Our Story

Our founder, Catherine Van, is a 17-year-old student at Jersey Village High School in Houston, Texas. As a child of immigrant parents, Catherine grew up around stories of many underprivileged families who suffer from poverty, malnutrition, and social injustice. It has given her immense gratitude for the opportunities and freedom that she has today. She is eternally grateful for her family- who inspires her to help the world and change it for the better.

 

Our story starts on Thanksgiving Day 2018. At the age of 11, Van volunteered at the 40th Annual Thanksgiving Super Feast in Downtown Houston. On the way to the George R. Brown convention center, she witnessed a homeless community right outside; hundreds of tents, more than she could comprehend. Inside the convention center, she had her first face-to-face encounters with the homeless and others in need. She was surprised at how her simple acts of kindness could have such an extensive impact on others. Alongside pouring and distributing drinks, she directed her volunteer group - which later introduced her to lead.

 

In the following years, Van became more active by joining clubs in middle school such as the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), No Place for Hate, and Student Council. She conducted community service projects in NJHS, gave underrepresented students a voice as 8th Grade Representative in Student Council, and overall; changed her school for the better day by day. However, Van was not satisfied with just that as she wanted to impact and help others on a wider scale.

 

Van’s big dreams became more attainable once she entered high school. By the end of her freshman year, she was elected onto the Board of Directors for three of her school’s community service organizations. She enjoyed leading and volunteering for community causes but continued to aspire more. At the age of 14, carrying her memorable experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center, passion for helping others, and the account of rising homeless rates due to COVID-19 with her, Van officially established The Giving on July 23rd, 2021.