After Brenda James told a friend that she had ended her retirement in October 2024 and re-entered the workforce with Home Instead® of south-central Houston, the friend noted Brenda’s deep spiritual faith and said, “You are continuing to help others ‘for such a time as this.’ ” The phrase wasn’t lost on Brenda. Taken from Esther 4:14 in the Old Testament, those timeless words signify that God intentionally places people in specific positions, locations and circumstances for a purpose, often to step out with faith during difficult times.
Brenda had worked for the State of Texas for 19 years, serving with the Health and Human Services Commission, which is responsible for managing SNAP food benefits and Medicaid. Brenda liked the fact she could help others by navigating the sometimes-complex steps to receive aid. Referring to her unsettled retirement plans, Brenda recalled, “The Good Lord said, ‘Not yet’ when I thought I was done working. So, I wondered, ‘What will I do?’ I decided I just couldn’t sit at home and do nothing. I always have helped people, whether it is through work, as a volunteer or as a family caregiver. If I can meet someone’s needs, it makes me feel fulfilled.”
Before joining the State of Texas, Brenda had worked as a hospital CNA for seven years. “I was on the neurology floor, and I enjoyed helping the patients while working the graveyard shift,” Brenda said. “Some patients could be challenging because they were sundowning or showing other behaviors that stemmed from dementia or another kind of neurodegeneration. I tried to calm them. My heart went out to them, and I provided dignity and respect.”
Outside of work, Brenda serves as an unpaid volunteer and as a family caregiver. “I help people, no matter who they are. I am helping my twin sister. She was diagnosed in 2012 with lupus. Her health and emotional well-being understandably are up and down, but I think she has more good days than bad ones. She lives by herself. I check on her daily, whether it’s by phone or with a visit, and I help her whenever she needs it,” Brenda said.
Home Instead has been a great fit for Brenda, who said: “I am truly blessed with Home Instead. When I decided to return to the workforce, I researched caregiving agencies. Working for Home Instead is exactly what I wanted. There’s no pressure to take extra shifts if they don’t work out with my personal schedule. Working as a Care Pro, volunteer and family caregiver keeps me going mentally and physically. I’d been committed to volunteering before I joined Home Instead and told them how much time I was giving it. There were no issues with Home Instead. They know I receive joy from helping people, whether it is a Home Instead client or someone else.”
Brenda finds joy while assisting the same client for whom she has served since she started at Home Instead on Oct. 21, 2024. She has been his only Care Pro. Her client is a 91-year-old military veteran who lost his wife in early February 2026 and then a daughter later that same month. His 88-year-old wife had been residing in a nursing home. They had been married 67 years. “He’s a good man and is easygoing,” Brenda said.
“I was with my client when his wife died. He knew her condition was not getting better. When I can tell that he’s burdened emotionally, I let him talk. I am a good listener. I let him get things off his chest. He sometimes says, ‘I have so much on my mind.’ While I take care of such things as light housekeeping and meal preparation, I prioritize time to listen to him,” Brenda said. “Sadly, the daughter died suddenly. When he received the death notification, he ended the phone call and told me, ‘She’s gone.’ She had wanted him to live with her. She died from complications of influenza. This is the second daughter he has lost.”
Brenda describes her client as “mentally sharp with reasonably functional mobility.” Brenda noted: “He anticipates my arrival for each shift. He throws out a joke now and then. He easily warms up, and I keep him uplifted. I do everything I can. He does his Bible study on his own. He reads The Word.”
Brenda added: “He’s conscious of his whereabouts when he moves around. He stays active. For instance, he tries to trim his hedges. I am always nearby as a standby assist. Church members call on him and try to include him in their activities. We have a good routine. When I come in the mornings, I prepare his breakfast. Then I put together his dinner meal and place it in the refrigerator. He can take it out and warm it up.”
Human Resources Manager Margi Kenny, representing owner Greg Gomez-Mira’s award-winning Home Instead franchise, announced Brenda’s honor as the February Care Pro of the Month. Brenda said: “The award wasn’t something I expected. My reward comes from knowing I’ve helped my client as much as possible. To me, it’s a commitment. I often tell my client, ‘Lord willing, I will see you the next time.’ If the Lord permits it, I will keep working. I’ll take it to the end.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (713) 774-2215 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website at HomeInstead.com/541.
