With over five years of experience in providing opportunities to the special needs
and disabilities community, award-winning entrepreneur Roderick Batson is officially debuting his new staffing agency, Helping Heroes Staffing.

On July 1, City of Houston Controller Chis Hollins hosted a press conference at City Hall in Houston to announce the debut of Helping Heroes alongside Kroger executives and Batson. The agency will teach life skills, marketing, and communications to those with special needs.
Batson has had a strong desire to help the special needs community as his cousin had disabilities before passing away during the pandemic.

The inspiration to open “Helping Heroes Staffing” stemmed from Batson’s experience with his ice cream store, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream at 20920 Katy Freeway in Katy, where 90% of his employees are special needs.

He has not only provided job security for them, but has helped support their passions,talents, knowledge, and skills. Since opening Howdy’s, he has consistently had a wait list of individuals who are interested in working with him and his company; therefore Batson
decided to expand operations and create an agency where he can partner with small businesses, national brands, and organizations to employ those with special needs.
This summer, Kroger has committed to partnering with Helping Heroes Staffing to employ at least 70 people within six stores. Applications have opened mid-May and the positions will
allow employees of Helping Heroes Staffing to promote various brands within Kroger who are in need of a boost of sales.
The staff will be trained by Batson and his team to communicate about the brands, display the brands, and ultimately set goals to increase sales. The Helping Heroes Staffing will host heroes at the following Kroger's in the Houston area:
• Kroger–League City, 2750 E
League City Pkwy, League City Bryan
• Kroger–Houston: 1352 W 43rd St,
HoustonFriendswood Dr, Friendswood
• Kroger–Houston,14710 Woodforest Blvd, Houston

“This summer, Kroger is proud to partner with Helping Heroes Staffing to provide meaningful employment opportunities for at least 70 individuals across seven of our stores,” said Michael Marino, Kroger’s Division HR Leader. “Through this partnership, team members will be trained to support and promote key brands within our stores—gaining valuable skills in marketing, merchandising, and goal-setting that can serve them well into the future. This initiative directly aligns with Kroger’s purpose of feeding the human spirit by empowering in-
dividuals, uplifting communities, and driving shared success.”

Helping Heroes Staffing has also partnered with City of Houston Controller, Chris Collins to help create additional awareness and partnership in the city of Houston and surrounding
areas. Hollins has expressed interest in making sure the special needs community receives the support that is needed to ensure success, according to a press release from Helping Heroes Staffing.