far behind only get a small carton of milk during lunchtime, they knew they had to do something to help. "Kids will literally go without food if no one steps up. So we do," said Jake.
Their generosity is made possible by the overwhelming support they receive from the local community, with significant donations from H-E-B, generous local donors, and funds raised through their annual gala event. But their main focus is not centered on fundraising; rather, Katy Angels remains centered on helping their community navigate through hard times. Their goal? To ensure no child goes hungry, for as Jake puts it, "The absolute least we can do is feed them."
To learn more about Katy Angels, their mission, and how you can support them, visit their website or follow them on social media for updates on their latest initiatives. Stand alongside Katy Angels in their fight against hunger, and be a part of bringing change and hope to those who need it most in the community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
