What We Do
Our Initiatives
G.O.O.D GIRLS Mentoring Program: Empowering Young Women in Greater Houston
Since 2017, the G.O.O.D. Girls Mentoring Program has been a beacon of hope for girls ages 11–17 across the greater Houston area. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and uplift young women through meaningful mentorship and community involvement. We proudly partner with Houston ISD, Yes Prep Academies, and are expanding our reach to Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD.
Twice a month, our vibrant meetings bring together an average of 30 girls, each supported by five dedicated mentors who are passionate about making a difference. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:
Self-awareness
Skill building
Community involvement
Leadership
Financial literacy
The impact is clear: every participant experiences personal growth, and we celebrate achievements such as two graduates who completed high school with honors and are now attending college. G.O.O.D. Girls is recognized as a safe haven by students, teachers, and parents alike, with proven success in fostering individual development and building a supportive community.
We are excited to continue serving young women, helping them realize their potential and empowering them to create positive change in the world.
Woman of Jewels was established as a women’s-based program of ALAYA in 2019.
The program was originally designed to support women, provide a place of fellowship, strengthen families, build sisterhood, and help women to become the best version of themselves. During the past 7 years, Women of Jewels have evolved to become more effective leaders, and to impact change in our communities.
This program targets women who need a support system that will assist them with daily life issues, help them to find balance, and improve their overall mental health and well-being. Women of Jewels is tailor-made for all women between the ages of 26 and over who are looking for a safe supportive and judgment free environment, as well as applying their gifts and talents.
The Women of Jewels Program provides assistance with common issues that women face such as Coping skills, Relationship issues, Women’s issues, Spiritual Growth, Finances, and Health.
Women of Jewels has served the community by providing essential needs to women and children, such as clothing/shoes, personal hygiene items, school supplies, household items, and food during the holiday season. Women of Jewels has served over 1500 individuals collectively, specifically in low-income communities. We have provided disaster relief during hurricanes Harvey, Ida, and Laura. Residents of Texas, Louisiana and St Lucia received nonperishable food items, baby products, toiletries, cleaning products and many more desperately needed essentials.
Many agencies have benefited from the Women of Jewels Program. Agencies such as The Harris County Re-Entry Program, Star of Hope Women’s Shelter, Bay Villa Nursing Home, and The New Hope Housing Program.
Women of Jewels has hosted several events and partnered with other organizations to provide resources to under-served communities.
The following events are examples of the many ways the Women of Jewels Program has consistently been a beacon of light and hope to those in need throughout the years.
- Clothing Giveaway – 2020 Harris County JPC Center
- Clothing Giveaway – 2021 – New hope Housing Program
- Back to School Drive 2022 – Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
- Food Giveaway – Tracy Gee Community Center 2023
- Toy Giveaway – Shape Community Center 2024
- 2019- 2024 – Thanksgiving Food Giveaways (2019- 2024)
2025
- Bread of Life Food Pantry and Back to School Distributions – St John’s Church
- Community Baby Shower – Missouri City Library
Why Financial Literacy Matters
Financial literacy in the United States remains worryingly low:
- Adults answered only about 48% of financial-literacy questions correctly in 2023.
- Nearly half of U.S. adults say they don’t know a great deal about managing money.
- An estimated 61% of adults live paycheck to paycheck, with little margin for emergencies.
- Fewer than 20% of adults remember learning meaningful financial skills in school.
- Younger generations, including Gen Z, tend to score lower on financial-literacy assessments.
- Gaps persist across income levels and racial/ethnic groups, limiting long-term financial stability.
These realities leave many people vulnerable to debt, low savings, limited retirement preparation, and difficulties navigating financial challenges or opportunities.
A substantial financial literacy program changes that. It provides practical tools for budgeting, saving, credit building, investing, and managing financial risks. It reduces financial stress, builds resilience, and improves long-term economic well-being.
Key Statistics to Highlight
- S. adults averaged ~48% on a 2023 financial-literacy index.
- 47% of adults give their personal-finance knowledge a grade of C or below.
- 33% say they know only “some,” and 13% say they know little or nothing about finances.
- 61% of adults live paycheck-to-paycheck.
- Fewer than 20% learned meaningful financial skills in K–12 education.
- Only 16 states require a stand-alone personal finance course for high-school graduation.
Financial literacy is more than understanding money terms. It’s about building habits, confidence, and a mindset that supports lifelong financial well-being. Whether you’re a child saving your first dollars, a teen preparing for independence, or an adult looking to regain control of your finances, this program meets you where you are and helps guide you toward a stronger financial future.
Join us as we learn, grow, and create financial confidence that lasts. Together, we can build a foundation for stability, opportunity, and long-term success.
OUR GALLERY
A Glimpse Into Our Journey of Impact
Step into our gallery and experience the heart of ALAYA Ministries. Each photo captures moments of service, outreach, and transformation—testimonies of lives touched and communities strengthened through A.L.A.Y.A. Ministries. Explore the memories that tell our story and inspire our mission forward.
