With over 5 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, 2025, City of Houston Controller, Chis Hollins hosted a press conference at the City Hall 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 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 6 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 element of marketing will be a skill that the staff can utilize forever.
The Helping Heroes Staffing will host heroes at the following Kroger’s in the Houston area:
- Kroger–League City
- Address: 2750 E League City Pkwy, League City, TX
- Kroger–Bryan
- Address: 2303 Boonville Rd, Bryan, TX
- Kroger–Houston
- Address: 1352 W 43rd St, Houston, TX
- Kroger–Friendswood
- Address: 151 N Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX
- Kroger–Houston
- Address: 14710 Woodforest Blvd, Houston, TX
“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, 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 individuals, 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’s needed to ensure success.
